Association funds fitness equipment

Maintaining health and fitness will soon be a walk in the park for Hillman residents after new outdoor exercise equipment is formally unveiled this weekend.

Hillman Residents Association treasurer Meg Salazaar said the group started raising the $45,000 needed to complete the Fitness Equipment for Hillman project more than a year ago and hoped the stations would encourage members of the community to get active within their own neighbourhood.

Mrs Salazaar said the group wanted to provide a free option for residents who were perhaps unable to pay to attend gyms and fitness classes.

“We put in a little skate park last year and wanted to help people stay healthy and lose some weight if they wanted,” she said.

“Now the stations are all ready to go, it’s a relief and also very exciting.”

Chairwoman Lorraine Dunkling said personal trainer Mandy Collins would be on site on Saturday between 10am and noon to instruct residents on using the new equipment safely and correctly.

Mrs Dunkling said she would be able to show users different variations depending on strength and fitness level.

“There will be different marquees offering advice on fitness, as well as fresh fruit and different refreshments,” she said.

“We hope members of the community will come along and have a go on some of the new equipment.”

Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels, who will formally deem the equipment open to the public on Saturday, said there were also different fitness equipment stations opposite the beach on Safety Bay Road and around the lake in City Park.