Vince Cosentini is an active member of the Ginninderry community determined to make a difference. Through his love for fitness and thanks to the support of the Community Grants Program, the very first Ginninderry Jog was held last Saturday.

The weekly 5km walk or run (everyone is encouraged to go at their own pace) starts at the green corridor along Tredwell Street. It’s not just a chance to get your steps in either, as the event finishes with a tasty barbeque, and all profits will support a different charity each week.

The course is centred around Paddys Park, the unofficial heart of the Ginninderry community, and Vince’s cleverly planned route takes participants through two major streets of Strathnairn, followed by a scenic route along the golf course.

The first event supported the Cancer Council, which Vince explains gives the jog a meaningful component that gives back to those in need. He said a big thanks goes out to some of the generous organisations that have also come on board to support the event each week.

“We are very fortunate that Kippax Woolworths is one of our biggest sponsors. They are supplying all of the food for the barbecue, and it’s been fantastic to have them on board,” Vince said.

“We’ve also got a couple of the local sporting groups and organisations that are running free kids events from nine o’clock, giving up their time to try and give back to the community.”

These community led events are vital for this relevantly new area – forming connections between all residents and community members in an environment that encourages equal participation.

For Community Development Manager, Tulitha King, this is exactly what the Grants program was looking to achieve.

“In Ginninderry we have such a multicultural community. So, we’d like to encourage events everyone can join in on.”

If this sounds like an event you would like to get involved in, but you don’t live in the area, Vince says you can still come for a jog.

“Just come and mix with other people in the community. Yes, it’s a Ginninderry event, but at the end of the day, we’re just hosting an event in our backyard, we want anyone to come!”

With the support from the community Grants Program and involvement from locals, the Ginninderry Jog is occurring over eight weeks until 5^th November. So, get your running shoes on and get to know one of Canberra’s newest and most vibrant communities.