If your organisation has an innovative idea or program that will help Canberrans stay healthy and well, the ACT Government wants to hear from you.
$2.7 million is available through the ACT Health Promotion Grants Program to distribute to community groups, not-for-profit organisations and school communities as part of the government’s commitment to helping the community stay active and tackle chronic disease in the ACT.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Meegan Fitzharris said the ‘Healthy Canberra Grants’ and the ‘Health Promotion Innovation Fund’ supported community-based programs with a focus on healthy ageing, reducing smoking and alcohol-related harms, and tackling obesity.
“We want to work directly with the community, to get them involved and develop innovative ways to encourage a more healthy and active Canberra. This is all part of our approach to make sure Canberra stays Australia’s healthiest city,” she said.
Healthy Canberra Grants are available for large-scale programs that improve health across the ACT population, while the Health Promotion Innovation Fund is focused on smaller-scale, one-year grants to trial innovative health promotion projects.
Ms Fitzharris said smoking, alcohol abuse, and obesity were significant causes of poor health, but are preventable.
“That is why investing in initiatives that will make a lasting, positive difference in the community is a key priority for the Government,” she said.
The Minister also said it was important older people maintained positive physical activity and eating habits.
“For older people, physical activity also helps maintain strength, balance and positive cognitive function,” she said.
“I strongly encourage all community groups, not-for-profit organisations and school communities to check out the ACT Health website for further information on the grants or come along to the information session on 28 November.”
The information session will be held at the ACT Health Training and Conference Centre, 2-6 Bowes Street, Phillip, from 3 – 4 pm.
For further details, including access to application forms and funding guidelines for both of the funding opportunities, visit: www.health.act.gov.au/hpgrants
Know of any organisations working to keep Canberra healthy? Give a special mention to them in the comments section below.