Released 21/05/2018
Eight local organisations will roll out programs to support more active lifestyles and improve the eating habits of Canberrans in the latest round of the ACT Government’s Health Promotion Innovation Grant program.
These grants are designed to encourage the community to think outside the square and find innovative solutions and creative ideas to create a healthier Canberra.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Meegan Fitzharris congratulated the winning organisations and said the projects that will be funded will help give the ACT the edge it needs to improve our standards of living and encourage more healthy lifestyles.
“When 80 per cent of the burden of disease and injury in the ACT is caused by chronic conditions, we need to tap into the intellect, ideas and creativity of our people and organisations to develop programs that will change habits and encourage change as early as possible.
“I am pleased to announce that the following organisations have received grants:
- Amaroo School will conduct a student-led project that aims to increase the range of healthy foods available for purchase by students and staff at the school.
- Community Services #1 will deliver a nutrition education program specifically tailored to the needs of their client groups.
- Narrabundah Early Childhood School will deliver a nutrition education program that focuses on healthy lunchboxes for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander families that attend their Koori preschool.
- Nutrition Australia ACT will develop and deliver a professional development module for secondary school teachers so that they have increased knowledge and confidence to teach nutrition education.
- Pedal Power ACT will deliver a skills-based program that supports families to confidently teach their children to safely ride a bicycle.
- St Clare’s College will conduct a student-led project that aims to enhance the healthy food and drink environment at the school in conjunction with their canteen provider and through the establishment of a kitchen garden program.
- The Food Cooperative Shop will pilot a series of free cooking and nutrition classes for ANU students to provide them with the knowledge and skills to prepare healthy and inexpensive meals.
- The University of Canberra will conduct a project that encourages older Canberrans to participate in physical activity in a range of natural outdoor settings across the ACT.
Each organisation will receive funding up to $15,000 to develop their program.
“Prevention is more important than ever. It really is the key to taking pressure off our health system, helping people understand their health better and improving the health and wellbeing of our community.
“Encouraging children to be healthy is particularly important to me, and it’s great to see several schools, early childhood providers and other groups focusing on children’s health with these grants.
“The grants announced today demonstrate the ACT Government’s commitment to investing in projects that will make a lasting, positive difference to Canberrans of all ages,” said Minister Fitzharris.
For further details about the ACT Health Promotion Grants Program visit www.health.act.gov.au/hpgrants
- Statement ends -
Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases
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