Community Pilates

The team at Wildflower Pilates recognised the power of Pilates in relation to supporting mental and physical wellbeing as well as bringing people together to foster social connections. Identifying ways to support mental health in the wake of the compounding adverse experiences endured by the Falls Creek community since the 2019-2020 bushfires, the Covid-19 pandemic and the Bogong High Plains Road landslip event has been a key focus of the recovery program. With $8750 from the Falls Creek Community Fund Scheme, Mimi Bennett was able to offer 35 Pilates sessions each week to Falls Creek community members over the course of an 11-week period. The uptake of this project was phenomenal with a total of 477 participants taking part (exceeding the 35 weekly spots by an average of 8 extra spots weekly) and feeling the benefits of physical movement, easing stress levels and gathering together. The free weekly, structured classes reduced financial burden, increased fitness leading to a decrease in injuries which in turn supported business operators who gained a more reliable work performance – a win-win all round! The Community Pilates project effectively supported the health and wellbeing recovery capital, promoted social connections and built community capacity.