A HEALTHIER and happier Greater Dandenong community is the goal for a new program working with residents where they live, learn, work and play
Healthy Together Greater Dandenong is a State Government and City of Greater Dandenong initiative launched in Dandenong South on 28 March.
The municipality is among 14 across the state building health-promoting environments in workplaces, schools and early learning settings.
Health Minister David Davis said the aim was to tackle preventable diseases, obesity and chronic illness.
“Tailored healthy living strategies will be rolled out to target the underlying causes of chronic diseases, addressing issues such as smoking, poor nutrition, alcohol misuse and physical inactivity,” he said.
City of Greater Dandenong mayor Angela Long said the council had 13 new staff dedicated to Healthy Together Greater Dandenong, which will see the Jamie’s Ministry of Food mobile kitchen visit the area to deliver cooking and nutrition programs.
“Greater Dandenong faces a wide range of health challenges including 45 per cent of people reporting themselves as obese or overweight, and 53 per cent not eating the recommended daily serving of fruit and vegetables,” Cr Long said.
She said workplaces were a key focus, as Greater Dandenong was home to more than 11,000 businesses and 74,000 workers.
The healthy workplace team will help businesses reduce smoking and alcohol consumption, increase physical activity and access to nutritious foods, and prioritise mental health and wellbeing.
The program launch was at A and L Windows, which is dedicated to promoting the health of their employees.
The leading manufacturer of energy efficient doors and windows in Australia has compulsory stretches and warm-ups every shift, physiotherapy appointments available on site and healthy breakfasts.
Visit www.greaterdandenong.com, call 9239 5135 or email healthandwellbeing@cgd.vic.gov.au for more information.
