Guyra Shire Council’s Healthy Highlanders program has won a major award at the 2014 NSW Local Government Awards, which were held in Sydney last Thursday night.
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Guyra Shire took out the top award for Councils with a population of less than 15,000 after demonstrating the huge success of its innovative Healthy Highlanders program.
Chief Executive of the Heart Foundation NSW Kerry Doyle said that Guyra Shire Council won this award due to its strong initiatives in hard-to-reach communities such as the ‘Healthy Highlanders’ program and the Guyra and Tingha community gardens.
“The Heart Foundation congratulates all those involved,“ Ms Doyle said. “The awards are important because they recognise the outstanding achievements of local governments in the continuing fight against heart disease – the single biggest killer of Australian men and women.”
“Local governments play a pivotal role in introducing structural change, implementing policies and creating supportive environments which allow people to be physically active, reduce smoking and improve their nutrition.”
Now in their 22nd year, the Heart Foundation Local Government Awards provide an opportunity for local government to celebrate their achievements and receive recognition for their commitment to creating healthier communities.
Guyra Shire Council is one of four local governments in New South Wales recognised with a state award for initiatives that create a healthy community.
During the Healthy Highlanders program, Coordinator Steve Griffiths organised in excess of 35 hours per week of physical activity and sporting programs across the Shire.
The activities included mobility plus, mum’s and bub’s exercise classes, Zumba, aquarobics, Shape Up, fitter fella’s, boxfit, line dancing, small group personal training sessions, lunchtime walking groups and mixed sports programs such as touch, volleyball, soccer, continuous cricket, netball and basketball.
The council, in partnership with other community groups, also developed and installed outdoor gym equipment and walking trails in Guyra, Tingha and Ben Lomond.
Additionally, council invested in the development of shared paths and community gardens in Tingha and Guyra and conducted National Health programs (Heartmoves, Beat It, HEAL, Heart Foundation Walking and Austcycle). Up to 1,000 residents became more physically active by participating in the Healthy Highlanders programs.
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said that Guyra Shire Council and program co-ordinator Steve Griffiths are to be commended for their commitment to the health and wellbeing of the shire’s residents “This is an outstanding achievement from Guyra Shire in what was a very competitive field of nominations from across the State,” Mr Marshall said.
“Guyra Shire has developed an operational plan which supports and promotes initiatives to improve the health and lifestyle of the Guyra LGA, particularly young people” Mr Marshall said.
“Work has also commenced on a Bike Plan for the LGA and establishing a Healthy Community Plan and an access and Mobility Plan for the Shire.”
“I congratulate Guyra Shire Council on being recognised as a leader in this field across NSW – again showing that small councils can achieve great things.”
Council have also upgraded and developed new playground amenities to encourage children to be more physically active.
As the winner in New South Wales, Guyra Shire Council is eligible to be selected as a National Winner to be announced later this year.
