Originally published in the Philippine Times
Written by Phoebe Mcwilliams, a graduate of the Change Our Game Women in Sports Media Program.
Last year for 10 weeks a group of women of all ages, nationalities, and abilities met at the Casey Recreation and Aquatic Centre for an hour of fun, exercise and community.
Around two-thirds of these women were of Filipino background, coming together to participate in the Casey Women’s Aqua Exercise program.
It wasn’t your usual water aerobics class. These sessions were held at nighttime, they were accompanied by fun music and most importantly it catered to all different levels of ability – from 18-year-olds to 70-year-olds.
The idea of the 10-week program came from a research project between the City of Casey, Federation University and the Australian Filipino Community Services (AFCS) who were investigating the barriers that women faced when it came to being active.
From the focus group, the women explained that they needed an activity that was outside of business hours so working women could attend, self-paced, cost effective and that could be done with friends. From there the idea of the aqua exercise program was conceived.
“It was great to see the ladies from across Casey from different backgrounds and abilities cheer each other on and have a good laugh in the water,” said AFCS CEO Corina Dutlow.
“It was open to all women in Casey, but a large portion were Filipino and I think they really enjoyed being in a culturally safe environment where people understood their language and culture. It just provided an extra level of comfort.”
One participant was a woman in her late 60s who joined the group despite being afraid of the water.
“At the beginning she was scared to even step into the pool. After 10 weeks she was so comfortable that she was enquiring about swimming lessons,” explains Dutlow.
Dutlow believes it’s vital that women are physically active, not just for the participants themselves, but for the positive effect it has on the community.
“Firstly, I think one's physical health impacts your mental health. But importantly, being physically healthy helps women be more active with their children, friends and family members.”
The aqua exercise program was so successful that it was recently announced that it will return in 2025.
If you would like to find out more about this year’s program, please contact the Australian Filipino Community Services on 9701 3421.
This piece was produced in collaboration with the Victorian Government’s Office for Women in Sport and Recreation.
Page last updated: 15 April 2025
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