Physical activity is important for everyone’s physical and mental wellbeing. It can reduce your risk of chronic health conditions; such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer, as well as help to reduce social isolation and strengthen social connections.
Each year Central Highlands Rural Health participates in Premier’s Active April by encouraging the community to be active and log their minutes of physical activity during the month of April. Planning for Active April requires working in partnership with Hepburn Shire Council, Neighbourhood Houses and Sports Central to provide a calendar of sport and active recreation offerings across the region.
In collaboration with Hepburn Shire Council, walk to school initiatives are developed in consultation with local primary schools, this has included ‘walking bus’ activities, local bush walks and school buses dropping students off in a safe place away from the school to allow for a short walk to the school grounds. Initiatives are supported by VicHealth who are working toward more opportunities for children and families to participate in physical activity and active travel where appropriate.
During 2018 – 2019 Central Highlands Rural Health (then Hepburn Health Service) played a key role in the development of the Hepburn Shire Council’s Active Women’s and Girls Strategy . Leading the community consultation process, we have established and continued to build good relationships with local sport and active recreation organisations.
Premier’s Active April
https://app.activeapril.vic.gov.au/
For more information please contact the Population Health Team
Active Women and Girls Strategy Alliance
Central Highlands Primary Care Partnership
Clunes Neighbourhood Centre
Creswick Neighbourhood Centre
Daylesford Neighbourhood House
Hepburn Shire Council
Sport and Rec Victoria
Sports Central
Trentham Neighbourhood Centre