For the Western Bulldogs, community engagement has long been a vital component of the club's ethos and 2017 sees a continuing investment in supporting activities and services that assist those in the Western Region, including Ballarat.

Among the many ways in which the Bulldogs provide assistance to those for whom English is not the primary language is the ‘Healthy Living’ initiative, part of the Western Bulldogs 'Ready, Settle, Go' program, which has already assisted thousands of newly arrived adult migrants and refugees.

The ‘Healthy Living’ Program aims to provide newly arrived migrants who have a low English proficiency with a better understanding of health and wellbeing in Australia.

In conjunction with AMES Australia at its St Albans campus, a six-week ‘Healthy Living’ program is already underway, with more to follow at various locations throughout 2017.

Each week participants engage in a two-hour session, comprising a 45-minute group information session and workshop, a 15-minute break and changeover, and 60-minute session of physical activity relating to the first hour of the session (for example, yoga, swimming or gentle exercise).

Term 2 will see the program rolled out to a further 100 participants at Victoria University's Sunshine campus, with five classes of 20 to take part in the initiative. The program can be tailored to suit the needs of the individual groups.

The Bulldogs' 'Ready, Settle, Go' program is now in its 10th year of assisting migrants and refugees in need of a helping hand.