Brisbane City Council has invested $5.6 million in a new initiative which it says will deliver the biggest boost to free and affordable activities in the city’s history.
‘Move Well Brisbane’ launched across the city on Sunday, with the program building on Council’s popular ‘Active and Healthy’ program, with more activities focused on movement, nutrition, mindfulness, wellbeing and social connection.
“Brisbane has an incredible outdoor lifestyle and Move Well is about giving people even more ways to make the most of it,” said Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner.
“Life is busy, so we’re making it easier for you to fit something healthy and enjoyable into your day, whether that’s before work, after work or on the weekend.
“This is the biggest boost to free and affordable activities in Brisbane’s history, creating even more to see and do in the suburbs.”
New activities include:
- social running groups, including parkrun and trail runs;
- cardio tennis;
- breathwork and mindfulness sessions;
- Nutrition Australia cooking classes and nutrition activities;
- mindfulness and wellbeing activities.
Popular sessions to be expanded include:
- pickleball (63 additional classes);
- dance (164 additional classes);
- stretch and mobility (9 additional classes).
The Council says there will also be more sessions on offer before work, after work and on weekends through a new ‘dawn-to-dusk’ approach, giving residents more flexibility to take part when it suits them.
Around 9,000 Active and Healthy sessions are currently held each year at 218 locations across Brisbane, supported by about 200 small business providers.
“parkrun is excited to support Move Well Brisbane because it shares that same inclusive approach by offering a diverse range of free and affordable activities that help people improve their wellbeing, meet new people and make the most of Brisbane’s world-class lifestyle,” said said parkrun Asia Pacific Acting Managing Director, Stevie Wring.
Under Move Well Brisbane, that will more than double to 20,000 sessions over the next two years, with around 400 small business operators expected to be involved.
More than 9,900 sessions are already scheduled for the 2026/27 program, with more sessions added each week and new operators still able to get involved.
Popular activities for kids and teenagers through the former Chillout and GOLD programs will continue as part of the expanded Move Well Brisbane offering.
Additional activities and providers will also be added in the coming months, giving residents even more reasons to get outdoors, try something different and enjoy Brisbane’s incredible lifestyle.
Nutrition Australia Qld CEO, Kirsty Elliott said the initiative recognises that wellbeing goes beyond physical activity by supporting whole-body wellness through initiatives like nutrition workshops that help residents build practical cooking skills, discover nourishing and budget friendly meal options, and connect with others in their community.
“We’re proud to be part of a program that makes health and wellbeing more accessible, helping Brisbane residents take small, sustainable steps towards living healthier and happier lives,” said Ms Elliott.
