Investing in a healthier Geelong starts with listening to our community

HAVING a thriving community in Geelong depends greatly on the health of our population. Last week, I had the privilege of attending the launch of the 2024 Geelong Preventative Health Survey findings.

This survey is commissioned by Council every three to four years and gives us a real insight into how we’re doing as a community.

It asks how healthy we are, how connected we feel and tells Council where we need to focus to make Geelong a healthier, safer and more supportive place to live.

It looks at everything from healthy eating and exercise to mental health, loneliness, alcohol use, personal safety and even how climate change is affecting people’s wellbeing.

It’s the only survey of its kind to give us strong, reliable, local data down to suburb level, right across Geelong and the Bellarine.

Some of the results are encouraging. Nearly eight out of ten people are satisfied with their lives and 65 per cent of residents are meeting physical activity guidelines.

We’ve also seen a welcome drop in the number of people experiencing high psychological distress compared to the COVID years.

But there are some serious challenges too.

One in four people across Greater Geelong say they feel lonely. Among young people and people living with a disability, the rates jump to over 60 per cent – an alarming figure, especially when we know how much loneliness affects physical and mental health.

The survey also shows that 20 per cent of people are worried about having enough money for food, while eight per cent have already gone without. These issues are deeply connected to mental health and wellbeing.

At the launch, keynote speaker Dr Norman Swan made this point clearly. He reminded us that health is about more than individual choices – it’s shaped by things like food security, housing and social connection.

He also spoke about the importance of early intervention for psychological distress, especially for parents of young children, because those early years are vital for lifelong health and development.

The survey results also show that not every suburb is facing the same challenges. Here on the Bellarine, for example, we’re seeing different patterns to other parts of Greater Geelong, which is why Council is focused on local, targeted action – not a one-size-fits-all approach.

The survey gives us a clearer picture of how priority groups are going, including older adults, people with disabilities, multicultural communities and LGBTQIA+ residents.

This is vital information, as it helps us deliver fairer and more effective programs and services.

With this data in hand, Council and our partners can make better decisions which are based on evidence and community need.

Right now, we’re working on two important projects, our next Community Plan and our new Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan.

These plans will shape the services, infrastructure and programs Council delivers for the next four years.

We’ll be inviting you to have your say on both plans soon and I encourage everyone to submit your views when they’re posted on Council’s website.

Keep an eye on our Have Your Say page at www.geelongaustralia.com.au/yoursay for updates and you can read the full survey results at geelongaustralia.com.au/gphs

Cr Elise Wikinson

Connewarre Ward,

City of Greater Geelong