THE Flinders community is stretching its fundraising muscles to pump up support for a new outdoor gym at the Flinders Recreation Reserve that it hopes everyone can enjoy.
The Flinders Community Association (FCA) spearheaded the idea three years ago to provide a free and accessible way to stay active, while promoting health and fitness to people of all ages and visitors. It has so far proved a success with the association having raised about $100,000 for the project which is expected to cost between $120,000 and $130,000.
The association’s major partner, the Mornington Peninsula Shire, has provided a community capital grant of $42,750 as well as tentative approval to develop the outdoor gym at the Cook St park. Another major sponsor includes Community Bank – Balnarring and District ($20,000), while the FCA has contributed $10,000 for the project.
FCA member Mary Iles said it was a great example of what can happen when a community gets behind an idea. “The community has been terrific,” she said, adding it would be a project that gives back for decades.
According to the FCA, an outdoor gym is important not just for fitness but for community wellbeing. It also pointed to data that encouraged 30 to 60 minutes of exercise most days/week, as well as strengthening activities at least twice per week.
Iles said while the facility proposes to have equipment for all fitness levels, and providing a welcoming space for people to connect, it would ideally be aimed at all members of the community. “We’re concentrating on making sure that the equipment that we’re buying is suitable for our senior demographic so lots of stretching equipment, balance equipment, and a bike that you can hop on.
We feel that it’s going to be a big benefit to the health of the community which is fantastic.” The gym committee has visited many public outside gyms on the peninsula and has tested equipment at various suppliers including some from Queensland.
To get the project over the line, the Flinders Icebergers (FIBers) are hosting a sold-out movie evening at the Flinders Bowls Club on 19 June to raise further funds. The Flinders Golf Club, Buxton Mornington Peninsula, and Motel Flinders have all donated $5000 each, while the Jaeger family has raised $2500 and the Flinders Hotel $1000.
Community members have donated a total of more than $10,200 through the Australian Sports Foundation which provides tax deductible receipts. If you wish to donate, visit: asf.org.au/campaigns/flinders-community-association/flinders-outside-gym
First published in the Mornington News – 17 June 2025
