Healthy Active Australia
Communities right round Australia will be walking, cycling, lifting and eating their way to good health thanks to $6 million in grants.
It is expected that when fully operational these programs will be helping at least 150,000 people improve their health.
Six not-for-profit organisations will receive a total of $6.32 million to implement six national programs to help fight obesity, and to promote physical activity and healthy eating.
The successful organisations and their programs are:
• National Heart Foundation of Australia: Heart Foundation Walking.
• Cycling Australia (with Amy Gillett Foundation): AustCycle.
• National Heart Foundation – N.S.W. Division: Heartmoves.
• Fitness Australia (with Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute): Lift for Life.
• Macarthur Division of General Practice (with Exercise and Sports Science Australia): Healthy Eating, Activity and Lifestyle Program.
• Diabetes Australia NSW: Beat It – Physical Activity and Lifestyle Program.
Health Minister Nicola Roxon joined a Heart Foundation Walking group today in Queensland to make the announcement. Mums, dads, grandparents and friends came together from around Brisbane to walk a circuit in Keating Park, Indooroopilly as an example of the programs funded as part of the initiative.
“These programs involve a good mix of activities, including walking and cycling programs, plus specific physical activities and strength-based training. Two of the selected programs also focus on educating people in making good food and nutrition choices,” Ms Roxon said.
“Communities right across Australia will benefit from the grants program as each successful organisation is required to expand their healthy lifestyle programs across the country.
“In recognition of the levels of disadvantage faced by some communities, the initiative will specifically target disadvantaged groups, particularly those not in the workforce and at risk of developing lifestyle-related chronic disease.
“We know that these groups and programs will make a difference because every successful applicant has a track record of delivering community-based, healthy lifestyle programs in two or more locations,” Ms Roxon said.
A new website will be developed to help people search for the successful activities and services in their local area and promote healthy lifestyle programs.
The Healthy Communities Initiative is funded from this Government’s $872 million record investment in preventative heath. Further details on the Healthy Communities Initiative can be found at www.healthyactive.gov.au.