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VicHealth is partnering with 16 councils in an ambitious new project placing young Victorians ‘in the driver’s seat’ to help create a healthier future.

From Mildura to Melton, young people in the 16 ‘fast-track’ local government areas will have a seat at the decision-making table, as councils create connected and supportive communities through the design of their Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plans.

This partnership comes as a VicHealth survey shows 4 in every 10 young Victorians aged 18 to 24 had difficulties staying connected to others in 2020 (up from 3 in 10 before coronavirus restrictions began). 4 in 10 were concerned about their job prospects and 2 in 10 said they did not trust their neighbours.

VicHealth Chief Executive Dr Sandro Demaio said the VicHealth Local Government Partnership – young people leading healthier communities aims to help children grow up active, connected and healthy.

Demaio notes “Local governments have said they want to work with us in a way that is tailored to young people in their communities. By offering meaningful opportunities where young people’s voices can be heard, we can support young people to reconnect and inspire more creative local solutions.

“Over the next five years, we’ll work with councils across Victoria in a strategic and equitable way, through evidence-based modules and communities of practice, to secure a healthy future for all young people.”

A recent study by VicHealth and the Burnet Institute found many young Victorians wanted greater consideration of their voices in decision making to help them to stay connected, healthy and mentally well.

18-year-old Letisha Osagiede, a member of Hume City Council’s Youth Summit Working Group, says it’s important for young voices to be heard, supported and included to create a stronger and more inclusive community for everyone.

“I think it is important for young people to have a voice because it can make change! Hume is a diverse community with lots of different people with different values. By including young voices, it makes the community that is for everyone – showing we are all supported and included. Everyone can bring their ideas and make a community that is for everyone.”

The VicHealth Local Government Partnership initiative involves a range of evidence-based health promotion modules for local councils. The modules will be developed with input from a range of expert partners, including academics, community organisations and people with lived experiences to help create effective, equitable and sustainable change in local communities.

Partnering with councils in this way will see stronger and long-lasting outcomes for more Victorians, including those who face barriers to reaching their full health potential, because of circumstances such as their income, cultural background, gender, age or where they live.

The 16 ‘fast-track’ councils involved in the VicHealth Local Government Partnership – young people leading healthier communities project are:

Ballarat City Council

Buloke Shire Council

Central Goldfields Shire Council

City of Greater Bendigo

Colac Otway Shire Council

East Gippsland Shire Council

Glenelg Shire Council

Greater Dandenong City Council

Greater Shepparton City Council

Hume City Council

Latrobe City Council

Melton City Council

Mildura Rural City Council

Northern Grampians Shire Council

Southern Grampians Shire Council

Wellington Shire Council.

All other Victorian councils will have access to VicHealth’s new health promotion modules from September 2021.
Councils wishing to participate and learn more, can visit: www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/programs-and-projects/local-government-partnership

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