$1.48 million in health promotion grants funding for Canberra community


Released 06/09/2016

Improving the health of the Canberra community is the driver behind $1.48 million in funding announced today through the Health Promotion Innovation Fund and Healthy Canberra Grants scheme by Assistant Health Minister Meegan Fitzharris.

This funding will support projects that aim to reduce overweight and obesity, reduce smoking and alcohol-related harm, and support healthy active ageing in the ACT population.

“I’m pleased to announce that the following organisations have received a Health Promotion Innovation Fund grant in the June 2016 funding round: Alzheimer's Australia ACT; Amaroo School; Kirinari Early Childhood Centre, Lyons Early Childhood School; Mount Rogers Primary School; Pedal Power ACT; and Tuggeranong Link of Community Houses and Centres,” Minister Fitzharris said.

“This funding also builds on $69,000 provided in the previous funding round in February 2016, which was provided to Ainslie School P&C Association, Belconnen Arts Centre, Goodwin Aged Care Services, Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services of the ACT, and Warehouse Circus.

“The ACT Government is committed to funding projects that work directly with our community to improve health and create change in different settings and across different age demographics.

“For example, projects underway at Ainslie School P&C Association, Amaroo School and Lyons Early Childhood School will encourage and support children and young people to adopt healthy eating in the school environment.

“Projects to be implemented by Alzheimer's Australia ACT, Goodwin Aged Care Services and Tuggeranong Link of Community Houses and Centres will aim to improve the health and wellbeing of seniors through participation in a range of physical activities and practical healthy nutrition education sessions,” Minister Fitzharris said.

Healthy Canberra Grants provides funding of around $2 million each year for community-based projects.

“I’m pleased to announce that the following organisations have received Healthy Canberra Grants to implement their projects: OzHarvest Limited; Chinese Language and Culture Association; Arthritis ACT; The Pharmacy Guild of Australia-ACT Branch; Reclink Australia; Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education Limited and Australian Breastfeeding Association.

“The 2016 ACT Chief Health Officer’s Report highlighted that age-associated chronic diseases and alcohol and tobacco related harms were a serious concern, which is why it’s so important we fund these important health projects to help improve outcomes where it is needed most.

“For example, Arthritis ACT received funding to increase the strength and balance of the over 65s, which contributes to a reduction in falls and enables continued involvement in physical activity. The grant to the Pharmacy Guild of Australia – ACT Branch will help to address tobacco-related health issues by promoting the benefits of smoking cessation interventions for pregnant women through their local pharmacy networks.

“In addition to the funding announced today, I’m pleased to announce the next round of Healthy Canberra Grants that will provide up to $670,000 in funding over the next three years for prevention programs that support healthy ageing.

“This funding recognises that reducing age-related chronic disease risk factors is an important and growing priority for our community.

“Applications for this funding will open on 15 September 2016 and close on 18 October 2016. I encourage community organisations and not for profit groups to submit their expression of interest for the opportunity to share in this funding,” Minister Fitzharris concluded.

Further details about funding opportunities available through the ACT Health Promotion Grants Program, including application forms and funding guidelines, is available at www.health.act.gov.au/hpgrants.

- Statement ends -

Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases

Media Contacts

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richardd.fox@act.gov.au


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