Emily Chapman Laing
Casey Council is part of a new union set to better the lives of local children.
The Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth) has partnered with 36 local governments in a move to create a healthier future for young people.
The partnership will assist the council in the implementation of their 2021-2025 Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which outlines the priorities for City of Casey over the next four years.
“Congratulations to the City of Casey for joining the 35 other councils in the VicHealth Local Government Partnership program,” Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards said.
“Together, they are setting our kids up for a healthier future, and creating vibrant communities where children and young people grow up active, socially connected and healthy.”
Casey will be part of a series of fast-track streams to “work together on creative solutions to the issues that impact young people”, according to VicHealth.
The Casey municipality will be involved under Stream 4, while other local government areas deemed in higher need of services, such as Greater Dandenong which falls under Stream 1, will receive the benefits of the partnership sooner.
Kristine Cooney, VicHealth’s Executive Manager, Policy, Strategy & Impact Group is enthusiastic about the partnerships.
“We’re excited to partner with the City of Casey as a fast-track council to amplify the voices of children and young people in the delivery of their Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan,” she said.
“VicHealth will work with fast-track councils to implement evidence-based and community-led policy and programs through our health promotion modules and community of practice.
“VicHealth commends the City of Casey’s commitment to addressing the priority areas of tobacco harm prevention and active living, and to working together on creative solutions to the issues that impact our children and young people – especially those facing more barriers to good health and wellbeing.”
City of Casey Health and Wellbeing Strategy will focus on six wellbeing priorities, decided on through community consultations and the involvement of agencies and stakeholders.
The Casey community deemed alcohol, drug and tobacco use, climate change and health impacts, family violence and gender inequality, mental wellbeing and social inclusion among their top prerogatives.
“Feeling connected to or included in one’s local community is fundamental to good mental health,” one local resident said in a submission to Casey Rainbow Community, Victorian LGBTIQ+ Strategy.
“People should not have to leave the community they live in to feel like they belong.”
The council’s strategy will focus on creating a resilient and connected community, through “social cohesion initiatives”, with plans to emphasise the perspectives of women, young people, LGBTIQ+ and CALD communities.
“We recognise that each community – whether defined by place, culture, identity, or age – has its own unique strengths and challenges that impact upon health and wellbeing,” said City of Casey Chair of Administrators, Noelene Duff PSM.
“We must continually assess, engage, and improve our approaches to these diverse community needs.”
The council has also been awarded an Alcohol Harm Prevention Grant from VicHealth, which will give financial backing to Council to assist in the implementation of an alcohol harm prevention action plan that will be created over the next 12 months.
