Paving the way for healthy outcomes in local communities Bundaberg Regional Council has spearheaded the formation of the Building a Healthy Bundaberg Alliance.
The alliance is led by Bundaberg Regional Council, Health and Wellbeing Queensland and the Queensland Government (Department of Housing, Homelessness and Sport) in partnership with several other peak health bodies, local community groups and research organisations.
The Building a Healthy Bundaberg Alliance will focus on new ways to educate, support, guide and encourage the regional community to place a greater emphasis on health.
The Bundaberg Region was chosen by Health and Wellbeing Queensland as one of three priority communities in the state to explore and trial new approaches to supporting locally led health and wellbeing efforts.
Mayor Jack Dempsey said the alliance recognised that more needed to be done to improve health and wellbeing outcomes across the region through collaborative programs.
“Council has set an ambitious goal to reduce the region’s obesity rate to below the national average by the year 2030 and this alliance will help to achieve this goal,” Mayor Dempsey said.
Health and Wellbeing Queensland chief executive Dr Robyn Littlewood acknowledged the growing body of evidence that reinforced the need for greater investment in health promotion and preventive health practices.
“The Bundaberg Region is not alone in facing these challenges – worldwide obesity has nearly tripled since 1975 and continues to rise,” Dr Littlewood said.
“We need to make it easier to make healthier choices, and for people to put their health first – empower them to want to do this.”
Council sport and recreation portfolio spokesperson Cr Vince Habermann said he had enjoyed working to establish the new alliance.
“The Bundaberg Region is well known for our depth of sporting talent and facilities, so we are well placed to improve health and wellness in our region,” Cr Habermann said.
“A key component of building a healthy Bundaberg will be encouraging more people to walk more every day.
“This week Council is excited to join the rest of Queensland in the Walk Week celebrations and encourages everyone to register and share their photos, audio and videos of walking in the Bundaberg Region.”
Queensland Walks executive officer Anna Campbell said walking infrastructure and supportive programs were critical to a healthier community.
“If the Building a Healthy Bundaberg Alliance can find new ways across our community to reduce rates of obesity – a condition often connected to chronic diseases such as heart disease, then the longer term fiscal savings to Queensland, not to mention improvements in quality of life and life expectancy, could be significant,” Mayor Dempsey said.
Alliance members include:
- Bundaberg Regional Council
- Health and Wellbeing Queensland
- Queensland Government (Department of Housing, Homelessness and Sport)
- CQUniversity
- 10,000 Steps
- Bundaberg Primary Health Network
- Diabetes Queensland
- Heart Foundation
- Wide Bay Hospital and Health Services
- Bundaberg Health Promotions Ltd
- My Health for Life
- YMCA Bundaberg
- Queensland Country Women’s Association
- Raw Awakening Community Sports
- Bundaberg Yoga Festival
For enquires relating to the Building a Healthy Bundaberg Alliance contact Amber Lutter at amber.lutter@bundaberg.qld.gov.au or call (07) 4130 4713.
