One morning, Gina joined circuit training in Northgate. The next day, she was due in Bracken Ridge for canoeing. She had also tried orienteering, dragon boating, brain training and CityCycle through Brisbane's former Growing Older and Living Dangerously (GOLD) activities program.
In the council's Inclusive Brisbane Plan, Gina said: “Thank you to Brisbane City Council for providing a smorgasbord of activities for Brisbane’s senior citizens. I am a happy customer of GOLD… this morning I did circuit training at Northgate, tomorrow I canoe at Bracken Ridge and, in the past, I have orienteered, dragon boated, had brain training and used a CityCycle.”
Brisbane City Council is now spending $5.6 million on Move Well Brisbane. The new program replaces Active and Healthy and will offer more free and low-cost activities across the city.
What is changing
Council's 2026–27 budget plan says the number of sessions will grow from 9,000 to 20,000 over two years. The number of providers will grow from 200 to as many as 400.
Activities will run from dawn to dusk, Monday to Sunday. This gives residents more choices before work, after work and on weekends.
The $5.6 million pays for the larger program. It is not a payment or voucher for residents.
Activities in the program
The council lists yoga, Pilates, boxing, circuit training, aqua classes and outdoor gym sessions. Other options include dance, pickleball, running groups, cardio tennis and table tennis.
People will also be able to try kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, rock climbing, abseiling and roller skating. Move Well Brisbane also includes mindfulness, breathing sessions and cooking workshops with Nutrition Australia Queensland.
Options for different age groups
Council says the program is for all ages and fitness levels. Bub and me fitness is for parents with babies. Teen adventure programs are for younger residents.
Older residents can also find sessions made for them. These may include yoga, Pilates, boxing and basic fitness classes. Check each listing because age rules can change between activities.
Why Rhonda returned every week
Rhonda Austin, 69, had attended council yoga classes in Oxley for 12 months. She was still looking forward to each class.
“I’ve also met some lovely people. The classes are so enjoyable, I look forward to going back every week.”
Rhonda's comments appeared in the council's 2021 GOLD program brochure.
Finding and booking a session
You can compare activities and social groups around Brisbane on KeepActive. For Move Well Brisbane sessions, check the council's event calendar.
Search by suburb and date. Some sessions need a booking. Some are free, while others charge a small fee.
Read the full listing before you go. Check the time, place, age group, equipment and wet-weather details. Water and adventure activities may have extra rules.
More sessions are still being added
Not every activity will be offered in every suburb. New sessions and providers will be added over time.
The council calendar will show where and when the new sessions are available.
