VicHealth and the City of Greater Bendigo are working together to improve access to clean drinking water as part of the Water in Sports program.

Bendigo locals will have better access to free water this summer with the installation of six new water fountains thanks to a grant from the Victorian Government.

The fountains are being installed as part of a partnership between the City of Greater Bendigo, the Victorian Government, and VicHealth to ensure locals get access to free fresh water at popular sports and recreation areas such as Lake Weeroona.

The City of Greater Bendigo contacted Civiq because of its industry-leading range of water stations, designed for public spaces. Civiq recommended the Aquafil FlexiFountain 1500BFF, which is a dual-height drinking fountain & water bottle refilling station.

The unit includes two drinking fountains set at different heights, allowing easy access for users of all ages. It also has two anti-bacterial bottle refill nozzles, a removable panel for easy filter replacement, and customisable graphics panels with anti-graffiti protection. Other customised options can include an inbuilt water filter, dog drinking bowls, sub-floor drainage, an inbuilt water meter, and remote water chiller. The drinking station has a two-year warranty and is ideal for busy outdoor campuses, sports grounds, and parks.

The new fountains will also include a tap for refilling water bottles, in order to reduce the amount of single-use plastic bottles being used and then discarded in the area.

Making water the drink of choice, instead of sugary drinks, is an important step in implementing the Victorian Government’s Healthy Choices guidelines, which aim to improve the supply and promotion of healthy foods and drinks in the community.

Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards stated that the Government was pleased to partner with the City of Greater Bendigo and VicHealth to help make the healthy choice the easy choice for locals.

“It’s really important we stay hydrated, particularly as the weather heats up and we’re out and about getting active,” Ms. Edwards said.

“We want to encourage Greater Bendigo locals to choose tap water instead of sugary drinks. Water is great for us, free and now even more accessible. With nearly two-thirds of Victorian adults currently overweight or obese, reducing your intake of sugary drinks is one way to promote a healthier diet and improve health, prevent tooth decay – and save money.”

6 units have been installed across key Bendigo sites: three at Lake Weeroona, one at Weeroona Oval, and two at North Bendigo Oval.

Greater Bendigo Mayor, Councillor Margaret O’Rourke, said the City is encouraging people to take advantage of the new fountains because, “Refilling a water bottle is good for the environment, good for your health, and saves money.”