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Recognising local excellence in heart health

The National Heart Foundation of Australia and Kellogg announced the national winners in the 2004 Heart Foundation Kellogg Local Government Awards at the General Assembly of Local Government in Canberra. Offering a pool of $30,000, the Awards recognise Local Governments that are proactive in community based initiatives which promote and support cardiovascular disease prevention.

This year Awards and High Commendations went to entrants from most states with the Overall National Award and Recreation Infrastructure Project going to Richmond Shire Council, Queensland for the Richmond Recreational Lake – Lake Fred Tritton.

Richmond Shire Council will receive a total of $10,000 in awards from the Heart Foundation through the support of Kellogg and a commemorative plaque. Winning for its approach to successfully provide residents with access to recreation facilities, the Richmond Recreational Lake – Lake Fred Tritton project includes a grass and tree lined lake featuring a walking track, exercise station, sandy beach area, children’s water park, BBQ facilities, amenities, lighting, boat ramp, jetty and gardens.

The lake project plan involved infrastructure to capture the yearly floodwaters from the Flinders and Stawell Rivers to fill the lake and encourages locals to be physically active in a non competitive and social environment.

“The aim of this community project was to improve the quality of life of our residents,” said Richmond Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, John Scarce. “Previously the area was made up of broken gullies and an eroding landscape, which was rarely visited by people. We set out to create a beautiful parkland with a 1.3km walking track and now it’s used regularly by the community.

“We didn’t set out to win an award but the recognition from the Heart Foundation Kellogg Local Government Award is encouraging and the prize money will help us to further invest in improving the lives and health of our residents.”

Heart Foundation National Director of Cardiovascular Health Programs and presenter at the Awards ceremony, Dr Peter Abernethy, said Local Governments are in the ideal position to deliver health initiatives to their local communities which can ultimately lead to improved heart health.

“Councils are able to introduce structural changes, implement policies and coordinate community action to create an environment that encourages people to lead a healthier lifestyle through being active, quitting smoking and improving nutrition,” he said.

In light of this position, Dr Abernethy said the Awards give local councils an opportunity to receive national recognition for their dedication and proactive solutions towards improving the heart health and general wellbeing of people in their community.

Kellogg’s spokesperson, Rebecca Boustead, said the councils awarded are outstanding leaders and demonstrate real strategic influence at a community level.

“Kellogg’s is delighted to be part of the national team chosen to acknowledge and reward the work of Local Governments in providing healthier environments for their communities and is proud to sponsor the 2004 Heart Foundation Kellogg Local Government Awards for the fifth year running,” Rebecca Boustead said.

Dr Abernethy said that through demonstrating community care and instigating positive change, organisations at large can learn from the winning entrants.

“Additionally, all entrants should be commended for their local initiatives, irrespective of winning a place,” he said.

With cardiovascular disease the leading cause of death in Australia and the leading cause of premature death and disability in Australia, the winning and highly commended programs are all outstanding examples of smart heart health initiatives, and each are deemed real winners.

Other national award winners

National Healthy Nutrition Project
Healthy Food Happy Kids, Tennant Creek Primary School, Northern Territory

Physical Activity Project
Out There and Active in Caloundra City, Caloundra City Council, Queensland

National Policy for Structural Change
Mandurah Active Recreation Strategic Plan, City of Mandurah Western Australia

National Project by a Community Organisation
SYP Community Bus Service, YP Community Transport and Services Inc, South Australia

National Project with Limited Resources
Western Desert Challenge 2003/2004, Shire of East Pilbara, Western Australia

Small Rural and Remote Community Project
Mapuru Food Cooperative, Marthakal Homelands Centre and Mapuru Food Cooperative

For further information about the Heart Foundation Kellogg Local Government Awards, visit the Government section under Programs and Events at Heartsite www.heartfoundation.com.au or contact Heartline 1300 36 27 87.

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