Mackay to take on Rocky in battle of the bulge

The fierce but friendly rivalry between Mackay and Rocky has been taken to the next level with the Mackay Hospital and Health Service (MHHS) challenging Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service (CQHHS) to a battle of the bulge.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Mr Steven Miles has joined with the two communities today to launch a 16-week challenge to get healthier, before it kicks off in June.

Mackay HHS and CQHHS are competing for the title of healthiest regional community in Queensland with the winner decided by whichever tribe shows the most improvement towards steps taken and centimetres lost. The winner will be announced in October this year.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said unfortunately, health and wellbeing outcomes are often poorer for Queenslanders living in rural communities and obesity, smoking and physical inactivity all contributes to poorer health.

“Reducing these risk factors can result in better quality of life, increased wellbeing and satisfaction with health in these communities. One of the best ways to do this is getting in your recommended 30 minutes of exercise each day – so get walking Mackay and CQ!,” Mrs Gilbert said.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to supporting programs of proven effectiveness to assist everyone in the Queensland community to live a long, healthy life without the threat of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer.”

Minister Steven Miles said joining in on a community-wide challenge like this was a great way to be supported in a journey to a healthier lifestyle.

“I can’t play favourites but it is fantastic to see two communities are using friendly rivalry to lead the way to a healthier and happier Queensland,” Minister Miles said.

“You’ve got over four months to count your steps, record your kilos and waist circumference to see which health service has made the biggest gains towards shaping a healthier community.

“Participants will be able to track their progress and celebrate their achievements through an online portal that will be launched in early June.

“You can get ready now and shape up by dusting off your walking shoes and rounding up your tribe because we’ll need every one of you involved.

“As Minister for Health, I’m calling on everyone to jump on board with this fantastic initiative which will shape a healthier Queensland.  

“I’m pleased to see our Hospital and Health services setting a great example for the local community.”

Both communities are tipping the scales with 28% of Mackay HHS adults clinically obese compared to 29% in CQHHS.

Mrs Gilbert encouraged family, workplace and community leadership to inspire those around them to join in on the challenge.

“Every level of government, every government agency, every employer, every community and every individual has an important role in contributing to our health and wellbeing,” she said.

“The health of our community is not just up to the health professionals, it is everyone’s business.”

For anyone interested in running their own challenge please contact the Mackay Institute of Research and Innovation (MIRI) Let’s Shape Up! Project team on (07) 4885 6787.

ENDS

Media contact: Amy Hunter - 0423 651 484