Health focus for Central Victorian projects

MORE projects are being rolled out across the Loddon Campaspe region as part of the Healthy Heart of Victoria initiative.

The projects are funded by the Victorian Government until June this year, aiming to improve the overall health of residents in the “heart of Victoria.”

“The initiative has already delivered a significant number of local activation projects including healthy eating programs, installation and activation of lighting, signage, path connections, outdoor fitness equipment, and school kitchen garden programs since its inception,” Healthy Heart of Victoria coordinator, Alicia O’Brien said.

“We’re looking forward to building on these programs to continue to promote health and wellbeing in the community.”

In Greater Bendigo, current projects include Café for a Day with Bendigo Foodshare, oval lighting in Kangaroo Flat, Long Gully and Heathcote, a wayfinding sign installation in Long Gully and an integrated nature playgroup in Kangaroo Flat.

Tai chi classes are running at the Long Gully Neighbourhood Centre, and there will also be an upgrade to the skate park and BMX track in Heathcote.

Healthy food and drink choices are currently being rolled out in City-run sporting venues across the municipality.

Other local government areas part of the initiative include the Campaspe, Central Goldfields, Loddon, Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander Shires.

According to the 2019 Active Living Census, two in three Loddon Campaspe residents are overweight or obese. Over 50 per cent of residents said they want to do more physical activity.

While only funded until June, Ms O’Brien said relevant stakeholders, including local governments and the Loddon Campaspe Regional Partnership, will continue to lobby for an extension.