Government Partners Up With the Community To Get Active

Sporting organisations, community groups, local governments and educational institutions have been awarded $3.3 Million to deliver projects that help Queenslanders get active, eat better and lead healthier lifestyles.

Sport Minister Judy Spence today announced 114 applicants have successfully obtained funding under the Eat Well Be Active Community Partnerships Program 2008.

“The Community Partnerships Program is all about providing funding at the grassroots level to support the development and delivery of healthy lifestyle programs.

“The successful applications cover a range of areas including nutrition, physical activity, sport, recreation and healthy lifestyle choices,” Ms Spence said.

“They are projects that help people get out and get active, help people learn the cooking and nutritional skills to eat healthier and help inspire people to make positive lifestyle changes.”

Projects include:

• More than $28,000 to Loganlea State High School for a program that will provide approximately 300 young people with disabilities with an inclusive weekly sports program.

• Over $26,000 to the North Burnett Regional Council to facilitate physical activity workshops and expand the Gayndah Triathlon.

• Almost $30,000 to the Cerebral Palsy League of Queensland in Rockhampton to improve eating habits and increase participation in physical activity amongst their clients and staff.

• Almost $30,000 to assist the Cooloola Human Services Network to deliver Tai Chi classes for seniors and develop a community kitchen in Gympie.

“Through our Toward Q2 plan for Tomorrow’s Queensland, our target is to decrease obesity rates by one third before 2020 and the Community Partnerships Program will help us achieve that,” Ms Spence said.

“We’re already leading the charge with the ‘Find Your 30’ campaign, which will continue to educate Queenslanders on the benefits of physical activity and healthy food choices to help make Queenslanders Australia’s healthiest people.

“The Bligh Government is committed to giving all Queenslanders the opportunities to live healthier lifestyles.”

More information about eating well, being active and the ‘Find Your 30’ campaign is available at www.your30.com.au .

Media Contacts: Minister’s Office 3239 6172