Hearts and minds are set to get a welcome boost across the Loddon Campaspe region with the Andrews Labor Government today announcing funding to get locals more active, more often.
Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford announced $150,000 for the Healthy Heart for Victoria initiative in Bendigo ahead of tonight’s Loddon Campaspe Regional Assembly.
The project is a direct result of the Labor Government’s engagement with the local community, led last year by the Loddon Campaspe Regional Partnership.
The initiative will help align regional and state-wide efforts to tackle preventable health problems, in particular - obesity and mental health issues.
The Loddon Campaspe Region has an adult obesity rate of 23.4 per cent. This is the highest rate of obesity across all Regional Partnership regions, and compares to a state average of 17.4 per cent.
Data shows about two thirds of Victorian adults and a quarter of kids are overweight or obese – and those rates are rising. Obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and cancer, costing the state $14.4 billion each year.
With these statistics in mind, the regional Partnership identified the need to tackle poor health outcomes in the Loddon Campaspe region as one of its top priories.
The $150,000 grant will support a business case to accelerate and target existing efforts for more impact, including those identified in the six Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plans.
Funding for the ‘Healthy Heart” comes from the Victorian 2017/18 Budget allocation of $29 million to support Regional Partnership priorities across Victoria.
Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford
“There is nothing more important to Victorians than our health. Our Loddon Campaspe Regional Partnership told us that this was an absolute priority – we’ve listened and look forward to the results.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy
“It’s fantastic to see the Loddon Campaspe community coming together to improve the health and wellbeing of local families. By working together, we can support more people to live more active and healthy lifestyles."
Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan
“Just 30 minutes of exercise a day can be all the difference to leading a happier and healthier life. This is just the beginning to laying those critical foundations.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
“We all know that a healthy body leads to a healthy mind. This is a great initiative for our region and will go a long way to tackling a State and National epidemic.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020