About Opal

What is Opal?

The Opal (Obesity Prevention and Lifestyle) program is a Federal, State and Local Government initiative that supports children (0-18 years) and their families to enjoy healthy eating and regular physical activity.

Opal is based on the French program EPODE which has improved healthy eating and physical activity habits of children and families in France.

Having the opportunities to enjoy healthy food and experience daily physical activity is critical for the wellbeing of children, and provides a launch pad for lifestyle choices into adulthood.

To learn more about Opal and its goals and strategies, please visit the Opal website.

How does Opal work?

Opal engages individuals and organisations to work together across the whole community and includes community groups, recreation and sports clubs, schools, health services, council and private businesses.

Sometimes this might mean making better use of existing programs and facilities and sometimes it will mean developing new ones that meet the needs of the community to support healthy lifestyles.

To find out if Opal is in your suburb, call Danielle on 0421 469 295.

Opal's Goals

• Increase active travel
• Increase active leisure
• Increase the use of public parks and spaces
• Improve home meals
• Increase healthy food at outlets
• Increase local food production and access

There are many good reasons for Opal

Children and families who are regularly active and enjoy healthy eating are more likely to enjoy many benefits like:

• Better general health - less risk of diabetes, heart disease, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure and some forms of cancer.
• More energy.
• Managing and improving stress better.
• More confidence.
• Better sleep.
• Stronger bones and healthier joints.
• Social benefits - enjoying eating healthy and being active are great ways to relax and spend time with family and friends.

Stats and Facts

Healthy Weight

Unhealthy weight is a serious health risk as it can lead to serious health problems throughout a persons' lifespan.

In 2004-05 in the City of Marion:

• 60% of persons over the age of 15 years were considered to be of an unhealthy weight.
• 39% of males over the age of 15 years were considered to be overweight and 17% were obese.
• 25% of females over the age of 15 years were considered to be overweight and 15% were obese.

Physical Activity

In 2004-05 in the City of Marion:

• 31% of persons aged 15 years and over were inactive.
• Children should be physically active for at least 60 minutes per day and spend no more than 2 hours a day surfing the internet, watching television or playing video/computer games.
• Adults should participate in at least 30 minutes each day of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, preferably all, days and limit the time spent on inactive activities such as watching television or using the computer.

Healthy Eating

In 2004-05 in the City of Marion only 50% of the population aged over 12 years consumed the recommended daily serves of fruit.

Most Australians eat only half the amount of fruit and vegetables recommended for good health. Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables not only contributes to good health, but also protects against a number of diseases and helps maintain a healthy weight.

Adults need to eat at least 2 serves of fruit and 5 serves of vegetables each day. The amount that children need depends on their age.

Helpful Information

To find out how much fruit and vegetables children need to eat: How many fruit and vegetables do children need to eat(234 kb) 

To find out how much a serve of fruit and vegetables is: How much is a serve(50 kb)

For tips for enjoying healthy eating Make it FUN: Healthy Eating Tips(599 kb)

For tips for being more active: Tips for getting active(945 kb)

For tips on reducing screen time: For reducing screen time(1647 kb)

For tips on how to actively travel more: Active Travel Tips for Parents(689 kb)

Contact us

City of Marion Opal Team
Monday to Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm
Phone: 0421 469 295
Email: opal@marion.sa.gov.au
Post: PO Box 21, Oaklands Park SA 5047

Come in and visit us in person:
Marion OPAL Space
Glandore Community Centre
25 Naldera Street
Glandore SA 5037

In person opening hours: Monday to Friday 10.00am - 2.00pm