According to the 2025 Active Living Census, people across the Loddon Campaspe region are active in many different ways, but one activity continues to stand out above the rest, walking. Accessible, flexible and low-cost, walking remains the most popular way residents stay active, ahead of gym-based fitness, swimming, active play and group fitness activities.
While these headline results highlight common trends across the region, local insights reveal that each community has its own unique patterns of participation. To better understand the story behind the data, we spoke with the Healthy Loddon Campaspe Health Brokers from Central Goldfields Shire, Loddon Shire and Campaspe Shire about what they're seeing on the ground and what the findings mean for the future.
Why Walking Continues to Lead
Across all three municipalities, walking was recognised as the activity that best fits the realities of modern life. It requires no membership, little equipment and can be done almost anywhere, making it one of the most accessible forms of physical activity available.
Alysha Gourley, Health Broker at Central Goldfields Shire, believes walking's popularity comes down to its simplicity.
“I think the biggest thing about walking is how easy it is to fit into everyday life. It's free, you don't need any special equipment, and you can do it at a time that works for you.”
The census also found that 72% of Central Goldfields respondents use footpaths at least weekly, highlighting the important role local walking infrastructure plays in supporting active lifestyles.
For James Pierce, Health Broker at Loddon Shire Council, walking's popularity reflects the realities of rural living and the Shire's older demographic.
“With Loddon Shire having one of Victoria's oldest populations, with a median age of 58, walking is often one of the only realistic forms of recreation and exercise available to many residents.”
In Campaspe Shire, Jasmine Noske sees walking as the ideal activity for people trying to balance busy schedules.
“Walking is an activity that can easily fit into everyday life, whether that is a short walk around the block, walking the dog, or fitting in a longer walk when time allows.”
Different Communities, Different Ways of Being Active
While walking topped the list across the region, the findings reveal distinct local participation patterns.
In Central Goldfields, gym-based fitness emerged as a particularly strong performer alongside walking. The municipality benefits from a diverse range of gyms, fitness studios and group fitness opportunities, providing residents with plenty of ways to stay active.
As Gourley explains:
“What stands out to me is the variety. Walking was the most common activity, but gym-based fitness was second, alongside a broad mix of activities including AFL, swimming, active play, netball and basketball.”
Loddon Shire's results highlight the ongoing importance of organised community sport. More than 60% of residents participated in one or more sport, exercise or recreation activity, with football, netball, tennis and swimming all featuring strongly.
Pierce says these results show the value of local sporting infrastructure and community clubs.
“This demonstrates the important role that local sporting organisations, public facilities and recreation spaces play in supporting physical activity across the shire.”
In Campaspe Shire, the findings point towards a preference for flexibility and convenience. Walking, active play and gym-based activities all ranked highly, suggesting residents are choosing activities that can be adapted to busy schedules.
Noske said the data reflects changing lifestyles and priorities.
“There appears to be a preference for activities that can be done at a time that suits individual schedules rather than activities that require ongoing commitments to training sessions or competition schedules.”
Looking Beyond Participation Numbers
While participation levels are encouraging, Health Brokers also stressed the importance of understanding who may not be reflected in the results.
In Central Goldfields, concerns were raised that some residents facing the greatest barriers to participation may not have been fully captured by the census. Cost, transport, health concerns, confidence and awareness of opportunities can all affect a person's ability to be active.
As Gourley cautioned:
“We need to be a little careful when looking at the results. I'm not sure the Active Living Census necessarily reached some of the people who face the biggest barriers to being active.”
Across the region, residents identified barriers including lack of time, poor health or disability, cost and lack of social support.
This points to the importance of looking beyond participation numbers and considering whether recreation opportunities are accessible and inclusive for all community members.
Planning for the Future
The findings reinforce the importance of providing a mix of opportunities for people to be active. Traditional sporting facilities continue to play a vital role, but investment in walking infrastructure, open spaces and affordable recreation options will also be critical.
For Pierce, future investment must continue to recognise local differences.
“Recreation planning and investment should respond to local participation, facilities and community needs, rather than assuming that the same approach will work across the entire shire.”
Ultimately, while walking remains the region's most popular activity, the broader message is that there is no single way people choose to be active. From gym-based fitness in Central Goldfields, to community sport in Loddon, and flexible recreation options in Campaspe, each community has its own story. Understanding and supporting those differences will be key to building healthier, more connected communities in the years ahead.