Program Active In-Betweens “It’s a safe place for kids to go, enjoy being themselves, and feel free from judgment. My children love being involved, it gives them insight into many different opportunities and skills they may not have experienced before.” Parent, Bellambi AIB Join us If you know a child who would like to join Active In-Betweens, please register. Register now The Global Goals For Sustainable Development Overview Active In-Betweens (AIB) is a free active after school program designed for primary school aged children (8–12 years). Delivered during the after school time slot, AIB supports children to stay active, build confidence, and learn new skills after the school day ends. The program focuses on structured physical activity programs, active games, healthy eating, and play, creating a fun, engaging, and supportive environment that promotes physical wellbeing, resilience, and positive self-esteem. Active In-Betweens supports children from our local community, particularly those experiencing socio-economic disadvantage, and is delivered through grant funding when available. After School Time That Builds Confidence After school hours, many children experience limited access to safe, structured activities. Active In-Betweens fills this gap by providing a positive after school care–style program that supports children to thrive during school breaks between learning and home time. Sessions are facilitated by trained Health Promotion Officers, supported by volunteers, and delivered at trusted community centres. The program is: Place-based, ensuring children attend within their own community Trauma-informed, responsive to children’s emotional and social needs Flexible and inclusive, encouraging leadership, teamwork, and creativity Healthy Cities Australia is committed to child safety and adheres to the Office of the Children’s Guardian Child Safe Standards. Aim Active In-Betweens was developed to address the growing need for accessible after school programs in communities where children face a higher likelihood of: Physical inactivity Food insecurity Social isolation The program is grounded in evidence showing that physical activity, social connection, and positive role models are protective factors for children’s physical, mental, and emotional health. By creating a safe space where children can play, move, eat well, and connect, Active In-Betweens helps children build confidence, develop healthy habits, and feel a sense of belonging. Program Objectives Active In-Betweens provides opportunities for children to: Increase physical activity levels, particularly through outdoor and nature-based play Participate in active games and structured movement activities Improve knowledge of healthy eating through hands-on cooking and food experiences Build confidence, leadership skills, and teamwork Strengthen friendships and social connections Support long-term health and wellbeing outcomes for children, families, and communities Social Impact Every $1 invested by HCA $1 returns $6 in social and economic value $6 For every $1 invested by Healthy Cities Australia, Active In-Betweens returns $6 in social and economic value. This reflects improved health outcomes, stronger community connections, and reduced long-term costs associated with inactivity and poor wellbeing. How the Program works Active In-Betweens is a community-based, place-focused program that operates during the school term. Runs for 9 weeks each school term One 1.5-hour session per week Group sizes range from 10–30 children, supporting both small-group and whole-group activities Delivered in local community centres across the Illawarra, prioritising accessibility Children who attend are residents of the local community, strengthening connection, trust, and social capital. What Children Experience Each session includes a mix of: Active games and physical activities (including sports, play, and movement) Unstructured, child-led play Healthy snacks and cooking activities Opportunities to build friendships and communication skills A safe, supportive space to explore, learn, and have fun Health Promotion Officers are trained in trauma-informed practice and community development. Volunteers receive training in facilitation, safety, and positive role modelling. Current Active In-Betweens Locations Active In-Betweens is currently delivered at: Monday 3:00–4:30pm — Albion Park Rail Community Centre Monday 3:00–4:30pm — Koonawarra Community Centre Tuesday 3:00–4:30pm — Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre Wednesday 3:00–4:30pm — Bundaleer Community Centre, Warrawong Thursday 3:00–4:30pm — Warilla Neighbourhood Centre Join Active In-Betweens Active In-Betweens is a free, inclusive after school program supporting children to stay active, make friends, and build confidence outside school hours. Please click here to register your child. Please click here If you are a parent, educator, or community organisation interested in learning more or partnering with us, we’d love to hear from you. Watch Testimonial “I love coming to Active In-Betweens because I get to run and play with my friends, the teachers make me laugh and we always do something different. I learnt how to cook a bit at home. I never tried peas or sushi before and now I love them!” 10 yr old participant, Albion Park Rail What's on Oct19 Albion Park Rail Active In-Betweens Monday 19 October, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Albion Park Rail Community Centre FREE Oct19 Koonawarra Active In-Betweens Monday 19 October, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Koonawarra Community Centre FREE Oct20 Bellambi Active In-Betweens Tuesday 20 October, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre FREE Oct21 Bundaleer Active In-Betweens Wednesday 21 October, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Bundaleer Community Centre FREE Oct22 Warilla Active In-Betweens Thursday 22 October, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Warilla Neighbourhood Centre FREE Oct26 Albion Park Rail Active In-Betweens Monday 26 October, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Albion Park Rail Community Centre FREE Oct26 Koonawarra Active In-Betweens Monday 26 October, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Koonawarra Community Centre FREE Oct27 Bellambi Active In-Betweens Tuesday 27 October, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre FREE Oct28 Bundaleer Active In-Betweens Wednesday 28 October, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Bundaleer Community Centre FREE Oct29 Warilla Active In-Betweens Thursday 29 October, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Warilla Neighbourhood Centre FREE Nov2 Albion Park Rail Active In-Betweens Monday 2 November, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Albion Park Rail Community Centre FREE Nov2 Koonawarra Active In-Betweens Monday 2 November, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Koonawarra Community Centre FREE Nov3 Bellambi Active In-Betweens Tuesday 3 November, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre FREE Nov4 Bundaleer Active In-Betweens Wednesday 4 November, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Bundaleer Community Centre FREE Nov5 Warilla Active In-Betweens Thursday 5 November, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Warilla Neighbourhood Centre FREE Nov9 Albion Park Rail Active In-Betweens Monday 9 November, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Albion Park Rail Community Centre FREE Nov9 Koonawarra Active In-Betweens Monday 9 November, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Koonawarra Community Centre FREE Nov10 Bellambi Active In-Betweens Tuesday 10 November, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre FREE Nov11 Bundaleer Active In-Betweens Wednesday 11 November, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Bundaleer Community Centre FREE Nov12 Warilla Active In-Betweens Thursday 12 November, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Warilla Neighbourhood Centre FREE Nov16 Albion Park Rail Active In-Betweens Monday 16 November, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Albion Park Rail Community Centre FREE Nov16 Koonawarra Active In-Betweens Monday 16 November, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Koonawarra Community Centre FREE Nov17 Bellambi Active In-Betweens Tuesday 17 November, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre FREE Nov18 Bundaleer Active In-Betweens Wednesday 18 November, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Bundaleer Community Centre FREE Nov19 Warilla Active In-Betweens Thursday 19 November, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Warilla Neighbourhood Centre FREE Nov23 Albion Park Rail Active In-Betweens Monday 23 November, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Albion Park Rail Community Centre FREE Nov23 Koonawarra Active In-Betweens Monday 23 November, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Koonawarra Community Centre FREE Nov24 Bellambi Active In-Betweens Tuesday 24 November, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre FREE Nov25 Bundaleer Active In-Betweens Wednesday 25 November, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Bundaleer Community Centre FREE Nov26 Warilla Active In-Betweens Thursday 26 November, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Warilla Neighbourhood Centre FREE Nov30 Albion Park Rail Active In-Betweens Monday 30 November, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Albion Park Rail Community Centre FREE Nov30 Koonawarra Active In-Betweens Monday 30 November, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Koonawarra Community Centre FREE Dec1 Bellambi Active In-Betweens Tuesday 1 December, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre FREE Dec2 Bundaleer Active In-Betweens Wednesday 2 December, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Bundaleer Community Centre FREE Dec3 Warilla Active In-Betweens Thursday 3 December, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Warilla Neighbourhood Centre FREE Dec7 Albion Park Rail Active In-Betweens Monday 7 December, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Albion Park Rail Community Centre FREE Dec7 Koonawarra Active In-Betweens Monday 7 December, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Koonawarra Community Centre FREE Dec8 Bellambi Active In-Betweens Tuesday 8 December, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre FREE Dec9 Bundaleer Active In-Betweens Wednesday 9 December, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Bundaleer Community Centre FREE Dec10 Warilla Active In-Betweens Thursday 10 December, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Warilla Neighbourhood Centre FREE Dec14 Albion Park Rail Active In-Betweens Monday 14 December, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Albion Park Rail Community Centre FREE Dec14 Koonawarra Active In-Betweens Monday 14 December, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Koonawarra Community Centre FREE Dec15 Bellambi Active In-Betweens Tuesday 15 December, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre FREE Dec16 Bundaleer Active In-Betweens Wednesday 16 December, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Bundaleer Community Centre FREE Dec17 Warilla Active In-Betweens Thursday 17 December, 3:00pm – 4:30pm Warilla Neighbourhood Centre FREE Join us If you know a child who would like to join Active In-Betweens, please register. Register now Resources Active At Home – Frisbee Download Active At Home – Hoola Hoop Download Active At Home – Bounce Ball Download Active At Home – Hacky Sack Download Case Study: Active In-Betweens View HCA Logic Model AIB Download