Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service Limited ANNUAL REPORT 2024/2025 83 Funded by: Federal Dept of Social Services – National Indigenous Australians Agency NSW Health – Rural Doctors Network – Western NSW Primary Health Network Celebrating over 39 years of Service since 1986 Exercise in the park A community exercise program that is instructed twice weekly for one hour in Apex Park (green space). The class incorporates cardiovascular, strength, flexibility and balance components and can be modified to suit most fitness levels. Activities include kettlebells, dumbbells, boxing, resistance exercises, skipping ropes, ab drills, bodyweight exercises, Pilates and yoga. Water exercises Held weekly during the warmer months in the local Memorial pool, this class incorporates lowimpact exercises in which the buoyancy of the water supports joints and bones and has the resistance of the water to aid in muscle strength. The class focus is on aerobic fitness and strength and includes deep water running belts, aqua dumbbells, and water noodle. Cardiorespiratory Rehabilitation (Gaba Gii – Heart Matters) – Physiotherapy group This program is held weekly in WAMS Exercise Therapy Room. The class includes lowmoderate exercises focusing on cardiovascular and strength and includes weekly prescreening and is supervised by a physiotherapist. Each week a box of vegetables grown in the community garden is raffled off as an incentive to attend. Metabolic exercise program (Warranggal – Strong) – Physiotherapy group This exercise program is held weekly in WAMS Exercise Therapy Room. Participants are encouraged to exercise independently for 30-45 minutes. It is a moderate intensity exercise group with a focus on cardiovascular and strength endurance. This program also includes pre class screening and is supervised by a physiotherapist. Falls prevention (Walanba Balance – Standing strong) - physiotherapy group This is an exercise-based program to learn how to reduce the risk of falling and to maintain independence and confidence. Incorporating chair-based exercises that are designed to improve balance and strength. A physiotherapist supervises this class. A morning tea and “yarn” is held after class and participants eagerly attend. Yoga This class is held weekly at lunchtime in the WAMS Exercise Therapy Room. It a slow-paced “Yin” style yoga that is relaxing and passive. Benefits include enhancing joint mobility and flexibility, reduces stress, boosts sleep quality, improves circulation, cultivates mindfulness and emotional balance. This class is for 1 hour and is facilitated by a yoga instructor. Elders Olympics The Olympics were held with the aim of bringing our Community Elders together and having a fun, happy, healthy and inclusive day together. The games consisted of six different activities including giant Jenga, giant quoits, bucket football, Connect 6, football target and hockey ball skills. The participants enjoyed morning tea, lunch and all received a “Gold Metal” trophy. Mental Health Team Mental health services have seen increased community engagement and improved outcomes through culturally safe, community-led care. Tailored programs, including counselling, outreach, and early intervention, have made support more accessible and reduced stigma around mental health. Strong client relationships, built on trust and cultural understanding, encourage participation and ongoing care. Education and awareness initiatives further promote emotional and social wellbeing. These efforts have led to earlier intervention, reduced crisis cases, and better coping strategies.
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