Cardinia Shire's outdoor pools to go sugar free with drinks
Aligned Leisure, in partnership with the Cardinia Shire Council announce today that the shire’s four outdoor aquatic facilities will go sugar free in preparation for this summer season.
These facilities being Pakenham, Koo Wee Rup, Garfield and Emerald Outdoor Pools.
This positive change to providing only sugary free drinks across these facilities comes amidst understanding key local challenges with the high consumption of unhealthy, sugary drinks within the community. Simon Byson, Cardinia Leisure Manager stated, ‘This initiative in partnership with the Cardinia Shire Council is a positive step towards supporting the Cardinia community in an effort to support healthy eating. Given the significant consumption of soft drinks within the community, we felt it was important to encourage healthy and active lifestyles.’
Steph Ashby, Monash Health Dietitian and Health Promotion Practitioner supports this change as it aligns with Monash Health’s current support to Cardinia Life in their efforts to increase the healthy food and drinks available. ‘With the rise of Type 2 Diabetes and increases in overweight and obesity statistics within the region, the decision to remove sugary drinks in Cardinia’s four outdoor aquatic facilities is welcomed. We look forward to seeing the positive results for the community.’
Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Brett Owen also welcomed the changes, saying it will make it easier for residents to make healthier choices whilst staying hydrated at the pool.
“One of our biggest priorities at Cardinia Shire Council is focusing on improving the health and wellbeing of our community. We want everyone who lives, works, learns and plays in Cardinia Shire to be healthy and active,” Cr Brett Owen said.
“With around 17.5 per cent of our residents consuming soft drink daily, this change at our outdoor pools will reduce the temptation for us to consume sugary drink while out-and-about this summer.”
Aligned Leisure will make this change from this coming summer season commencing Saturday 4 November 2017. Aligned Leisure is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Richmond Football Club.
Cardinia Shire Council has published this joint media release in partnership with Aligned Leisure.