BEATTIE LAUNCHES STATEWIDE CAMPAIGNS TO IMPROVE INDIGENOUS HEALTH

The Queensland Government today launched two new initiatives to try and tackle the alarming differences in mortality rates between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Queenslanders by improving the health of Indigenous Queenslanders through healthy eating and increased physical activity.

“On average, in 2004, Queensland Indigenous men died 22.5 years younger and Indigenous women 24.6 years younger than non-Indigenous Queenslanders – and that has to change,” Premier Peter Beattie said when he launched the initiative in Yarrabah community.

Premier Peter Beattie and Sport Minister Andrew Fraser launched the initiatives at the official opening of a new Prep School in the Indigenous community of Yarrabah near Cairns this morning.

“The Indigenous Eat Well Be Active campaign and the Active Murri and Ailan People Strategy have been developed to encourage more people to embrace healthier lifestyles,” Mr Beattie said.

“The Queensland Government is committed to ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have the same prospects for health, prosperity and quality of life as other Queenslanders.

“Sport, active recreation and healthier food choices can help us achieve that goal.

“Under the Eat Well Be Active campaign, a series of radio advertisements will be aired in both English and Yumpla Tok, a Torres Strait Islander Creole, to tell stories of community members and the little things they can do every day to stay healthy.

“Booklets will also be distributed with information on good nutrition and physical activity and information on major health issues for Indigenous communities including Type 2 diabetes, healthy pregnancy and substance abuse,” Mr Beattie said.

Sport Minister Andrew Fraser said it only took 30 minutes of exercise each day, combined with a healthy diet, to stay on the right track towards good health.

“This campaign flows on from a new plan released earlier in the week by the Education Minister that requires all primary schools to allocate 30 minutes of physical activity a day as part of the school curriculum,” Mr Fraser said.

“The Eat Well be Active messages focus on providing culturally relevant healthy eating and physical activity tips for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“It is well documented that Indigenous Queenslanders die younger and have greater health complications and this campaign is aimed at trying to address prevalent health issues such as type 2 diabetes.”

Mr Fraser said the campaign was complemented by the release of the Active Murri and Ailan People Strategy which will improve planning and delivery of sport and active recreation opportunities.

“The plan will develop pathways for young Indigenous people of all abilities and aspirations, whether that be lifelong participation for fun and health or an opportunity to represent their state or country,” Mr Fraser said.

“Most of all, however, this plan is about empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to make their own decisions, focussing on the specific needs of their communities.”

To find out more about the Active Murri and Ailan People Strategy visit www.srq.qld.gov.au and Eat Well Be Active information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on www.eatwellbeactive.qld.gov.au

It was a big day for the Yarrabah State School with the Premier joining a representative from Angus & Robertson to present more than $6,000 worth of educational material and books to the school.

The package was compiled in consultation with the school and includes a wide range of books to encourage a love of reading by young people.

Many Yarrabah children also received a special Harry Potter goody bag including coloured pencils and activity sheets which were distributed during a football carnival at Yarrabah on Sunday.

Media contact: Premier’s office 324 4500
Minister’s office: Chris Ward 0418 424 654
23 July 2007