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Working for our community.Community News
Community Matters
Building
It A
Healthier
17.5.07
Building Healthy Communities officers, government officials and support staff converged on Adelaide earlier this month for a national workshop.
More than 30 BHC representatives from all over Australia, including Roxby Downs Project Officer, Sue Houlson, met to discuss projects, problems, challenges and ideas.
ěEach project had a display which showcased its objectives and activities,î Ms Houlson said.
ěThere were discussions about sustainability and health promotion and a guest speaker to talk about menís health.
ěThe state coordinators were there and it was a great chance to discuss funding, day to day management and just to see what is working and what isnít in different communities around Australia,î she said.
Member of the BHC steering committee, Michelle Hales, who accompanied Ms Houlson to Adelaide, said the initiative has generated some amazing projects in remote areas of Australia.
ěIt was wonderful to see the resourcefulness and creativity demonstrated in these inspiring communities,î Ms Hales said.
ěKids are learning to cook to help them with nutrition and are even learning to belly dance to encourage physical activity.
ěOne group of kids had poor literacy skills but wanted to learn Hip Hop, in the fun of learning Hip Hop they improved their reading, writing and social skills.
ěItís all about thinking laterally and finding a point of connection which is not always obvious.
ěIn many places community gardens are being established because the local residents simply donít have access to fresh fruit and vegetables.
ěWe donít realize how lucky we are in Roxby Downs, I came away with a greater understanding of the difference between traditional and modern methods of health promotion.
ěItís important for me to be part of the BHC steering committee as it provides important linkages to the Community Plan and some of its health strategies,î she said.
The BHC project is a federal government initiative which focuses on helping individuals and communities promote healthy lifestyles, prevent illness and manage their health.
National workshops are held twice a year, with the next one planned for Alice Springs in November.
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