Rhonda Carroll enjoys the fun and health benefits of Parap Pool’s STAARS aquarobic classes

A community group for Darwin locals is going strong after 20 years. Meet some of the members of the fitness and fun STAARS program.

STAARs crew swimmers Helen Bate, Kerry Douglas, Sue Gralike, Judy Miller and Karen Wileman at the Parap Swimming Pool for some midweek fitness. Picture: Floss Adams.

For 18 years, Rhonda Carroll has been an active member of the STAARS Aquarobic classes.

Ms Carroll has seen many people come and go in her time with the Senior Territorians Active and Resilient Group.

Initially taking up the classes as a way to keep fit, Ms Carroll said it had flowed on to improve other aspects of her life.

“When I retired I decided I needed to do something in the way of exercise,” the Darwin resident of 50 years said.

“I’ve had various knee troubles so it’s certainly helped with that.

“In the water you can pretty much do everything without any problems.”

Co-founder of the STAARs group Paula Martin with her class at the Parap Swimming Pool. Picture: Lily McCure.

For 20 years the STAARS program, run out of the Parap Pool, has provided aquarobics as a way to socialise, stay active and as a means of rehabilitation after injury.

While the initial aim of the program was to help asthma sufferers in improving their general wellbeing, STAARS has gone on to provide a more inclusive service.

Participants are 63 to 85 years old, with classes running twice weekly at a capacity of about 50.

Sue Gralike suffers from arthritis and has been a member of STAARS for six months.

Ms Gralike said she had already felt the positive impacts of the classes.

STAARs crew swimmers Kerry Douglas, Judy Miller, Sue Gralike and Karen Wileman are excited to be there for the aquarobics class at the Parap Swimming Pool for some midweek fitness. Picture: Floss Adams.

“You can move and be active without the weight bearing ... so you haven’t got the pain,” she said.

“When you’ve got arthritis (the water) is really gentle on you.”

Starting with 16 members, the group has grown dramatically to its current 78 members.

This coming Monday the group will be celebrating its 20th anniversary.

“I’ll be doing this until I can’t do it any more,” Ms Gralike said.

Originally published as Rhonda Carroll enjoys the fun and health benefits of Parap Pool’s STAARS aquarobic classes