Elizabeth Mackinnon has been running her exercise classes on the Monaro for a number of years and in December hosted a special visitor from the University of Dundee, Dorothy Dobson.  

Ms Dobson was overwhelmed at the gathered crowd all keen to be part of the big day out. 

Mayor John Cahill welcomed the special guest, congratulating  Ms Mackinnon on an amazing job encouraging older people to remain active later in life.  

Participants from Ms Mackinnon’s classes from Jindabyne, Cooma and Berridale were there to meet Ms Dobson, as were the Berridale Hostel and Yallambee Lodge residents who enjoy her classes every week.

“Everyone is welcome to come and join in,” Ms Mackinnon said.

“Community Exercise is excellent for increasing balance and flexibility, strength and fitness and I am excited to offer this opportunity to help older people across the Monaro have fun, be fit and get healthy,” she said.

The cost to participants is a gold coin donation for the class to cover costs associated with running the group. 

Ms Mackinnon operates her classes as part of a Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD) physical activity initiative, which aims to increase access to appropriate physical activity opportunities for older adults living in rural communities.  These low cost classes offer gentle exercise for older adults to improve their physical, social and mental wellbeing.

• If you would like to join one of the classes, please contact Elizabeth Mackinnon on 6456 7303.