News Active In-Betweens Wrap Up Term 4 2025 Active In-Betweens Wrap Up Term 4 2025 marks a strong and meaningful end to the year for the Active In-Betweens program. Throughout Term 4, children engaged in a free, inclusive school program focused on early prevention, good health, and building positive self-esteem in a safe place within their local community. Delivered by Healthy Cities Australia, the program ran across multiple locations, including Bundaleer Community Centre, Warilla Neighbourhood Centre, and Albion Park Rail, providing children with many different opportunities to learn, move, connect, and grow. Active In-Betweens: Term 4 Focus and Learning This term, the focus was on substances and early health prevention messages. Through play-based learning, curiosity, and discussion, children explored topics such as smoking, vaping, alcohol, drugs, and caffeine in age-appropriate, non-judgemental ways. Sessions were designed to build knowledge, resilience, and leadership skills, while supporting long-term health and good health outcomes. Activities encouraged critical thinking and helped children feel confident asking questions and sharing insights during each week of the program. Healthy Lungs – Family Clean-Up Challenge In October, families were invited to join a Healthy Lungs – Family Clean-Up Challenge, bringing parents, carers, and kids together to care for shared spaces and strengthen social connection. Children and adults worked side by side wearing gloves and vests, collecting rubbish in local areas and learning about environmental health and nutrition links to lung health. “If we picked up the same amount of rubbish every day, the place we live in would be so much cleaner.” – Child participant With support from Breathe Better Illawarra, children focused on collecting cigarette butts and vapes, sparking powerful conversations about smoking, vaping, and impacts on health and the environment. “Smoking and vaping is gross and so hard to stop, the best is not to start!” – Child participant These experiences strengthened community connection, insight, and awareness in ways that felt relevant and empowering. Use Your Money Wisely – Op Shop Challenge As part of a community outing, children took part in the Op Shop Challenge, visiting the Salvation Army and learning practical life skills such as budgeting and decision-making. Each child was given a $10 budget to buy a gift for a loved one. The activity supported learning around money, sustainability, and community participation. Some children even shopped for outfits for Year 6 formals. During the bus rides, facilitators encouraged thoughtful discussions about spending habits, waste, and values, reinforcing learning beyond the activity day. AI, Social Media and Critical Thinking Responding to recent government legislation changes around children and social media, sessions explored artificial intelligence and digital literacy. Children played “Eye Spy AI,” comparing real and fake images and discussing how online content can be altered. This encouraged critical thinking and media awareness in a safe, supportive environment. Children also participated in creative photo play, exploring identity, confidence, and self-expression. Each child took home a photo as a reminder of positive experiences with play and learning. A dedicated session on social media used resources from the eSafety Commissioner (https://www.esafety.gov.au/), including activities about online safety and digital permanence Term 4 Outcomes and Impact Across Term 4, Active In-Betweens supported children to: Increase physical activity levels through active play and movement Build resilience, confidence, and leadership skills Strengthen social connection and peer relationships Develop knowledge around healthy eating, nutrition, and decision-making Experience a consistent, safe, and inclusive program environment Voices from the Community Adults’ Voice“I love this program, it’s amazing what you do with the kids.” Parent Voice“Lily absolutely loves it here, she’s really going to miss this program.” Children’s Voice“I never get to cook at home, I only know how to chop food because of you guys.” Looking Ahead Looking Ahead Active In-Betweens continues to provide a free, inclusive after-school program that supports children, families, teachers, and communities across multiple locations. To learn more, get involved, or explore session details, visit our website or contact the Healthy Cities team via email. Together, we’re creating safe spaces where children can enjoy learning, stay active, build confidence, and thrive, one term at a time.