The Department of Health intends to procure a statewide service to increase access to and participation in evidence-based strength and balance activities for Tasmanians, with a particular focus on improving physical function, mobility and independence and reducing the risk and impact of falls.
The service will support the implementation of The Health Revolution – Our Pathway for Living Well in Tasmania 2026–2046 and form part of Tasmania’s broader preventive approach to healthy ageing, physical activity and falls prevention.
The anticipated service will establish a coordinated statewide approach to the delivery and/or expansion of evidence-based strength and balance programs in community settings.
The final service model will be informed by project scoping and evidence review but is expected to include:
- delivery of accessible strength and balance programs across Tasmania
- use of evidence-based exercise approaches that improve strength, balance, mobility and physical function
- approaches to increase participation among people who would benefit most, including older Tasmanians and people at increased risk of falls or functional decline
- appropriate pathways for referral, self-referral and transition into ongoing community-based physical activity
- support for equitable access across metropolitan, regional and rural communities
- appropriate workforce, training, quality and safety requirements
- collaboration with health, community, local government and other relevant services
- monitoring of reach, participation, equity and program outcomes
- evaluation and continuous improvement over the contract period
The procurement is intended to establish a sustainable statewide approach that can build on existing community capacity and services while progressively improving access to appropriate strength and balance opportunities across Tasmania
