BOOM ‘Building our Outdoor Movement’

BOOM ‘Building our Outdoor Movement’ is a new program designed to motivate people to get outdoors, increase their physical activity levels and lead healthier lives.

We have secured funding through the State Government’s Active Industry Project Fund to work with selected councils across the state. Local councils will help us attract participants for the program, identify a suitable activity provider and manage the program at each location.

We will work with local councils and activity providers to identify members of the public who are not currently very fit or active and who would like the opportunity to get out and try something new – to take part in 3 free activity sessions hosted by the local provider.

The activities we think might work are introductory level local bush or parkland walks, nature walks, bike riding, canoeing, SUP, snorkelling, bodyboarding – and may also include some sporting activities like stretching, yoga, and pickleball. The activities will be selected and delivered based on what is available in a specific council area, and what is appropriate for the participants.

Participants will be asked to commit to a minimum of three free activity sessions over a 3-4 week period. Eash session will be approximately 2 hours long and will be designed to help the participant gain some skill in the activity, build confidence in their own ability, and develop connections with others in the group.

As there is a basic research component to the program each participant will be asked to fill out a simple questionnaire before they start the activity sessions and again after they are finished. In addition, each participant will be asked to join a GroupMe* group where they can share stories, post images and keep in touch with other members of their activity sessions.

Are you interested?

BOOM is designed to help you take the first steps towards increasing your level of physical activity and leading a healthier life.

By taking advantage of this free introduction to a new activity and the connections you will make with other like-minded people, we hope you will choose to keep it up and carry on with this new activity or simply chose to be more active outdoors more often.

To help you keep in touch with your fellow participants, your activity provider and Outdoors Queensland, we encourage you to use GroupMe*, an online and mobile app, where you can share your thoughts, upload photos and make plans!

To participate fully, we expect the following:

1. Complete the application and the short pre- activity survey
2. Attend the activity days as arranged
3. Get stuck in and have fun!
4. Share comments and photos on GroupMe, the BOOM social media platform
5. Complete a short post activity survey

For more information about the activities in your area and how to book in, please select the appropriate link below. We will be adding new links as new councils sign up to the program.

* GroupMe is a Microsoft product that is similar to WhatsApp or Facebook groups and free to use.