$26m in Local Grants Available for Healthy Communities

8/07/2011

The Gillard Government is calling on local governments around Australia to promote healthy lifestyles and apply for more than $26 million worth of Healthy Communities Grants 

Acting Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler said an additional $26 million was on offer to local governments to run innovative healthy lifestyle programs and activities that have a focus on supporting adults who are not in the paid workforce.

“We already have over 40 local governments successfully delivering Healthy Community projects around the country so it’s exciting that this third round of funding will deliver these programs to a further 47 communities,” Mr Butler said. 

“We know that prevention works that’s why we are encouraging all Australian’s to get active, eat well and adopt healthier lifestyles.

“The Gillard Government wants to keep Australians well and out of hospital, and programs like Healthy Communities provide practical support to people looking to make a healthy change.

“Through Healthy Communities local governments are introducing innovative healthy eating and exercise programs including community gardens and activities to learn how to cycle safely to help combat obesity.

Local Governments can apply for grants of more than $500,000 to deliver, purchase or provide community-based physical activity and healthy eating programs and activities and to increase the capacity of the community to promote healthy living.

Applications are open to local governments, consortia of local governments and regional organisations of councils can apply through the current application round which will close on 19 August 2011. Information on how to apply will be available here 

The $71.8 million Healthy Communities program is funded from the Gillard Government’s $872 million record investment in preventative heath.

Local Governments looking for more information on incorporating the Lift for Life program into their Healthy Communities Initiative funding application should contact Samantha Raheb, Lift for Life Program Coordinator or (02) 8338 3010 or samantha.raheb@fitness.org.au for more information.