Get Active in Darebin
Winter 2025
Get Active in Darebin is a free community-based exercise program aimed at increasing the physical activity and wellbeing levels of Darebin residents. Our Winter program will run for 6 weeks from Monday 28 July until Sunday 7 September 2025. Most activities cater to people of all ages, abilities and fitness levels, and many are facilitated by qualified instructors and coaches. Some sessions are family friendly, specifically designed for parents and children to enjoy exercise together.
Registration is required for many sessions, but some you can simply join in on the day. Bring your own water, towel, and a mat (if required) and join in the fun!
You can also keep up to date with any of our free and low-cost leisure programs by following Darebin Leisure on Facebook or joining our mailing list.
Warm up this Winter with some fabulous free offerings from Get Active in Darebin. Scroll down for more information about days, times, locations and registration requirements for each session!
Monday
Dance for Health and Parkinson’s
From 2 – 3.15pm @ Reservoir Senior Citizen’s Centre, 2 – 4 Wright Street, Reservoir
4 August to 1 September 2025
Join us for 5 sessions of seated dance classes for older bodies, with or without neurological conditions. Led by a trained instructor, classes are fun, accessible and social, while dancing to many types of music from different cultures. Classes focus on flow, release of tension, core strength, balance, coordination and control. Come along, be creative and have fun! To register, email katrinamrank@gmail.com.
Net Set Go
From 4.30 – 5.30pm @ Keon Park Tennis Club, 2 Wagga Street, Reservoir
28 July to 1 September 2025
Join NetSetGo - Netball Australia’s well-known program teaching kids aged 5-10 the fundamental skills of netball in a FUN and INCLUSIVE environment with Keon Park Stars under the Get Active in Darebin program. Delivered by an experienced and enthusiastic coach, participants will gain great skills whilst having fun and making new friends. No registration needed.
Go Soccer Mums
From 6 – 7pm @ BT Connor Reserve, 200 Broadhurst Ave, Reservoir
28 July to 1 September 2025
Led by senior Preston Lionesses, under the Get Active in Darebin program, Go Soccer Mums is an introductory soccer program specifically for women to have fun, meet new people and learn new skills in a social, supportive environment. Preston Lions welcomes all family and friends to attend. Register at https://plfc.majestri.com.au/go-soccer-mums-2025
Aqua Moves
From 7.20 – 8pm @ Reservoir Leisure Centre, 2A Cuthbert Road, Reservoir
28 July to 1 September 2025
Join in fun water exercise in the 25-metre pool to improve muscular strength, cardio-vascular fitness and flexibility with minimal impact on the joints. Everyone is welcome! Spaces are limited, so register at the reception or call 9496 1050.
Tuesday
Women’s Beginner Tennis
From 9.30 – 10.30am @ Cranross Tennis Club, 151A Albert St, Preston
29 July – 2 September 2025
Learn the fundamentals of tennis with fun, team-based activities in a relaxed setting at Cranross Tennis Club under the Get Active in Darebin program. It's a great way to build your tennis confidence. Suitable for women and gender-diverse people of all ages and abilities. Register by emailing admin@fdtennis.com.au with your first and second name, email address and mobile number.
Walking Basketball
From 10.30 – 11.30am @ Narrandjeri Stadium, 281 Darebin Road, Thornbury
29 July – 2 September 2025
Enjoy low-impact fitness with indoor Walking Basketball! Improve your coordination, stability and balance in a fun, supportive session. Finish with a social game and a cuppa. Perfect for all ages and abilities. Register online via the registration form or by calling 9989 5800.
Qigong
From 2.00 – 3.00pm @ East Preston Community Centre, 7 Newton Street, Reservoir
29 July – 2 September 2025
For community living in East Preston/East Reservoir, the Qigong class is a holistic practice that brings the body, mind, and breath together. Starting in China over 2,000 years ago, Qigong is a gentle exercise where you move slowly, breathe deeply, or just sit quietly. This helps you feel calm, strong, and healthy. The practice is simple and can be done by anyone, no matter their age or skill level. No registration required.
Wednesday
Zumba
From 10.20 – 11am @ Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre, 180 Victoria Street, Northcote
30 July – 3 September 2025
A dance-based class using Latin and World rhythms for a total workout, combining all elements of fitness – cardio, muscle conditioning, balance, and flexibility. Suitable for all ages and abilities. Call 9088 4600 to register your spot.
Lunchtime Group Pickleball
From 12 – 1pm @ Darebin Community Sports Stadium, 875 Plenty Road, Reservoir
30 July – 3 September 2025
Come and learn pickleball - the racket sport which combines tennis, badminton and table tennis and is played on smaller court. In the lesson you'll get to know more about the game in a fun and relaxed environment. Perfect for people of all ages and abilities. Register online via the registration form or by calling 9471 4935.
Lunchtime Come N Try Boxing
From 12 – 1pm @ Brizzi Brothers Gym, Browning Street, Kingsbury
30 July – 3 September 2025
Join us for a Lunchtime Come N Try Boxing Class with Ben Brizzi from Brizzi Brothers under the Get Active in Darebin program. Have fun while learning the boxing basics (no contact) in a welcoming and inclusive environment. People of all ages, abilities and fitness levels are welcome. All equipment is provided, so bring a towel and water and be prepared to have a great time! No registration needed.
Thursday
Women’s Exercise Class
From 2 – 3pm @ East Preston Community Centre, 7 Newton Street, Reservoir
31 July – 4 September 2025
For community living in East Preston/East Reservoir, this women's exercise class will introduce you to a range of functional and core strength exercises in a fun, relaxed and supportive environment. All abilities welcome and supported to go at your own pace. No registration required.
Qigong and Meditation
From 2 – 3pm @ Keon Park Children’s Hub, 1 – 2 Dole Avenue, Reservoir
31 July – 4 September 2025
Qigong is a holistic practice that brings the body, mind, and breath together. Starting in China over 2,000 years ago, Qigong is a gentle exercise where you move slowly, breathe deeply, or just sit quietly. This helps you feel calm, strong, and healthy. The practice is simple and can be done by anyone, no matter their age or skill level. No registration required.
Women’s Soccer Session
From 6 – 7pm @ JC Donath Reserve – west pavilion, Harmer Street, Reservoir
31 July – 4 September 2025
Join Women’s Soccer Session with Reservoir United Soccer Club under the Get Active in Darebin program. Women and gender diverse people can learn and enjoy the game of soccer while learning to kick, dribble, get active, build self-confidence and have fun! This is a great chance to be part of the Reservoir United community. To register, email Tess at reservoirunited@gmail.com
QSA Q League Pickleball
From 7 – 9pm @ Narrandjeri Stadium, 281 Darebin Road, Thornbury
31 July – 4 September 2025
Join us for social Q league pickleball hosted by Queer Sporting Alliance at Narrandjeri Stadium's outdoor courts. Pickleball - the racket sport which combines tennis, badminton and table tennis and is played on a smaller court, is a fun way to get active and connect with others. Games are beginner-friendly, so everyone can participate at their own pace. All equipment provided. Register by calling 9989 5800 or completing the online registration form
Friday
Chair Yoga
10.30 – 11.30am @ Northcote Library, 32 – 38 Separation Street, Northcote
31 July – 4 September 2025
Chair yoga is a low-impact exercise for older adults or those who want to avoid putting pressure on their joints. Chair yoga can help people not used to exercising to improve their strength and balance which can help to reduce the fear of falling. No registration required, but spaces will be limited.
Tai Chi
12 – 1pm @ Edwardes Lake Park, Griffiths Street, Reservoir
1 August – 5 September 2025
Try Tai Chi – an ancient Chinese exercise that helps your body and mind. In the class, learn how to breathe deeply and meditate with movements that help you stretch, improve your balance and coordination and move smoothly. It is good for people of all ages and all fitness levels. Meet at the pavilion near the BBQs on Griffiths Street. No registration required. Classes will be cancelled in the case of poor weather. We will try to contact participants ahead of time.
Saturday
Parent & Child Swim sessions
Reservoir Leisure Centre, 2A Cuthbert Road, Reservoir
1.30pm – 2pm & 2 – 2.30pm for 6 months to 1 year
2.30pm – 3pm & 3 – 3.30pm for 1 year to 3 years
1 August to 6 September 2025
Join your child (6 months to 3 years) in water familiarisation classes at RLC! Learn water safety and ways to teach your child to feel at ease in the water, guided by an experienced swim instructor. Limited spots—book the Friday before at RLC or call 9496 1050.
Sunday
All Abilities Tennis
From 1 – 2pm @ Narrandjeri Stadium, 281 Darebin Road, Thornbury
2 August to 7 September 2025
Join us for All Abilities Tennis! Sessions are tailored for everyone including wheelchair tennis users, para-standing athletes, or people looking for an inclusive and adaptive environment to enjoy the game. Led by experienced coaches in a supportive and accessible setting, sessions focus on skill development, fitness and fun while building confidence and community through tennis. New and returning players welcome. All equipment provided. Register by calling 9989 5800 or completing the online registration form.
Zumba
From 4.30 – 5.30pm @ Reservoir Leisure Centre, 2A Cuthbert Road, Reservoir
2 August to 7 September 2025
Get moving with a fun, medium-impact Zumba™ class that blends Latin beats with simple dance moves. No pressure to be perfect—just enjoy the rhythm and the good vibes. Spaces are limited, so book at reception or call 9496 1050 to secure your spot.
Free exercise with at-home workouts
If you’re on a tight budget or prefer exercising in your own time, here are some more free exercise options:
Outdoor equipment
Looking to get active outdoors in our parks and build more strength, cardio and stamina? Why not try our outdoor gym equipment at a time that suits you.
Now available to a range of local Darebin parks including:
- A H Capp Reserve, Halwyn Crescent, Preston
- All Nations Park, Separation St, Northcote
- Bundoora Park, Playground Drive, Bundoora
- C H Sullivan Memorial Park, Blake St, Preston
- Edwardes Lake Park, Griffiths St, Reservoir
- I W Dole Reserve, Dole Ave, Reservoir
- J C Donath Reserve, Harmer St, Reservoir
- Mayer Park, Normanby Ave, Thornbury
- T W Andrews Reserve, Fordham Rd, Reservoir
- W R Ruthven V C Reserve, Malpas Street, Preston
Walking and running
It's important to try to exercise for at least 30 minutes per day, so why not try walking around local Darebin parks and streets. Get your free Heart Foundation Personal Walking Plan and get moving today.
Find a walking group near you, visit the Heart Foundation website for more information to search via suburb for your closest groups to join.
For those up for more of a jog or run, why not try parkrun. A free and social community event coordinated by volunteers where you can walk, jog or run 5kms. Parkrun is held each Saturday at CT Barling Reserve (Plenty Rd) in Reservoir from 8—9am. Find out more about parkrun and register.
Reduced gym membership
If you’re having financial difficulties, you might be able to get a subsidised gym membership. This will give you access to Reservoir Leisure Centre from 6am—4pm.
To find out if you're eligible, please call 03 9462 4611 and enquire today.