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This discussion paper has resulted from work with the Moonee Valley Melbourne Primary Care Partnership
(MVM PCP) Physical Activity Network (PAN), an alliance of health and government agencies in the local government areas of Moonee Valley and Melbourne who have an interest in physical activity with people from CALD backgrounds. The paper has been written to identify and present key considerations for inclusion in planning, implementing and evaluating physical activity programs with CALD communities. 

Given the lack of information that currently exists about physical activity and CALD communities, to inform this paper, CEH has used two different methods to investigate current physical activity initiatives that have successfully engaged people from CALD backgrounds. The first was a literature review, the second were focus groups, interviews, a collection of case studies with local service providers and discussions amongst the PAN members for MVM PCP.

The findings have been collated and are summarised in the paper under the following headings:

  • Attitudes to physical activity
  • Gender as an important factor
  • Engaging communities for the development of physical activity initiatives
  • Avoiding the ‘one size fits all’ approach
  • Communicating for success
  • Programs and activities that reflect our diverse communities
  • Getting the timing and costing right and
  • Organisational planning for cultural difference.

This discussion paper also identifies key recommendations to assist the health, community and fitness sectors
to achieve successful engagement and participation of CALD communities in physical activity initiatives.

Last reviewed:

Languages: English

Resource Type: Report