Healthy Places Healthy Futures

Schools and early learning services come together to launch ‘Healthy Places, Healthy Futures’

Local schools, early learning services, and health organisations from Geelong and the Bellarine have come together for a regional launch of Cancer Council Victoria’s Healthy Places Healthy Futures, a statewide initiative that supports schools and early learning services to create environments where good health is part of everyday life for children and young people.

Community members and stakeholders gathered at the Geelong Regional Library for a breakfast launch organised by the Health Promotion teams from Bellarine Community Health and Barwon Health.

‘Healthy Places, Healthy Futures’ aims to make it easier for schools and early learning services to act on what matters most for children’s health and wellbeing. The framework focuses on six health and wellbeing priorities: food, nutrition and oral health, physical activity and movement, mental health and wellbeing, smoking and vaping, sun protection, and sustainability and health.

Attendees heard from Cancer Council Victoria’s Dimity Gannon, Head of Healthy Places, and John O’Shaughnessy from the Department of Education.

A panel discussion featuring Kaitlin Mair from St Leonards Primary School, Kylie Sandilands from Boorai Community Centre and Janice Semple from Korayn Birralee Family Centre, highlighted how local education settings are putting health and wellbeing into practice in their communities, and the difference it has made for children, families and staff.

Health Promotion Manager at Bellarine Community Health, Pen Lynch, said the launch was a chance to celebrate the work already happening locally and to look ahead.

“This initiative gives local schools and services a framework to build on the great work they’re already doing and take practical steps to create healthier environments for children and young people.”

Health Promotion Manager Lynne Quick at Barwon Health said regional health promotion teams can work within education settings to help them deliver the Healthy Places Healthy Futures framework.

“This initiative brings together all current and future health and wellbeing activities under one clear approach, and schools and early childhood services are so important in shaping early approaches to health and wellbeing.”

About Healthy Places Healthy Futures

The initiative supports more than 2,500 Victorian schools and early childhood services to create environments that promote health, learning, and lifelong wellbeing

It brings current and future health and wellbeing activity together under one practical framework, along with curated resources, professional learning opportunities, and support from more than two hundred health promotion practitioners across the state.

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