Miss Me-time is an initiative run by Sports Focus which aims to re-engage women in sport through a series of activities. The four-part series starts on Thursday at 9.30am.

We know the first activity will be an indoors, that there will be no spectators, and attendees should meet at the bus stop at Myers Street outside the Coles carpark in Bendigo. 

But Sports Focus project coordinator Natalie Lake has been mysterious about the nature of the exercise.

“Sometimes women can put up perceptions about what they can and can’t do,” she said. 

She hoped the element of surprise would encourage participants to be open to new ideas. 

The activities are not strenuous and are designed for all levels of fitness, the first priorities being that the participants are being active and enjoying themselves. 

Ms Lake said there was a perception with sport that people needed to be fully committed or they were unlikely to participate. 

“This is just about getting started,” she said. Participants can stay as long or as little as they like and no RSVP is required.

The sessions are for women only and children are welcome.

The second session is on May 26 from 9.30am and involves another indoor activity, followed by complimentary tea and coffee. Attendees will meet at the car park at 140 Victoria Street, Eaglehawk.

The third session involves an outdoor activity, from 1.30pm on May 31. Participants will meet outside the Spring Gully General Store.

Ms Lake encouraged attendees to bring a few dollars for tea and coffee after the session, and to come in their active wear. 

The fourth session, on June 10, is indoors and requires non-marking shoes. It starts at 6.30pm and will meet at the corner of View Street and Barnard Street in Bendigo. 

Funding for the program has come from VicHealth, which is running a campaign to help women become more active. 

More than two-thirds of Australian women are classified as being sedentary or having low levels of exercise, according to VicHealth, yet women demonstrate the strongest intent to increase levels of physical activity and are seeking out social and non-organised sport and physical activities.

Ms Lake said there were about 70,000 women in Greater Bendigo. 

She encouraged those interested in the program to see the Miss Me-time Facebook page or call Sports Focus on 5442 3101