The Schrinner Council’s 2026-27 Budget will deliver the biggest boost to free and affordable activities in Brisbane’s history, with $5.6 million to be invested in a new Move Well Brisbane program.
Move Well Brisbane is the next chapter of the city’s long-running Active and Healthy program, which has provided free and low-cost fitness and movement activities for many years.
Around 9,000 Active and Healthy sessions are currently delivered annually in 218 locations across Brisbane, supporting 200 small business providers.
The current program includes Chillout activities targeting children up to 17 years and a GOLD program for residents over the age of 50.
In recent years, whole-body wellness opportunities have increasingly been sought out by the community, especially Millennials and Gen Z residents.
Under the new Move Well Brisbane program, the number of sessions will more than double to 20,000 over the next two years, with the number of small business operators expanding to 400.
Move Well Brisbane activities will be available from dawn to dusk and on weekends, helping Brisbane residents save $5.6 million.
Additional health and well-being providers will be announced in the coming months, with the focus shifting to include more whole-body wellness, mindfulness and nutrition.
Brisbane residents will also be consulted on a new Dawn Economy Plan with recent research revealing 30 per cent of Brisbane’s food businesses are open by 7am.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner:
“Brisbane has the best lifestyle in Australia and one of the reasons is that we’re a city that embraces healthy, active living.
“From sunrise walks and running clubs to yoga mindfulness sessions and nutrition workshops, more people are taking a whole-of-life approach to wellbeing.
“While some cities start late, Brisbane comes alive at dawn, with residents making the most of our great weather and outdoor lifestyle.
“Move Well Brisbane will be the biggest boost to free programs we’ve ever had, helping to reduce the cost of living and complementing all those fitness movements that are already occurring across Brisbane.
“The program reflects that uniquely Brisbane way of life with more free activities in more places, more often, expanding the focus beyond fitness to overall wellbeing.
“It will help residents stay healthy, stay connected, save money and make the most of living in Australia’s lifestyle capital.”
Quotes attributable to CEO of Nutrition Australia Kirsty Elliot:
“Nutrition Australia are thrilled to be partnering with Brisbane City Council to support residents right across Brisbane.
“Our hands-on workshops will empower the community to build their cooking skills and awareness of nutritious, budget-friendly food options.
“Many households are feeling cost-of-living pressures, so we know how important it is to share ideas on how we can stretch our food budget a bit further while serving up delicious, affordable and easy meals and snacks for ourselves and family.
“Nutrition Australia’s vision is for a connected and nourished community. Delivering this program across Brisbane’s many parks, outdoor spaces and community halls demonstrates how preparing and enjoying food together has the power to nourish us socially as well.”
