Funding for a healthier community

LISMORE City Council is set on improving the overall health of the community after receiving funding as part of the national Healthy Communities Initiative.

LISMORE City Council has its sights set on improving the overall health of the local community after receiving $566,000 in Federal Government funding as part of the national Healthy Communities Initiative.

Council's Community Services Coordinator, Annie McWilliam, said the funding would largely go towards a 'Move2Change' project designed to tackle obesity and heart disease in our community.

"The project will include locally delivered initiatives designed to encourage and support active lifestyles and reduce barriers to healthy choices," Ms McWilliam said.

"For example we will be constructing an all-abilities exercise station at Nesbitt Park; a FOODcents program aimed at providing budgeting advice for at-risk communities with limited incomes; and a learn-to-swim class for Lismore's African community.

"The project will also facilitate the delivery of national health programs such as Healthy Eating and Lifestyle (HEAL), Heartmoves and Heart Foundation Walking.

"All of the project related events and activities will be conducted throughout the local government area, including at the Goonellabah Sports and Aquatic Centre and in public spaces and parks throughout Lismore, Nimbin, Dunoon and Clunes."

Lismore City Council Mayor, Jenny Dowell, said she was delighted to have received the funding and was looking forward to being able to provide people in the community with more of the resources they may require to improve their health.

"The increase in the number of people who are obese or overweight is a widely recognised challenge for communities everywhere. 

"I think locally, we as a community have to do everything we can to help tackle the problem, and that is where a significant funding boost like this becomes invaluable," Councillor Dowell said.

Lismore City Council was announced as a Healthy Communities Initiative Local Government Area Grant recipient by the Minister for Health and Ageing on December 6, 2011. 

The grant is subject to the successful negotiation of a funding agreement.

Originally published as Funding for a healthier community