Today however members of the group benefit from the use of weights, exercise bikes, rowing machines, a cross trainer and a mini trampoline.

The group is very excited this week with the arrival of a new treadmill.

The group received a $2300 grant for the treadmill through the Caring for Ageing in Rural Australia Program. It was supplied by Matt Lowe of Bathurst Fitness Supplies Australia.

Physiotherapist Jennifer Mannell – who works with locals who use the exercise sessions to deal with pulmonary and cardio rehabilitation, fall prevention and other conditions – said the beauty of the group is that it allows people exercise for an affordable price and not have to bear Oberon's weather. “In a community like Oberon, you are at the mercy of the weather, and this way they can avoid the extremes,” she said.

The group make a gold coin donations to use the equipment and these funds generally pay for extra equipment.

Jennifer said that members of the group can come in and work at their own pace, as well as socialising with other users, which improves their mental attitude.

“Some users live on their own, so they can incorporate socialising into their exercise,” she said.

Another advantage of the exercise group, and the addition of the new treadmill, is that locals don't have to travel to Bathurst and pay for expensive gym memberships to assist their rehabilitation.