Michelle Bridges

I don't get up to north Queensland all that often, so when I was asked recently to make a keynote address to Cairns Regional Council – and with the mercury in Sydney barely rising above 15 degrees – I had my hand up quicker than you could say, "Airport please, driver ..." Apart from the pleasure of meeting a bunch of inspirational women and men, I was blown away by what must be the most progressive approach to health and fitness by a local council in Australia.

Imagine a lovely esplanade bordered by the ocean on one side and well-maintained parkland on the other. Then picture great daily activities the length of the parkland scheduled at prescribed times: yoga, beach volleyball, aquarobics, tai chi, boxfit, Zumba and more. But here's the thing: they are free.

Michelle Bridges: "I was blown away by what must be the most progressive approach to health and fitness by a local council in Australia."Credit: Ellis Parrinder

Yes, you read correctly, free. Councils of Australia, listen up! There are 15 classes each day, a running group, a fitness playground with great equipment and a bouldering wall, plus a free entertainment event and Saturday market every week.

So how is it funded? According to Malcolm Robertson, the council's leisure venues co-ordinator, all revenue generated by commercial activities on the esplanade goes towards this amazingly progressive initiative, called Active Living. Council stumps up any shortfall because they cleverly recognise the importance of representing Cairns to tourists as a healthy, active, vibrant community. And they do that in spades. The place is dripping with triathletes, joggers, cyclists, exercisers.

Beetroot, feta and dill frittata.Credit: Henryk Lobaczewski

So is it popular? Well, they often have 100-150 participants in the aquarobics class (Saturdays at 8am in the lagoon – see you there) and a mind-blowing 500 participants in the Zumba class (Fridays at 5.30pm in Fogarty Park – bring a friend).

The council even puts on Pilates classes aimed at new mums that actually involve the bubs. Can these guys be any more progressive? Or have I died and gone to fitness heaven?

Michelle's tip
Check out your local council's fitness facilities and if they fall short, email your council this URL, showing how fitness facilities should be done: facebook.com/officialcairnsesplanade.

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QUICK & HEALTHY WITH MICHELLE

Beetroot, feta and dill frittata

Sweet beetroot combines with salty-tasting feta cheese to delicious effect in this recipe. It works well both hot and cold, and is a great quick lunch to serve when guests unexpectedly pop by.

SERVES 2

2 tsp olive oil

440g can whole baby beetroot, drained (and halved if large)

4 eggs

½ cup (60g) frozen peas

3 spring onions, finely chopped

1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped

50g low-kilojoule feta cheese, crumbled

freshly ground black pepper

mixed salad leaves, to serve

Method
Heat oil in a small, non-stick frying pan on high. Cook beetroot, turning occasionally, for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, lightly whisk eggs with 1 tbsp water in a medium bowl. Stir in peas, spring onion and dill.

Add egg mixture to pan. Sprinkle over feta and season with black pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes, pulling in sides with a spatula to help runny egg cook faster. When most of the egg is set, place under a preheated medium grill for 3-4 minutes or until golden, puffed and set.

Serve with the mixed salad leaves alongside.

Tip
If packing this frittata for lunch, wait until it's cool before placing in an airtight container.

Recipe from Superfoods Cookbook (Viking) by Michelle Bridges.