Population Health Congress 2012

The 2012 Population Health Congress is expected to be the largest public health event of the year and will take place at the Adelaide Convention Centre between 10-12 September.  ‘Population Health in a Changing World’ is the theme of the conference, which is being organised and sponsored jointly between four of Australasia’s leading health professional organisations.  Well-known keynote speakers will address five sub-themes, which include:

  • Global health, climate and economics: what is the impact of change?
  • Changing demographics in Australia and New Zealand – the social and health impacts
  • Complex systems thinking – changing contexts for advocacy and action on population health
  • How are translational research and knowledge transfer shaping the future of population health?
  • Inequalities and social determinants – how are these being addressed and with what effect?

For further information on the conference, visit: http://www.conferenceco.com.au/pophealth/Index.html

WHPN Food Security Forum

During December the Wellington Health Promotion Network hosted a food security forum which was presented by public health nutritionist and community food resilience consultant, Leah Galvin.  The forum was attended by stakeholders from across four Gippsland local government areas, all of whom have an interest in building stronger communities through sustainable strategies.  The forum highlighted a number of initiatives at varying levels of government – and grass roots - which reflect adaptation to the current environmental, economic and social constraints on our food system.

The forum included questions and discussions relevant to working within the local context and stimulated thought around frameworks for a sustainable and healthy food system based on the four pillars of resilient communities:

  1. Economic development
  2. Social capital
  3. Information and communication
  4. Community competence

The clear message was that the decisions we make now will affect future flexibility and the mitigation of risks.  If you are interested in receiving a copy of the presentation in PDF format, please email barb.radley@cghs.com.au

Some websites of interest:

You may also be interested in the summer edition of Albury Wodonga Regional Food Security Network’s Food Matters  newsletter.

Healthy Events in Wellington – a Guide for Organisers

This resource has been developed to assist organisers of events and activities in Wellington Shire and provides a comprehensive guide to planning and delivering a health promoting event, which supports patrons in making healthy choices.

Case Studies

The Cost and Availability of Healthy Food in Wellington

Irregular access to safe, nutritionally adequate, culturally acceptable food from non-emergency sources is known as ‘food insecurity’. Food insecurity can have a detrimental impact on physical, mental and social wellbeing. In 2007, 4.1% of people in Wellington were found to be food insecure, that is, in the previous 12 months they had run out of food and had not been able to afford to buy more. The aim of this study was to investigate the cost and availability of healthy food in the local government area (LGA) of Wellington in order to inform future health promotion work addressing food security.

To read the full report, go to Cost and Availability of Healthy Food in Wellington

 

Wellington Health Promotion Catchment Plan 2009 – 2012

The Wellington Health Promotion Catchment Plan is a detailed operational plan which supports the strategic plan. The Catchment Plan captures a mix of interventions being led by a range of partner agencies to achieve specific health and wellbeing outcomes for the community.   The role of this plan is to identify and work together to address common priorities.

The three priorities for 2009-2012 are:

  • Promoting physical activity and active communities
  • Promoting accessible and nutritious food
  • Promoting mental wellbeing

Contribution is also made to the regional priority for sexual and reproductive health.

The direction of the 2009 – 2012 Wellington Health Promotion Catchment Plan reflects and/or will complement the following plans:

  • Wellington Shire Council Municipal Public Health Plan
  • WSC Municipal Early Years Plan
  • WSC Access & Inclusion Policy
  • WSC Youth Strategy 
  • WSC Positive Ageing Plan
  • WSC Community Plans 
  • WSC Transport Strategy
  • WSC Physical Activity Strategy
  • Closing the Health Gap
  • Best Start Action Plan 
  • GippSport PICSAR Plan
  • Wellington Community Representative Group (CRG) Community Plans
  • Strategic plans and directions of key health agencies

Click here to view the Wellington Health Promotion Catchment Plan 2009-2012  (revised in October 2011).

Click here to view the Health Promotion Catchment Plan Progress Report July ‘11 – June ‘12

Department of Health Integrated Health Promotion Reporting Measures

Further information can be found at the following link:

Wellington Health Promotion Network

Health Promotion Meetings:  meetings are held bi-monthly on the 3rd Tuesday from 9.30am – 11am, in the Conference Room at Central Gippsland Health Service. 

2012 Meetings

21 February 17 April 19 June
21 August 16 October 18 December

Meeting Minutes:

Gippsland Health Promotion Task Group

Information on the Gippsland Health Promotion Task Group will be available shortly.  The website is currently being updated.

GHPTG Research & Practice Forums 2012

10th April

12th June 

14th August

9th October

Gippsland Sexual & Reproductive Health Strategy

The Gippsland Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy Reference group has developed a comprehensive evidence based strategy plan that will direct and inform health promotion activity for sexual and reproductive health in targeted populations in the Gippsland region.  Membership is voluntary and comprises representatives from the health, education and community sector whose work relates to sexual and reproductive health, PCP member agencies and members of the community. If anyone is interested in receiving information about this group, please contact Jodie Pullman on 5143 1600 or hpo@gwhealth.asn.au

Click here to view the Gippsland Sexual & Reproductive Health Strategy