Improving access to local healthy lifestyle programs
12 March 2026
COORDINARE has partnered with Community Gateway and Healthy Cities Australia to expand access to programs that foster social connection and support healthy lifestyle changes. Learn more about these initiatives and how you can get involved below.
Gateway Life Chronic Disease Prevention Program
Gateway Life is offering free access to an evidence‑based 8‑week Chronic Disease Prevention Program designed to help people aged 45 and over build healthier habits, improve strength and mobility, and reduce their risk of developing chronic health conditions. The program is supported by funding from COORDINARE - South Eastern NSW PHN, making it accessible at no cost to participants.
Participants will join a small, friendly group of up to 10 people guided by qualified Allied Health professionals, including Exercise Physiologists, Dietitians and Physiotherapists. Weekly sessions alternate between gentle, supervised exercise and practical education, covering topics such as nutrition, movement, healthy routines, and understanding early-stage health risks. The program also provides access to printed and online resources, and support to build confidence and long-term healthy habits.
This initiative is aimed at adults experiencing early health changes, such as elevated blood pressure, weight fluctuations, early arthritis and high cholesterol. This program aims to help participants take small, achievable steps that prevent minor issues from developing into chronic disease.
The program is delivered from two convenient locations:
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Wollongong - Gateway Life, 65–69 Keira Street, Wollongong
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Nowra - Shoalhaven Veteran and Family Hub, 124 Wallace Street, Nowra
Visit the Gateway Life website for more information and get involved.
Healthy Cities Australia community programs
Cook Chill Chat - is a free 6‑week, trauma‑informed community cooking program that brings people together to prepare and share a nutritious meal each week. Designed to foster social connection, confidence in the kitchen, and improved physical and mental wellbeing, the program supports a wide range of community members, including older adults, culturally diverse groups, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, young families and people experiencing social isolation.
Each session provides a hands‑on opportunity to build practical cooking skills, increase healthy eating knowledge, and learn about preventable chronic disease risk factors in a friendly, supportive environment.
Visit the Healthy Cities Australia website for more information and to get involved.
The 5×5 and 3×3 Community Walking Programs - are free, non‑competitive walking events designed to help people get active and connect with others. Participants walk a 5 km route once a week for 5 weeks or a 3 km route once a week for 3 weeks, in a friendly, supportive environment suitable for all fitness levels. Walking outdoors offers proven benefits including reduced stress, improved mood, better sleep and lower blood pressure, while also helping build healthy habits and reduce social isolation.
Programs run across the Illawarra, including Bellambi, Wollongong, Lake Illawarra, Shell Cove, Kiama and Nowra and have recently expanded to include locations across Southern NSW including Queanbeyan and Goulburn.
Visit the Healthy Cities Australia website for more information and to get involved.
The healthy lifestyle programs listed above are supported by funding from COORDINARE - South Eastern NSW PHN.