City charts healthier path

THE City of Greater Geelong is seeking feedback on its draft Community Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which sets the council’s health and wellbeing priorities for the next four years.

The strategy has been informed by consultation with the community and the findings of the 2024 Geelong Preventative Health Survey, released in April this year.

It outlines six key priorities, including:

• Mental wellbeing and social inclusion
• Equitable access to safe, healthy and sustainable food
• Physical activity and active living
• Gender equity and the prevention of violence
• Climate change and related health impacts, and
• Harm minimisation associated with tobacco, vaping, alcohol misuse and gambling.

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said the city will work closely with community groups, organisations and key partners, such as local health services and educational institutions, to implement the strategy.

It will be realised through yearly actions plans, while an annual review will track the city’s progress towards the key objectives included in the strategy.

“The priorities identified in the strategy align with our Council Plan 2025-29 and the state-wide Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2023-2027,” Cr Kontelj said.

“They provide us with a clear direction for strategic partnerships to improve the health and wellbeing of our population.

“The annual review of the action plans will enable us to meet the changing needs of our community while also moving toward a healthier, happier Greater Geelong.”

The strategy has previously formed part of the city’s Community Plan, but from this year will exist as a standalone document, a move Cr Rowan Story said reflected the importance the city places on the health and wellbeing of the community.

He encouraged the community to engage with the consultation process and help identify areas where the strategy can be improved.

“This strategy aims to identify any areas of health disparity across the region, so community input is vital to ensure any areas of concern are heard from across all of Greater Geelong,” he said.

The feedback gathered will inform the final version of the strategy, which will be presented to the council for adoption in July.

For more information, or to provide feedback before 5pm on May 25, head to yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/CHWS