5 July 2013

Health grants refocused on fat kids

| johnboy
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Chief Minister Gallagher is declaring war on the porkers by way of the health grants program:

“Obesity is a growing problem in our community and it is placing extra stress on our health system. The ACT Government is investing in programs to combat this problem and the refocused ‘Healthy Canberra Grants’ program will enable community groups to gain funding for obesity reduction projects,” the Chief Minister said.

The changed focus for the grants program was the result of a detailed consultation process which attracted 39 submissions. A lengthy public meeting was also attended by representatives from 37 organisations who shared their views on the proposed changes.

The Chief Minister said the redesigned grants program would feature a longer life-span for a grant of up to three years and introduce a new two-stage application process to help community organisations apply for grants.

“Instead of the four separate funding rounds each year we now have one major round and the current overall level of funding will be maintained,” the Chief Minister said.

“In addition to this more streamlined process a new ‘Health Promotion Innovation Fund’ has also been developed for smaller grants, with funding opportunities open several times each year.

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School Canteens need support through funding wages to help keep the school canteen running, as volunteers are few in numbers and it is the same ones that volunteer for everything.

Healthy school canteens are possible but they need help through funding, volunteers to keep this vital service in schools going, not only does a school canteen provide a food service to students but builds a relationship between the staff at the canteen and the families of school.

Sheryl Miller
Part- time Canteen Manager
Macgregor Primary School

More ratepayers’ money flowing out the door without accountability? The grants should be available only for fat reduction programs – nothing for websites, brochures, posters, launches-with-nibbles or helium-filled balloons. And there should be “before” and “after” measurements (by tape measure and scales) so that grants awarded that do not show significant fat loss a year later are returned in full to ratepayers.

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