Member for Calwell, Maria Vamvakinou announced today $410,000 for Hume Council to tackle overweight and obesity issues under the Rudd Government’s Healthy Communities program.
As part of the program, Hume Council will receive funding to construct community gardens and kitchens, along with a Healthy Food Co-Op.
The funding will see a sporting equipment recycling program run from a centre coordinated by the long-term unemployed.
The funding will also allow for the running of a Healthy Hume Festivals and a Learning Caravan that will visit different areas in Hume to share information on healthy lifestyles.
Ms Vamvakinou welcomed the funding for Hume Council as a good opportunity to help those in the community most isolated and in need of assistance to get and keep fit.
“This investment will help people across Hume City to get involved in activities to get people active and to provide information on healthy lifestyles,’’ Ms Vamvakinou said.
Successful applicants in the pilot round were among a representative group invited to submit proposals in a grant process held between December 2009 and January 2010. The pilot round specifically targeted disadvantaged groups, particularly those not in the workforce and at risk of developing lifestyle-related chronic disease.
The Healthy Communities program is funded from the Rudd Government’s $872 Million record investment in preventative health. Further applications from the $72 Million Healthy Communities initiative will be invited later in 2010, with a further round in 2011.
In addition to the Local Government Area Grants, the Healthy Communities initiative will provide National Program Grants to not-for-profit organisations to support proven and sustainable programs aimed at improving adults’ physical activity levels, healthy eating behaviours and/or weight.
Media contact: Marianthi Kypuros: (03) 9309 3655.
