An exciting range of community projects which aim to improve the health and wellbeing of people living in rural and regional areas have been awarded grants of up to $50,000 as part of the SA Healthy Towns Challenge.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said the winners of the second round of the SA Healthy Towns Challenge are innovative and worthy projects that will benefit local communities.
"The calibre of applications was excellent, which shows that many local councils and community groups are recognising the key role they can play to improve the health and wellbeing of their town," Minister Wade said.
"The successful projects range from an outdoor gym to a fresh food partnership, and all share the goal of increasing the opportunity for local communities to make healthier choices.
"Projects such as a youth holiday bike program and 'green' garden gym will provide opportunities for communities to participate in activities that improve physical and mental wellbeing.
"We are delivering these grants to improve the health and wellbeing of South Australians in rural and regional areas."
The successful projects are:
- The Copley & District Progress Association's Copley Outdoor Gym - to encourage physical activity and reduce isolation
- Coorong District Council's Coonalpyn Fresh Food Project - a weekly delivery of fresh fruit, vegetables and meat through partnerships with local suppliers to Coonalpyn, which no longer has a supermarket in the town
- Conservation Volunteers Australia's Green Gyms in Yankalilla and
Two Wells - working on local environmental projects to improve physical and mental wellbeing in people aged over 40 years
- Ceduna Aboriginal Corporation and Ceduna Youth Hub Bikes Palya
Holiday Program - supporting a bike riding program for young people to keep them active, and train people to maintain the bikes
- Leigh Creek Community Progress Association's Akurra Trail - supporting the development of a multi-use trail linking the town to nearby Aroona Dam to promote activity and health outcomes for youth and community members
The winning projects were chosen by a panel of experts, chaired by Chief Public Health Officer, Professor Paddy Phillips.
"We know that many risk factors for chronic disease are preventable," Prof Phillips said.
"By achieving things like increased levels of physical activity and healthy eating, decreased rates of smoking and alcohol consumption, South Australians can enjoy improved overall health and reduce the risk of developing serious diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes."
The SA Healthy Towns Challenge started in 2018 and will run for four years. Grants will be awarded to at least five towns each year, with $1 million to be shared throughout the life of the program.
