The council was Highly Commended in the 'Councils with populations of 15,000 or less' category.

"Circular Head Council won this award due to the extent that recreation and leisure is prioritised, their Health and Wellbeing policy and extensive range of initiatives that target a range of population groups. The Heart Foundation congratulates all those involved in this successful program" said Graeme Lynch Heart Foundation CEO.

"The awards are important because they recognise the outstanding achievements of local governments in the continuing fight against heart disease - the number one killer of Australian men and women," said Mr Lynch.

"Local governments play a pivotal role in introducing structural change, implementing policies and creating supportive environments which allow people to be physically active, reduce smoking and improve their nutrition," he said.

Circular Head Council General Manager thanked the Heart Foundation for recognising Council's balance program.

"balance is about Council building on its existing recreational infrastructure and facilities to develop programs that cater to a wide cross section of our community," he said.

"The success of this program is thanks to not only our staff, but also for the community, which has fully embraced the initiative.

"This fully demonstrates Council's commitment to further support and encourage an active, vibrant and inclusive community."

Now in their 19th year, the awards were established to recognise initiatives from local governments that have contributed to improving heart health in Australian communities. 

This year the awards took on a new look, and were re-named the 'Healthy Community Awards' after previously being known as the Heart Foundation Local Government Awards. The change reflects a desire to recognise Councils that are working to address as many elements of a healthy community as possible.

Important elements of a healthy community include:

• Opportunities for recreational and incidental physical activity.
• Safe, connected walkable catchments.
• Accessible, safe and appealing environments and facilities that encourage healthy lifestyles.
• Access to affordable healthy foods.
• Smoke-free environments.
• Opportunities for community members to lead interactive and socially connected lives.
• Appropriate, well designed and maintained infrastructure that supports recreation, social interaction and active transport options.

Circular Head Council is one of four local governments in Tasmania recognised with a state award for initiatives that create a healthy community.

Other Tasmania awards include:

Winners: Dorset Council, Hobart City Council

Highly Commended: Circular Head Council, Clarence City Council

Circular Head Community Development Officer Yvonne Stone accepts the award from Heart Foundation CEO Graeme Lynch.