While Bundaberg Regional Council’s popular Be Active Be Alive pools program gets ready to make its final splash, a new season of unique and energising activities is underway across the region.
Local fitness instructor Kara Clark, who has been part of the program for six years, is leading two much‑loved classes in 2026: Strength and Stretch and BoxFit.
We caught up with Kara to learn more about her classes, the impact they’re having and what keeps her coming back year after year.
How long have you been involved in the Be Active Be Alive program?
I’ve been involved with the program for six years now.
It’s one of the most consistent and rewarding parts of what I do.
What can people expect from your classes?
Strength and Stretch is a structured class built around mind-muscle connection.
We work through bodyweight movement and light resistance using dumbbells, resistance bands and a full rotation of equipment.
I perform the exercises with the group and I provide adaptations throughout so everyone can work at their own level.
BoxFit is held outdoors in the park.
Gloves and pads are supplied and shadow boxing is always an option for those who prefer no impact.
It’s cardiovascular, core-focused and genuinely a lot of fun.
What benefits do attendees gain?
The physical benefits are real and measurable including improved mobility and flexibility, increased strength, better balance, pain management and injury prevention.
One participant shared that they’d gone from being too frail to wash their hair or carry a washing basket to mowing their lawn within six months.
They credited the class with rebuilding not just their physical strength but their independence and sense of community.
Another told us their hip pain has practically disappeared.
These aren’t isolated stories, they’re what I hear regularly.
How do you support people of different ages, abilities or fitness levels?
Every class is designed to be adapted in real time.
I’m a qualified PT and I’m comfortable providing individual adaptations within a group setting.
The class welcomes guide dogs, wheelchairs and any other mobility-assisting devices.
I’m also happy for people to reach out to me before their first session.
That way I know who they are when they walk in and I can give them an extra warm welcome and make sure they’re comfortable from the start.
What’s your favourite thing about the program?
The way it removes the barriers that usually keep people out – cost, location, confidence, not knowing where to start.
It allows people to participate in a fitness program they might otherwise have never tried and in doing so it builds genuine community.
That’s what I’m here for.
In your view, what impact has the program had on the community?
I’m really proud of what this program has built in Elliot Heads.
The Be Active Be Alive initiative was actually how Strength and Stretch got started there and what grew from it has been running independently for 18 months.
It has continued to provide affordable, accessible fitness to the coastal community long after the funded program ended.
That’s the lasting impact these initiatives can have when the community gets behind them.
I’m so grateful Council continues to invest in programs like this.
The ripple effect is real and it starts with getting people through the door for the first time.
To get in touch with Kara about joining a class, you can call her on 0437 034 799 or email wildonefitness1@gmail.com
Get involved today
The Be Active Be Alive program continues to offer a mix of classes and new ways for residents to move, stretch, strengthen and enjoy the outdoors.
All sessions are free, inclusive and suitable for all ages and abilities with no bookings required.
For all classes and times, check out the full program here.
For class notifications and updates, follow the Be Active Bundy Region Facebook page.
