Carcoola Primary School 'trim track’ out to combat Pinjarra’s weighty issue

Pinjarra was labelled Australia’s fattest town in November last year, after data released from the Australian Bureau of the Statistics revealed 76.2 per cent of Pinjarra’s population over the age of 18 was either overweight or obese.

That translates to 4205 residents having a body mass index of 25 or more, and 2156 of those being considered obese.

But the local primary school is pitching in to combat those numbers, with the hope the trim track will highlight the importance of exercise to both students and the public.

Year 3-4 teacher and project coordinator Andrew Batten said the obesity issue was important to the school, which found it important to deliver a fit and healthy message to its students.

“We thought the fact that this was a local issue, effecting people in our town, made it really important,” he said.

“We’re just trying to lead by example and show the kids at our school how important it is to get out and exercise.

“Really it’s as simple as getting outside and being active.”

The track will cover the circumference of the oval, and will consist of 17 stations set up as an obstacle course including the likes of balance beams and hurdles.

Mr Batten said the project, which would be open to the public when completed, had been bolstered by the support of the Murray community.

Dwellingup Sawmill donated all the timber needed to build the track, which otherwise would have costed the school $1200.

“The Sawmill has been absolutely fantastic in helping us out and generously donating the materials for us,” Mr Batten said.

“It’s a project the community can really be involved in and also enjoy once it’s finished.”

The school is still searching for more contributions to the trim track.

To learn more about the project or to pitch in, call Carcoola Primary School on 9531 1399.