31 October 2012

Circular Head Mayor Daryl Quilliam was today presented with an award in the ‘Councils with populations of 15,000 or less’ category of the 2012 Heart Foundation Healthy Community Awards.

“I’m very thankful to the Heart Foundation for acknowledging this important community program,” Mayor Quilliam said.

“Since its inception last year, Council’s ‘balance ... your life’ program has been about encouraging health and well being in the community continues to be an innovative way to address health issues in our community.”

‘balance’ was created in response to the release of health statistics that indicated in North-West Tasmania many of the population are at risk of preventable chronic disease. In Circular Head, for example, 61% of residents are overweight and 21% do not exercise enough (Tasmanian population survey, 2009).

“The program was aimed at the whole community and has seen a range of initiatives that focus on increasing physical activities, promoting healthy lifestyle changes and community wellness,” Mayor Quilliam said.

Mayor Quilliam said the success of the program was reliant on the fact it was also about increasing knowledge to enable residents to have a greater understanding of the risks of chronic disease and how to address this increasing issue.

“This has included building partnerships within the local community with service providers and other health agencies, which has provided a greater outcome for all community members,” Mayor Quilliam said.

 

“As the role of local government changes there is now a focus on caring for our community through activities and infrastructure that are being developed to promote healthy communities.

“The implementation of walking tracks, fitness equipment, extending the swimming pool season reflects the commitment of the Council in our aim to increase physical activity.”

Mayor Quilliam said all of the supporting programs under ‘balance’ included education and information on healthy lifestyle changes, which provided the community with a greater ability to make informed decisions on improving their combined wellness.

Examples of these programs include