Bendigo sports clubs and sports and recreation facilities have topped the state in joining Vic Kids Eat Well, with 25 of these organisations participating in this nourishing state-wide movement in the region. Leading the charge has been Bendigo’s Peter Krenz Leisure Centre where the team has been putting nutritious food and drink options front and centre for the families for more than two years.
Dimity Gannon, Head of Healthy Places at Cancer Council Victoria, commended Bendigo sports venues.
“Bendigo sports clubs and sports and recreation facilities, as a group, are leading the state in boosting tasty and nutritious food and drink options so kids are nutritiously fuelled to play and be active,” Ms Gannon said.
Peter Krenz Leisure Centre’s lasting splash with Vic Kids Eat Well
Peter Krenz Leisure Centre in Eaglehawk, managed by YMCA Victoria on behalf of the City of Greater Bendigo, is championing healthy, delicious food and drinks. With a focus on fresh, nourishing food prepared onsite, the Centre now offers wholegrain wraps, roast veggie frittatas, fruit and yoghurt cups, and home-made icy poles using 100% fruit juice and yoghurt – all aligned with the Healthy Choices Guidelines.
Senior Coordinator, Tamara Norden, said joining Vic Kids Eat Well aligned perfectly with the Centre’s core purpose.
“We’ve always had a strong focus on health and wellbeing – it’s what we do. But our food offering hadn’t quite caught up with that. We wanted the food and drinks served to reflect the health and wellbeing values we promote throughout the Centre,” Mrs Norden said.
Team collaboration was key to Peter Krenz’s success. Everyone pitched in – from reception staff helping prep food to Tamara jumping into the kitchen as their food safety supervisor.
“The kids go straight for the site-made yoghurt and fruit icy poles after swimming – they’re refreshing, filling and naturally flavoured. The wraps are also a hit – soft, tasty and packed with colourful veggies,” Mrs Norden said.
With support from Vic Kids Eat Well, the Centre’s delicious and healthy food offerings became very popular. Weekly sales increased and the Centre recently expanded kitchen support hours to meet growing demand.
“We made the changes with Vic Kids Eat Well years ago, and there’s no going backwards. Now it’s all about how we keep making our food and drink offering better for families,” Mrs Norden said.
Get involved
The City of Greater Bendigo will host a Healthy Choices Forum on Thursday 19 June 2025 to bring together local and regional organisations committed to making nutritious food and drink options accessible in community sports venues.
Held at the Bendigo Tennis Centre, this free event is designed for sports clubs, sports and recreation facilities and health services to build connections and learn from local success stories.
A highlight will be a deep pe presentation into Peter Krenz Leisure Centre’s lasting improvements as well as presentations from the Healthy Eating Advisory Service and Vic Kids Eat Well.
Deb Simpson, Manager Active and Healthy Communities at City of Greater Bendigo, said the upcoming forum is a chance to learn how local action can have lasting impact.
“Peter Krenz Leisure Centre is a fantastic example of what’s possible with Vic Kids Eat Well, the Healthy Choices Guidelines and a shared commitment. We encourage all local centres, sports cubs and suppliers to come along to the forum, connect with others and be part of creating nourishing community spaces,” Ms Simpson said.
Healthy Choices Forum
Date: Thursday 19 June 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Venue: Bendigo Tennis Centre, 21-26 Nolan Street, Bendigo VIC 3550
Register: www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/events/healthy-choices-forum
Vic Kids Eat Well is a free initiative supported by the Victorian Government and delivered by Cancer Council Victoria, in partnership with National Nutrition Foundation.
To learn more about Vic Kids Eat Well or join for free, visit: www.vickidseatwell.health.vic.gov.au
For event media enquiries:
Deb Simpson
Manager Active and Healthy Communities, City of Greater Bendigo
d.simpson@bendigo.vic.gov.au Call: 1300 002 642