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Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan2013-2017

Your location of choice.

Our Environment » Our Organisation

Our Community » Our Lifestyle » Our Economy

03 Our Vision, Mission and Values

04 Councillors’ Message

05 Executive Summary

06 Ararat Rural City Municipality

07 Purpose

08 What Makes Us Healthy?

09 Environments for Health

11 Local Government Role

14 Commonwealth Policy Context

14 Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan

15 Policy and Local Content

15 Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Planning and Climate Change

16 Health Policy and Planning Issues for Rural and Remote Areas

17 Healthy Together Grampians Goldfields

17 Ararat Prevention Leadership Group

18 Existing Council Plans, Strategies and Services

19 Development of the Plan – the Health and Wellbeing Issues Identified

22 Health and Wellbeing Priority Setting Process

22 Priorities for Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2013–2017

Contents

Your location of choice.ARARAT RURAL CITY02

23 The Health and Wellbeing Issues Identified

24 Priority 1 – Healthy Eating and Oral Health

26 Priority 2 – Physical Activity

28 Priority 3 – Mental Health

30 Priority 4 – Tobacco Use

32 Review and Evaluation

34 What extra resources/capacity may be required within the municipality to address these issues?

34 Conclusion

35 Abbreviations

35 References

36 Appendices

37 Appendix 1 – Municipal Scan Summary

47 Appendix 2 – Ararat LGA Profile - VicHealth Indicators Survey 2011 results

49 Appendix 3 – Community Feedback

57 Appendix 4 – Sample Action Plan Healthy Eating and Oral Health

60 Appendix 5 – Sample Action Plan for Increased Physical Activity

62 Appendix 6 – Sample Action Plan for Improving Mental Health and Increasing Social Connectedness

64 Appendix 7 – Sample Action Plan to Reduce Tobacco Use

We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land upon which we meet, the Tjapwurong people, and we respect the spirits of their ancestors among us.

Acknowledgement of Country

Our VisionArarat Rural City – Your location of choice.

Our ValuesRespectRespect for each other and the wider community.

Excellence Striving for ongoing professionalism and organisational excellence.

PassionPassion for our people, community and services.

Our MissionWe will provide responsible and effective leadership through a consultative approach with the aim of delivering improved and sustainable quality of life for all of our growing communities.

Municipal Public Health & Wellbeing Plan 2013-2017 | 03

Welcome to the Ararat Rural City Council Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2013-2017. This document outlines Council’s strategic framework for enhancing the health and wellbeing of the community.

Health and wellbeing is about more than just physical health. It includes things like quality of life, feeling connected to your community, emotional health, work/life balance, cultural acceptance and happiness. Council understands that for a healthy and vibrant community, our residents need to enjoy good health and wellbeing.

Ararat Rural City Council is a Healthy Together community and as such we are committed to working with the community and partner agencies to address the emerging challenge we face from the increased prevalence of preventable chronic diseases. We are shifting the focus to healthy lifestyles and supportive environments that address behaviours that are linked to lifestyle related chronic disease, such as nutrition and insufficient physical activity, by encouraging and promoting prevention and improving the environments where people live, learn, work and play to create lasting solutions for healthy living.

This Plan aims to work towards reducing health inequalities so everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential, and aims to progress Council’s previous work by adopting a more holistic approach to addressing health and wellbeing in the community. This will be achieved by working collaboratively with stakeholders and the community to address some of the broader social, cultural and economic factors that affect health and wellbeing, as well as the aspects of our environment that support people to lead healthy lives and adopt healthy behaviours.

The key priority areas identified for action have been chosen based on an examination of the evidence about the health and wellbeing of our community, as outlined in the Victorian Population Health Survey and as identified through consultation with the community as part of the Council Plan 2013-2017, Ararat Rural City Council Community Vision 2030 and My Big Wish activities which specifically sought the community’s views in the development of this Plan. Council is committed to leading the implementation and evaluation and is working in partnership with the community and other stakeholders.

Council is proud of this Plan and excited about the possibilities of this approach to helping Ararat Rural City be a great place to live, work, learn and play.

Councillors’ Message


The purpose of the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2013-2017 is to demonstrate how Ararat Rural City Council will work to improve the health and wellbeing of the local community over the next four years.

Local Governments have always shaped the health and wellbeing of their communities as they have a significant influence not only in how communities are planned but also in the provision of the many services and programs which are delivered at a local level.

The plan fulfils the requirement of the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 which mandates that councils must seek to protect, improve and promote public health and wellbeing within their municipal district. Along with the Council Plan and Municipal Strategic Statement, the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan (MPHWP) is required by legislation. In accordance with this legislation, the MPHWP is consistent with the Council Plan and has considered the impact of climate change, which is increasingly recognised as a significant and emerging threat to human health and wellbeing.

It is recognised that Australia has one of the best health systems in the world, however the system is under pressure from the increasing prevalence of lifestyle related chronic disease.

In particular, an increase in people being overweight or obese is linked to worrying health trends in cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis and some cancers. Ararat reflects these trends. We can significantly reduce chronic disease by working together to promote healthy lifestyles and improving the environments in which people live, learn, work and play.

This MPHWP has been informed by examining the health and wellbeing data available for residents of the municipality. It has been developed in collaboration with other stakeholders including health agencies and has considered views expressed by community members.

This plan has a focus on prevention and the underlying causes of chronic disease, including smoking, poor nutrition, and physical inactivity. Community level action enables an intensive and targeted prevention effort that responds to local needs and reflects local infrastructure, networks, programs and planning processes. This plan is designed to create better and longer lasting improvements in the health and wellbeing of our people and their communities.

Executive Summary



Population » 11,297 (Australian Bureau of Statistics – Estimated Resident Population)

Area » 4,230 square kilometres

Rateable properties » 7,017

Number of Employees » 123 EFT

Number of Councillors » 7

Rate and charge revenue » $11.836m (2011-12 actual)

Total Revenue » $32.065m (2011-12 actual)

Length of sealed local roads » 917 kms

Length of unsealed local roads » 1,466 kms

Municipal Snapshot

Ararat Rural City MunicipalityTown and Rural District Names

Elmhurst

Warrak

Buangor

Streatham

Pomonal

Moyston

Maroona

Ararat

Tatyoon

Mininera

Willaura

Wickliffe

Lake BolacWestmere

Mount Cole

The Public Health & Wellbeing Act 2008 states that all Victorian councils are required to prepare a Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan within 12 months of the last local Council general election which: • is consistent with the Council Plan • covers a four-year period• has regard for the impact of climate change

Councils must do this as they have a role, under legislation, to protect, improve and promote public health and wellbeing within their municipality.

Council is also identified as a decision maker under the Climate Change Act 2010 and therefore has a duty to consider the impact of climate change in the preparation of this Plan. While the direct health impacts of responding to extreme weather events are addressed within the Municipal Emergency Management Plan there are indirect health impacts caused by climate change which also need to be considered.

Purpose


From a historical point of view local government in Victoria has had a long-standing association with public health. It began during the gold rushes of the 1850s, with the rapid increase in population and concerns about insanitary conditions. The focus then was on preventing the spread of epidemic diseases, primarily through action on sanitation and housing standards. This continued into the 20th century, with public health practitioners focused on threats to health in the immediate environment by dealing with sewage, the provision of clean water, sale of adulterated foods, and housing conditions. There is still an important role for local government to play in controlling these threats.

While the leading causes of ill health are no longer infectious diseases and today anyone in this country can see a doctor when they’re sick, we need to stop thinking of health as something we get at the doctor’s office. We should instead see health as something that starts in our families, in our schools and workplaces, in our playgrounds and parks, and in the air we breathe and the water we drink. The more we see health this way the more opportunities we have to improve it.

Evidence shows that the conditions in which we live, learn, work and play have an enormous impact on our health, long before we ever see a doctor and we should be thinking about how to keep our health, not just how to get it back.

The Victorian Public Health & Wellbeing Plan 2011-2015 highlights the importance of prevention and reinforces the role communities play in the lives of individuals where they live, learn, work and play.

We need to start where health begins not just where it ends. Healthy relationships, healthy communities and healthy jobs all protect us from the stresses of everyday life.

While people have a personal responsibility to take care of themselves and their health, a range of outside factors like where we’re born or how much money we make also affect our health.

It’s all very well to say that an apple a day keeps the doctor away but you have to be able to pick an apple or buy an apple to do that and if there are no shops in your town or the ones you have don’t stock fresh fruit it means that you either need to grow your own apples or travel out of town to get them.

And it isn’t easy to get exercise if you have to work three jobs just to get by, or if you can’t get easily affordable day care for your young children. We’re not talking about the rich versus the poor because money can’t buy happiness and it shouldn’t buy health. People within the municipality should have the opportunity to make decisions that allow them to live long, healthy lives regardless of their level of income, education or ethnicity.

What Makes Us Healthy?

Your location of choice.ARARAT RURAL CITY8 Your location of choice.ARARAT RURAL CITY08

Environments for Health

Dealing with chronic health conditions after they appear does little to prevent the onset of the conditions if the environments in which people live, learn, work and play gives them little choice or support.

The Victorian Government has established a framework for municipal public health planning known as the Environments for Health framework. It is an approach to health planning which recognises that the health and wellbeing of our communities is affected by factors originating across any or all of four environmental dimensions: built, economic, natural and social.

the Social Environment

the Built ( physical ) Environment the Economic Environment

the Natural Environmenttakes into account our connection to the community, education choices and pathways, a sense of belonging and acceptance, community support services, feelings of safety, access to arts and cultural programmes, quality of relationships, recreation and leisure choices.

encompasses access to housing, shops, playgrounds, sports facilities, roads, footpaths, community facilities and transport infrastructure.

includes secure employment, socio-economic status, income levels and ability to afford necessities like food and shelter.

includes access to open spaces including parks, reserves, bushland, gardens and creeks, clean air and water.



Table 1: Examples of the influence of environmental dimensions on health issues

IssuesEnvironment dimensions

Built Economic Natural Social

ImmunIsatIon Provision of immunisation facilities

Physical access

Cost of services Demographic distribution of services

Food saFety Structural integrity of food premises

Cost of healthy food

Impact of salinity, drought, urbanisation and climate change on food quality

Food standards to meet community expectations

Education for food handlers

CommunIty saFety/Injury preventIon

Quality of curbs, footpaths, street lighting, public transport, traffic management, pedestrian crossings

Cost of infrastructure maintenance and improvement

Environmental hazards

Perceptions of safety

Risk-taking behaviour by age, gender, ethnicity

Farming practices

Traffic signalling that favours cars over pedestrians

mental HealtH Provision of urban planning features, housing, parks, roads and transport options that foster access, belonging and social inclusion

Cost of community building initiatives

Community facilities and support programs

Art and cultural programs

Employment

Economic policy eg rural decline

Presence of natural vegetation to promote recreation, leisure, and ‘contact with nature’

tobaCCo Access to point of sale

Smoke free venues

Advertising and displays

Cost of tobacco products

Employment

Rural economy

Pollution from cigarette butts

Education

Local Government Role

Council plays an important role in the community. It has the legislated responsibility to improve, promote and protect public health and does this through a number of activities within the Council Plan and other Strategies which fit within the environments for health.

The role of Local Government includes:• Providing leadership by establishing strategic objectives and

monitoring achievements• Planning for and providing services for the local community• Ensuring resources are managed responsibly and efficiently• Regularly consulting with the community in relation to service

provision

We know that good health is determined not only by individual life style choices but also by things like access to housing, education, transport, access to services, employment, early life experience and social exclusion, to name just a few. As the level of government closest to the people, the infrastructure and services councils provide can and do directly promote and enhance the health of a community.

Councils across Victoria have been developing plans in partnership with ratepayers for more than a decade and these plans cover more than roads, rates and rubbish. They address the broad social and economic determinants of health that impact our communities and demonstrate how local councils promote health through shaping the environment to make the healthy choice the easy choice for all residents and visitors.

Council is committed to working in partnership with other stakeholders in the community to tackle issues and by being strategic in our approach we can ensure that health and wellbeing is considered with every decision that we make.

The following table provides an example of the impact that Council services have on the health and wellbeing of those within the municipality.



Table 2: An overview of Council services showing their health and wellbeing benefits

Examples of Services and Programs Impact on Health and Wellbeing

envIronmental HealtH servICes

• Food and health premises registrations and inspections

• Compliance with tobacco legislation

• Environmental inspections and monitoring outbreak investigation

• Infectious disease control and prevention

• Health protection via safe food and natural environments (air/water/land)

• Reducing harm from tobacco

FamIly & CHIldren’s servICes

• Maternal & Child Health service

• Library services

• Improved social, educational and physical outcomes through effective learning, development and social programs

• Ensuring access and equity to services

• Universal primary health care service for family and babies via effective screening and early detection, immunisation and health and wellbeing advice and support

aged Care & aCCess servICes

• Home care services

• Meals on Wheels

• Respite & support services

• Disability access & inclusion

• Senior Citizens Centres

• Maintaining independent living opportunities and benefits for people with disabilities and for those who are frail or aged

• Breaking down isolation/loneliness via social engagement opportunities, physical activity programs and meeting place opportunities

• Provision of healthy living support programs (e.g. ‘meals on wheels’) and access to information that supports health & wellbeing


• Families and primary carers that are supported in their carer role

arts, Cultural & tourIsm servICes

• Arts and cultural opportunities

• Events & community festivals

• Tourism development

• Improved cultural appreciation and understanding

• Community learning, sharing, meeting and engagement opportunities across age groups

• Enhancing liveability

• Economic benefits

• Accessible facilities for visual and performing arts

Examples of Services and Programs Impact on Health and Wellbeing

reCreatIonal servICes

• Open space planning

• Recreation & sporting facilities

• Enhancing liveability

• Physically active and socially connected communities


• Environmental benefits


• Community learning, sharing, meeting and engagement opportunities across age groups

strategIC and land use plannIng

• Building and residential estate planning approvals

• Residential, commercial and community precinct planning

• Liveable and health-enhancing built and natural environments

• Environmentally sustainable development

• Safe communities


• Mix of lifestyle opportunities and needs (living, working, recreation)

• Core community facilities available within local communities

InFrastruCture & operatIons

• Waste services

• Road services

• Parks services

• Tracks/trails

• Engineering services

• Emergency management response

• Public safety through safe and effective pedestrian, cycling and road networks and public buildings

• Opportunities to enhance active transport and physical health

• Safe disposal of waste

• Parks, trails, playgrounds that provide health, community ‘play’ and relaxation opportunities


• Positive environmental amenity and healthy natural environments

CommunIty plannIng and development

• Community grants

• Community planning

• Community safety

• Cultural diversity

• Youth services

• Emergency management recovery planning

• Resources to support community development projects

• Opportunity for community development through promoting Council’s facilities and community grants resources

• Youth participation

• Opportunity to report community safety issues and improve wellbeing

• Assist with safe transportation late at night from the central business district

• Celebrating diversity and inclusion across cultures



Commonwealth Policy Context

Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan

The Council of Australian Governments, the peak intergovernmental forum in Australia with members representing Commonwealth, State and Local Government, is currently pursuing a reform agenda aimed at improving economic and social participation, strengthening the national economy, creating a more sustainable and liveable Australia, delivering better health services and closing the gap in Indigenous disadvantage.

The Commonwealth Government is also working with States and Territories to address the rising prevalence of lifestyle-related chronic diseases and to encourage healthy lifestyles. This includes a commitment of $872 million as part of the National Partnership Agreement on Preventive Health (NPAPH).

In line with the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 requirements Council has considered the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2011-2015 as a key policy document.

The State plan recognises that Council has a broad role in relation to:

• continuing to protect health through immunisation, communicable disease prevention and control, environmental health, food safety, public health incidents and emergency response

• keeping people well with a focus on supporting healthy lifestyle choices such as being physically active, having a healthy diet and not smoking

The State plan recognises that local government is well placed to develop, lead and implement local policies to influence many of the determinants of health in areas such as roads, parks, waste, land use, recreation and cultural activities, and creating safe public places.

The Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2011-2015 highlights nine priority issues for promoting the health of Victorians:• increasing healthy eating• increasing physical activity• controlling tobacco use• improving oral health• reducing misuse of alcohol and drugs • promoting sexual and reproductive health• promoting mental health• preventing injury• preventing skin cancer.


Policy and Local Content

Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Planning and Climate Change

The Council Plan, Municipal Strategic Statement and Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan are three major Council strategic documents required by legislation. These documents link with other strategies of Council including the Community Vision 2030 and the Municipal Emergency Management Plan.

Climate change is increasingly recognised as a significant and emerging threat to human health and wellbeing. Under the Climate Change Act 2010, local government is required to, ‘have regard to climate change,’ when preparing a Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan to ensure Council:

• includes strategies that could improve adaptation to impacts such as heatwaves, bushfires, drought, flood and extreme weather events

• plans to address these impacts on the community with a focus on identified vulnerable groups.

Strategies to ensure community resilience and capacity building are incorporated into Council’s emergency management planning process.

Figure 1. Ararat Rural City Council key strategies and plans

Some other Council Strategies and Plans include: Community Vision 2030, Municipal Emergency Management Plan, Community Action Plans, Ararat Sustainable Growth Future Strategy, Active Transport & Lifestyle Strategy (an expanded list of Council Strategies and Plans is listed on Pg 18)


Council plan

municipal public Health & Wellbeing plan

Community aspirations

& needs

municipal strategic

statement


Health Policy and Planning Issues for Rural and Remote Areas

Rural and Regional Health Australia under the Strategic Framework for Rural and Remote Health have identified specific health service delivery challenges and recommend key principles that health service planning and delivery for rural and remote settings should undertake.

The combined impact of fewer resources, poorer access to services, limited availability of key health professionals, poorer health status, lower socioeconomic status, distance and travel mean that rural and remote communities and the health challenges they face are significantly different from those that confront metropolitan Australia.

These differences mean that health care planning, program development and service delivery models that are appropriate for city based communities, do not necessarily translate well into rural settings. This is most likely to occur if health policies and programs are formulated around broad assumptions that:

• an appropriately skilled and trained workforce is readily available

• consumers and providers live in reasonable proximity to services

• adequate community and social infrastructure exists to support health services

• all the key components of the system including primary health, aged care, hospital services, private options, emergency service and community support are in place

Not only are such assumptions less applicable to rural and remote communities, additional factors will also add further complexity to health service delivery in rural and remote settings.

While differences between rural and metropolitan communities are easily recognised, it is important to recognise there are also wide variations between rural and remote communities.

These variations may relate to geography, community and population characteristics, socioeconomic circumstances, infrastructure and health status, which can strongly influence the health of individuals and communities or their ability to access health services.

As a consequence, no ‘one size fits all’ approach can be applied across all parts of rural and remote Australia.

The Strategic Framework for Rural and Remote Health embraces the key principles that health service planning and delivery for rural and remote settings should:

1. Recognise and value the social, cultural and geographic diversity of these communities

2. Encourage the development of locally relevant solutions based on local needs.

Healthy Together Grampians Goldfields

Ararat Prevention Leadership Group

As a component of the National Partnership Agreement on Preventive Health the Victorian Government has implemented a ground breaking initiative, Healthy Together Victoria, designed to build the prevention system across 14 local governments in Victoria. This program aims to address the growing prevalence of preventable chronic disease. It is funded by the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments and local governments have been selected based on patterns of disadvantage, obesity, and smoking rates.

The Ararat Rural City Council is one of three sites in the Healthy Together Grampians Goldfields initiative which will have a focus on:

• key settings: schools and early childhood, community and workplaces through the Victorian Prevention and Health Promotion Achievement Programs

• a systems approach in which actions will focus on leadership, advocacy, health in all policies, built environment, and the food system

This approach helps to understand the influencers on health and to design interventions within this context. Whilst the focus of Healthy Together Grampians Goldfields is on healthy eating, physical activity, smoking and alcohol consumption, the work will integrate health prevention work as appropriate in key settings.

Prevention and Health Promotion Achievement Programs will have a focus on healthy eating and physical activity benchmarks.

The Ararat Prevention Leadership Group is currently comprised of representatives of Ararat Rural City Council, East Grampians Health Services, Grampians Community Health, Grampians Pyrenees Primary Care Partnership and the Department of Health. It is Council’s aspiration that this group continues to expand to include a wider cross section of organisations encompassing all of the environments for health.

By working with this group to develop the MPHWP, Council has worked in partnership with other agencies undertaking public health initiatives, projects and programs in order to maximise resources and to share learning.

The Ararat Prevention Leadership Group will also have an accountability role as it will be involved in the implementation, evaluation and review of the MPHWP. It will meet on a quarterly basis to monitor the effectiveness of the Strategies and Action Plans adopted.


Existing Council Plans, Strategies and Services(categorised to reflect the Environments for Health framework)

the Social EnvironmentEvents and Tourism Strategy

Community Engagement Strategy

Enhanced Maternal and Child Health Programme

Healthy Together Programme, including Challenge Ararat

Safe Routes to School Action Plan

Positive Ageing Strategy

Youth Charter

Community Safety Strategy

Community Action Plans

National Volunteers Week

Australia Day Awards

Performing Arts Programme

Library Services

Municipal Emergency Management Plan

Immunisation Program

Tobacco Enforcement Program

Ararat Regional Art Gallery Plan

the Built ( physical ) EnvironmentFacilities Maintenance Grants

Heritage Walking Trails

Community Gardens

Active Transport & Lifestyle Strategy

Aquatics and Recreation Planning

Elmhurst Recreation Reserve Masterplan

Pomonal Hall & Recreation Reserve Master Plan

Multi-purpose Indoor/Outdoor Community Recreation Precinct

Alexandra Oval Redevelopment

Disability Access and Inclusion Plan

Public Toilet Strategy

Alexandra Gardens Master Plan

Domestic Animal Management Plan

Regional Growth Plan

Asset Management Plan

Road Management Plan

Municipal Strategic Statement

Sustainable Growth Future Strategy

Ararat Planning Scheme

the Economic EnvironmentEvents and Tourism Strategy

Farmers Markets

Community Grant Programme

Economic Development Strategy

Small Business Development Project

the Natural EnvironmentRecreation and Open Space Strategy

Active Pathways Project

Heatwave Plan

Safe Routes to School Action Plan

Stormwater Management Plan

Ararat Flood Study

Waste Management and Waste Recovery Service Policy

Domestic Wastewater Management Plan

Environmental Sustainability Strategy

Council Plan | Minicipal Strategic Statement | MPHWP



Development of the Plan – the Health and Wellbeing Issues Identified

MethodologyCouncil is committed to taking the lead planning role in relation to the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan however implementing it and creating a healthier community requires the commitment and involvement of everyone who lives, works or has an involvement with the community including but not limited to:• individuals, • community groups, • health care providers, • police and emergency services, • the education sector, • businesses and employers, • state and federal agencies.

Achieving the priorities described in this Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2013-2017 will be challenging and will only be possible by working together in a coordinated and supportive way. Therefore it does not list every partner required or every action needed to create a healthier community. Instead it describes the way that we can work together on various actions to help achieve the health and wellbeing priorities identified.

The Plan was developed through consultation and engagement with the community and partner organisations to ensure that it is responsive to community needs. The consultations provided a more complete understanding of why particular issues are emerging, and what issues the community and key partner organisations see as important to community health and wellbeing.

The stakeholder engagement process has and will continue to provide information about capacity and resources available to inform planning and set timelines for achievement.

Consultation sessions included:1. Council staff with responsibility for key Strategies and Plans

across Council related to the social determinants of health ie. Community Services Planners, Community Action Plan, Municipal Strategic Statement, Council Plan, Sustainability, Design of Infrastructure Projects

2. Community sector stakeholders through Community Action Plans and Ararat Small Towns Community Advisory Group

3. General Community through Health and Wellbeing (My Big Wish) Postcard Survey and Ararat Rural City Council Community Vision 2030 Survey

4. Health sector stakeholders (including Primary Care Partnerships, East Grampians Health Services, Women’s and Community Health Services, Grampians Community Health, Medicare Local and Victorian Department of Health (Grampians region).

Council’s Community

Vision 2030 document

states (on page 3):

The Ararat Rural City community

in 2030 will be safe, supportive

and full of opportunities for

people of all ages, backgrounds

and abilities to learn, grow and

contribute.

An affordable region where we

can live productive, happy lives.

We will be a healthy and active

community where everyone

belongs and shares the

opportunity to enjoy sporting

and cultural activities that

celebrate our rural lifestyle.

Everything we need in

employment, services and

facilities will be here to help

us maximise our potential

as citizens and individuals

contributing to our community.

Our natural environment and

location enhance our lifestyle

and contribute to our sense of

community and belonging.


Health ProfileA municipal scan has been conducted to inform the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2013-2017 (see Appendix 1). The scan provides an examination of quantitative data describing the health and social status of residents within the municipality and explores the key social, economic, and environmental factors that influence these outcomes.

Where there is information available and comparisons are useful, benchmarking has been undertaken to see how this municipality compares at a national, state and regional level.

A recent survey indicated that residents of the municipality have a wellbeing score consistent with the Victorian average (79.1% compared to 77.5%) (VicHealth 2012), however, there are still a number of areas of concern when compared to state-wide data.

Key contributing factors are also highlighted and where these have aligned with community and partner organisation priorities, they have been prioritised for action in the MPHWP 2013-2017.

In considering the priorities contained within the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2011-2015 and the available data for this community (as listed in Appendix 1), four priority health and wellbeing issues have been identified to be addressed:• Healthy ating and oral health• Physical activity• Mental health• Tobacco use

There are crucial links between addressing many aspects of these issues and they have been prioritised in order to achieve tangible and realistic results which will deliver an improved public health outcome for the community.

Table 3. Health Indicators from the Victorian Population Health Survey 2011-2012

status of Key Health Indicators in ararat rural City Data from Victorian Population Health Survey 2011-2012,

Department of Health 2013

Ararat Rural City

Victorian Average

% o

f re

sid

ents

50

40

30

20

10

0

60

Overal

l fair/p

oor h

ealth

Not m

eetin

g fru

it/veg

guide

lines

Not m

eetin

g phy

sical

activ

ity

18+ cu

rrent

smok

ers

Risky a

lcoho

l con

sum

ption

Overw

eight

/obes

ity

49.855

.2

56.7

51.1

30.0 32.1

16.8

15.7

52.4

45.3

14.4 15.9


Climate ChangeAverage annual rainfall has dropped by around 50mm to 60mm in the last decade with a projected decline ranging from 100mm to almost 300mm (see Figure 2 and Figure 3).

This region had the largest and most destructive bushfire in living memory in 2006. There has been a reported shift in agriculture over the last decade to more dry land cropping.

Refer to the graphs below for comparative projected rainfall reductions and refer to the Bureau of Meteorology link: http://www.climatechangeinaustralia.gov.au/victemp1.php

Figure 2: Ararat Rainfall 1969 – 2012 with projected trend line (graph compiled with data sourced from the Bureau of Meteorology)

ararat rainfall - 1960 to 2012 (With projected trendline)

mill

imet

res

year

900

800

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

1000

1960

1972

1984

1996

2008

2020

2032

2044

1962

1974

1986

1998

2010

2022

2034

2046

1964

1976

1988

2000

2012

2024

2036

2048

1966

1978

1990

2002

2014

2026

2038

2050

1968

1980

1992

2004

2016

2028

2040

1970

1982

1994

2006

2018

2030

2042

Figure 3: Ararat Rainfall 1979 – 2012 with projected trend line (graph compiled with data sourced from the Bureau of Meteorology)

ararat rainfall - 1979 to 2012 (With projected trendline)

mill

imet

res

year

800

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

900

1985

1997

2009

2021

2033

2045

1987

1999

2011

2023

2035

2047

1989

2001

2013

2025

2037

2049

1991

2003

2015

2027

2039

1981

1993

2005

2017

2029

2041

1983

1995

2007

2019

2031

2043

1979


The criteria for priority setting in relation to health goals and actions considered the following:

• prevalence and impact of preventable diseases

• data related to risk factors such as smoking, healthy eating and physical activity levels

• data related to the broader determinants of health including access to employment, education, amenability to change, social connection and civic participation opportunities

• whether the issue disproportionally affects some members of our community

• alignment with community priorities identified through the community consultation and engagement process

• partnerships and opportunities

• resources and capacity of Council and partner organisations on whether to act on a priority or whether to undertake an advocacy role.

Four key health and wellbeing issues have emerged as priorities for our community.

1. Healthy Eating and Oral Health Promotion

2. Increasing Physical activity

3. Improving Social Connection and Mental Health

4. Control of Tobacco Use

Sample Action Plans are under development for each of the priority areas which are contained within Appendix 3, Appendix 4, Appendix 5 and Appendix 6. The Action Plans consider Strategic Actions for development with partner agencies to avoid duplication and to deliver benefits in each of the priority areas identified.

Health and Wellbeing Priority Setting Process

Priorities for Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2013–2017

There are likely to be more extreme weather events like heat waves and bushfires along with occasional flash flooding. There will be a major impact on the natural environment with numerous species becoming locally extinct.

Council has installed a number of emergency water supply bores to assist landowners with stock water. The Wimmera Pipeline has significantly improved the efficiency of the region’s water supplies and the township of Ararat already recycles almost all of its waste water. Council is also part of a pilot study to create defendable spaces for townships as a way to make Ararat safer from bushfires. The municipality has Fire Prevention and Emergency Management Plans in place.

The majority of residents still see recent weather events as climate variability rather than climate change although they are beginning to take adaptive measures eg. farmers are shifting to dry land cropping rather than grazing and many residents have installed solar panels, water tanks and home insulation. Most of the adaptation occurring in the community is being driven by economic factors rather than a conscious response to climate change.

the Health and Wellbeing issues identifiedPriority 1 – Healthy Eating and Oral Health

Priority 2 – Physical Activity

Priority 3 – Mental Health

Priority 4 – Tobacco Use


Goal: To reduce the

incidence of

overweight

and obesity

and develop

an increased

awareness of the

importance of oral

health within the

municipality

Why is it important to our health and wellbeing?55.2% of residents within the municipality are overweight or obese (Department of Health 2013) and 57.6% people in the municipality are not eating the daily recommended levels of fruit and vegetables. (Department of Health 2012). These figures are alarming and place our community’s health at great risk.

Unhealthy eating is associated with obesity and linked to an increased likelihood of developing coronary heart disease, diabetes, stroke and some cancers. Unhealthy eating can also affect memory, performance at school and work and cause tooth decay.

Eating healthy foods is known to have a positive impact on energy levels and the ability to concentrate.

45% of infants are fully breastfed at 3 months compared with a state average of 54%. 36% of infants are fully breastfed at 6 months compared with a state average of 37% (Department of Education and Early Childhood Development 2012).

In industrialised countries promoting prolonged breastfeeding may help decrease the prevalence of obesity in childhood. Since obese children have a high risk of becoming obese adults, preventative measures such as promoting breastfeeding may eventually result in a reduction in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease and other obesity related diseases (Kries et al, 1999).

Priority 1 – Healthy Eating and Oral Health


What the community said about healthy eating:

“We want real farmers markets with fresh fruit and vegetables and people growing vegies at home and having vegetable swaps”

“Healthy eating options at local restaurants and cafes”

“Assistance for families who struggle...early support like parenting training, life skills, cooking”

“Get realistic motivational speakers to present healthy lifestyles and cooking”

“Promote wellbeing rather than focussing on illness”

“More options for teenagers...as opposed to being rebellious or doing nothing”

“A lactation consultant based in Ararat”

What we are committed to doing over the next four years:

Objectives:

• To improve access to healthy eating and drinking options

• To support opportunities for improved learning about healthy eating and drinking

• To promote the importance of reducing organic waste to landfill

What will council do?Support the creation of healthy environments.

Support healthy eating and drinking initiatives to achieve health benchmarks.

Support healthy eating initiatives through Healthy Together.

Enhance the Maternal and Child Health Nurse oral health component of key ages and stages consultations.

Support the development of a local food network to identify and address local food issues.

Advocate for a fluoridated drinking water supply.

Continue promotion of breastfeeding and healthy eating through Maternal and Child Health nurses.

Explore models to address food insecurity that are relevant to our local context.


Goal: To increase

participation in

physical activity

Why is it important to our health and wellbeing?33.7% of people in Ararat do not meet the recommended daily levels of physical activity (Department of Health 2013).

Increased sedentary lifestyles are known to be a contributing factor to high rates of overweight and obesity.

Being active has many benefits. It can make you feel good and improve your health.

Regular physical activity can:• help prevent heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure • reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and some cancers• help build and maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints

reducing the risk of injury• promote psychological wellbeing

In order to encourage physical activity, communities need to have the type of infrastructure which enables:• people of all ages, incomes and abilities to access parks and

facilities while feeling safe at any time of day • people in all types of employment to achieve fitness • a number of sports clubs that welcome people and help them

feel valued •aculturethatvaluesandpromotesbeingactivefrom childhood through to old age

The Biggest Loser television show and Challenge Ararat has generated great interest in engaging the community to realise the benefits of physical activity. Celebrating and leveraging off the raised community interest to create further opportunities for programmes and activities is an approach which would maximise a greater level of participation in physical activity.

Priority 2 – Physical Activity


What the community said about physical activity:

“To sponsor physical activities for people who cannot afford the YMCA etc”

“To be able to meet people socially”

“Safer bike paths and more of them”

“Walking tracks for prams”

“Better wheelchair access to the whole town”

“To have gym equipment at Kokoda Park and Alexandra Park for people who don’t participate in organised sport”

“More options for teenagers to be social”

“Better skate park”

“Girls skate park”

“Our most vulnerable folk, the young, our seniors, the disabled all have a right to safe outdoor leisure”

“For people to be encouraged to maintain wellness rather than overcome illness”


Objectives:

• To create opportunities for people to participate in active forms of transport and recreation

• To ensure environments for physical activity are safe, inclusive and accessible.

• To develop partnerships for the creation of better sport and active recreation opportunities

What will council do?Promote community health and wellbeing through the provision of recreation facilities and programs.

Ensure Council’s services and facilities are accessible.

Work in partnership with local clubs and organisations.

Provide, maintain and promote walking and cycling trails for recreation and commuter use.

Pursue efficiencies in managing sporting and recreation facilities.

Develop and Implement the Active Pathways Plan.

Increase availability of outdoor gym equipment at local parks and reserves.

Promote the library sports equipment hire service.

Support Physical activity initiatives through Healthy Together.

Actively participate in the Healthy Together Workplace Achievement Program to become a health promoting workplace.

Advocate, plan and develop transport, road and pedestrian networks, services and connectivity between and within communities.

Develop long term strategic Asset Management plans for all council assets to manage current and future needs.

Develop a long term Capital works program to improve community infrastructure and facilities.

Develop new and plan renewal of existing facilities through a planned and prioritised approach by pursuing service and funding partnerships.

Council is committed to the Victorian Prevention and Health Promotion Achievement Program as a health promoting workplace.


Goal: To improve mental

health through

increasing social

connectedness

Why is it important to our health and wellbeing?In 2010/11 within the Grampians Pyrenees region, this municipality had the greatest number and proportion of population that were mental health clients, a figure which was almost double the Victorian average (GPPCP 2012 utilising Victorian Population Health data).

People who are socially isolated are more likely to experience low self-esteem and depressive symptoms and also have a higher risk of coronary heart disease.

Social connectedness can lead to increased morale for older people and has been shown to reduce hospital admissions, increase independence and delay the need for permanent care.

Social cohesion can protect the mental health of people living in disadvantaged areas.

Young people’s engagement with creative activities can lead to better academic outcomes, improved levels of self-esteem and a reduction in alcohol and drug consumption.

Priority 3 – Mental Health


What the community said about social connections and mental health:

“More options for teenagers to be social as opposed to being rebellious”

“The town is very clique and hard to break into”

“To have youth services geared toward youth engagement in the community”

“Assistance for families... like parenting training, life skills”

“Sufficient funding for more free counselling sessions- six is not enough... counsellors are great”

“More support for new mums to give them time out...not everyone has family around them to help”

“Schools and community groups could be invited to work with council and help look after a designated area...eg. at Kokoda Park”


Objectives:

• To increase community awareness and understanding of the importance of mental health

• To increase social connections and improve social cohesion

What will council do?Create opportunities to build community pride, belonging, participation and achievement.

Provide community development support and partnership projects.

Support and recognise the vital role and contribution of volunteers in our communities.

Support diverse community and cultural events.

Pursue initiatives that promote lifelong learning, literacy and information needs of the community.

Support and develop youth development programs and services.

Support police and community safety programs and initiatives.

Promote the Ararat Performing Arts Centre and its diverse performing arts program.

Promote the Ararat Regional Art Gallery.

Deliver an innovative diverse and accessible program of exhibitions and associated events within the performing and visual arts programs.

Develop and apply a planning scheme that facilitates land use and development to support the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of the municipality.

Maintain facilities for the benefit of the whole community.

Support Mental Health and Wellbeing initiatives within early childhood settings, schools and workplaces through the Healthy Together Achievement Program.


Goal: To reduce tobacco

use

Why is it important to our health and wellbeing?Smoking remains one of the leading preventable causes of many cancers, cardiovascular and other respiratory diseases.

Exposure to second-hand smoke increases the risk of chronic and fatal health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, heart disease and lung cancer.

Children, infants and unborn babies are particularly vulnerable to second-hand smoke and associated health risks including Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), lower birth weight, lung and respiratory infections.

Priority 4 – Tobacco Use


What the statistics show about tobacco use:The data shows that overall the rate of residents who are current smokers is slightly higher than the state average and that females appear to be the significant population group contributing to this figure, as shown in the table below.

Health Status

Ararat Rural City

LGA Rank Victoria

Percentage of persons 18+ who are current smokers

20.9% 28 19.1%

Percentage of females 18+ who are current smokers

23.6% 9 16.9%

Percentage of males 18+ who are current smokers

17.1% 59 21.4%

(Victorian Population Health Survey 2008)

According to Quit statistics 81% of Victorians who smoke have tried to kick the habit at least once while about 40% try to quit each year (www.quit.org.au)


Objectives:

• To support programs that prevent the uptake of smoking particularly by young people

• To encourage and support smokers to quit

• To reduce exposure to second-hand smoke and smoking behaviours

What will council do?Ensure the enforcement of regulations in accordance with the Tobacco Act 1987.

Continue to participate in the Department of Health’s Cigarette Sales to Minors Program.

Support National and State anti-smoking campaigns.

Promote smoke free environments.

Support tobacco/smoking reduction initiatives through Healthy Together.



Review and Evaluation

This Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan will be monitored throughout the four years by the internal Council staff Reference Group and the Ararat Prevention Leadership Group. The role of these groups will be to ensure that the Plan is implemented, monitored, evaluated and reported on. Meetings will be held quarterly and progress on the implementation will be provided to Council on an annual basis, in accordance with the statutory requirement of Council under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008.

This will provide the opportunity to monitor the implementation of strategies contained in the plan. It also provides key stakeholders a vehicle for qualitative exchange on changes or new developments that may impact health and wellbeing across our municipality.

It will also highlight the extra resources which may be required to address the four priority areas identified within this municipality.

There will be opportunities for people throughout the course of its implementation to provide feedback. The community will also be asked to evaluate the plan at the end of the four years and to again contribute their health and wellbeing priorities for the development of the next MPHWP.

Six months before the end of the four year life of the plan a full review will be conducted in accordance with the evaluation framework outlined in Figure 5.

Planning statements Deliver... Measured by... Answers the question...

Goals Long-term benefits Outcome evaluation Have we achieved the change we sought?

Objectives Medium-term or intermediate benefits

Impact evaluation Are we having the influence we expected?

Strategies Short-term or immediate benefits

Process evaluation Are we doing what we said we would do?

Figure 5. Evaluation framework for Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plans (taken from: Department of Health Southern Metropolitan Region 2012, A practical guide to conducting annual reviews of Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plans. State Government of Victoria, Melbourne)


How will we know we have made a difference?

An increase in the number of daily fruit and vegetable serves for children and adults as per public health recommendations reported in the Victorian Population Health Survey.

Food security has improved as reported in the VicHealth Indicators Survey.

Improvement in oral health benchmarks published by Dental Health Services Victoria.

Increase in incidents of people undertaking the daily recommended physical activity levels as reported in the Victorian Population Health Survey.

Increased sense of town pride, belonging, volunteering, participation in arts and community events as reported in the Victorian Population Health Survey.

Increase in people attending arts activities or events as reported in the VicHealth Indicators Survey.

An increase in the number of people reporting a sense of belonging within the community reported in the VicHealth Indicators Survey.

A percentage decrease in the number of men reporting moderate levels of psychological stress as reported through Victorian Population Health Survey.

VicHealth Indicators.

Victorian Population Health survey.

A reduction in the number of people identifying themselves as current smokers as reported in the Victorian Population Health Survey.

Reduction in cigarette butt litter in waste streams to landfill.

Reduction in cigarette butt litter in waterways.


Conclusion

What extra resources/capacity may be required within the municipality to address these issues?

Key health and wellbeing data will continue to be monitored throughout the life of this plan.

The Ararat Rural City Council Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2013-17 will continue to build on existing strengths and achievements

to address identified areas of improvement, recognising that action to address community health issues requires a long term investment of time and resources when the intention is to invest in upstream, long-term, prevention approaches.

Funding for community infrastructure may include walking and cycling tracks, public toilets, outdoor gym equipment, park seating, adequate lighting, drinking water fountains, playground equipment, shade sails, ramps for disability access.

Local schools will need to identify what extra resources are required to enable extra physical activity in the school curriculum eg: more sports equipment, and also what resources are needed to further implement programmes like Kids Go for Your Life.

Funding for a Youth Officer within the municipality.

Police involvement to promote the responsible consumption of alcohol at sports clubs.

Positive role models for young people eg. sports personality.

Consider simultaneous promotion of local events through facebook and printed media other than newspapers eg. regular pamphlet drop, notices in school newsletters, fliers at sports clubs and church notice sheets as only half the population report having internet access.

A Health Promotion Officer, with a role to work with local physiotherapists and dieticians to provide education sessions to workplaces about regular exercise to reduce weight and general benefits for body and mind.

A Social worker within the municipality employed primarily with a role of imparting parenting skills, dealing with stress, managing money, managing difficult behaviour, positive child and parent relationships, negotiating every-day challenges. This social worker would work in partnership with maternal and child health nurses, mental health team, dieticians, organisations like Relationships Australia and Beyond Blue, learning mothercraft.

Funding for more free/bulk billed mental health services.

References

Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD), 2012, Maternal & Child Health Services Annual Report, 2011-2012, Grampians Region, Department of Education and Early Childhood Development,State Government of Victoria, Melbourne.

Department of Health, 2012, LGA Profiles: Ararat (RC), Department of Health, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne.

Department of Health, 2013 Victorian Population Health Survey 2011-2012,selected preliminary survey findings, Department of Health, Melbourne, Victoria.

Grampians Pyrenees Primary Care Partnership (GPPCP), 2012, Population Health and Wellbeing Profile, Grampians Pyrenees Primary Care Partnership, Ararat, Victoria.

Kries R, Koletzko B, Sauerwald T, Murtius E, Barnert D, Grunert V &Vos H. 1999. Breastfeeding and obesity: cross sectional study. BMJ 1999;319:14.

Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (Vic Health), 2012 Ararat LGA Profile, Victorian Health Promotion Foundation, Carlton South.

Abbreviations

abs Australian Bureau of Statistics

arCC Ararat Rural City Council

CaFs Child and Family Services

doH Department of Health

dHs Department of Human Services

egHs East Grampians Health Service

gCH Grampians Community Health

HaCC Home and Community Care

Cgllen Central Grampians Local Learning & Employment Network

mpHWp Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan

npapH National Partnership Agreement on Preventive Health

pCm Preventative Care Model

pCp Primary Care Partnership

WHg Women’s Health Grampians

WHo World Health Organisation

ymCa YMCA Aquatics and Recreation Centre and Kindergarten Cluster Management



AppendicesAppendix 1 – Municipal Scan Summary

Appendix 2 – Ararat LGA Profile - VicHealth Indicators Survey 2011 results

Appendix 3 – Community Feedback

Appendix 4 – Sample Action Plan Healthy Eating and Oral Health

Appendix 5 – Sample Action Plan for Increased Physical Activity

Appendix 6 – Sample Action Plan for Improving Mental Health and Increasing Social Connectedness

Appendix 7 – Sample Action Plan to Reduce Tobacco Use

Municipal Scan Summary – Ararat Rural City Council

OverviewArarat Rural City is located 200 km west of Melbourne on the Western Highway. Population growth from 2000−2010 was modest and smaller than average growth is forecast to 2022. The population is older than average with around 19% aged 65 or older.

• Ararat Rural City Council (ARCC) has a higher than average rate of family incidents, drug and alcohol offences and total offences.

• While the percentage with food insecurity is the highest in the state, housing stress is lower than average.

• The rate of motor vehicle ownership is one of the lowest in the State, although only about 53% of the population are near public transport.

• Females in particular rated poorly on a number of health indicators including overweight and obesity, cancer incidence, fruit and vegetable consumption and smoking.

• ARCC rates higher than the Victorian average for several disability indicators, including need for assistance with core activities, percentage of persons with severe or profound disabilities and HACC clients aged 0 to 69.

• There are also higher than average rates of drug and alcohol clients and mental health clients.

• Emergency department presentations are less than one quarter of the state average, and GP attendances are also well below average. Primary care occasions of service are however more than three times the Victorian average.

arCC vICtorIa

StrengthsHousing stress is lower than average – lower percentage of households with housing costs greater than 40% of income

4.8% 9%

The proportion of ARCC residents who shared a meal with their families at least five days a week

78.4% 66.3%

WeaknessesHigher than average rate of family incidents, drug and alcohol offences and total offences. Total offences per 1,000 population

72.8% 64.7%

Percentage with food insecurity is the highest in the state 12.6% 6%

Females in particular rated poorly on a number of health indicators including:

•Overweightandobesity 50.2% 40.3%

•Cancerincidence 762.6 per 100,000 445.4 per 100,000

•Fruitandvegetableconsumption 52.3% 41.9%

•Smoking 23.6% 16.9%

Appendix 1 – Municipal Scan Summary



1. Community Capacitydemographics

• 29.5% is aged 45-65 years and 17.4% of the population is aged 65 years and over with the projected population for theses age bracket expected to increase by 2022 (Department of Health, 2012)

• Men in the age group 35-39 are projected to have the strongest growth by 2022 (Department of Health, 2012)

• Of the residents, aged 75 years and over, who live alone, 72.8% are women and 27.2% are men, compared to 75.1% and 24.9% respectively state-wide (Department of Health, 2012).

Family Composition ARCC % VICTORIA %

Couple family without children 43.4% 36.7

Couple family with children 36.9% 46

One parent family 18.3% 15.5

Other family 1.4% 1.8

Single Parents ARCC % VICTORIA %

Male 12.4 17.2

Female 87.6 82.8

(Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2012)

diversity

• 87.1% of residents are from an Anglo-Saxon or Celtic background, with 0.75% of the population identifying as Aboriginal (Department of Health, 2012 & ABS 2011).

• 98% of residents speak only English at home with other languages spoken at home including Italian 0.3%, Spanish 0.2%, Dutch 0.2%, Croatian 0.2% and French 0.1%. (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2012)

• 60% of residents believe that multiculturalism makes life better, versus 76.3% statewide (Department of Health, 2012).

• The most common responses for religion in ARCC were; no religion 27.6%, Anglican 13.9%, Catholic 20.6%, Uniting Church 10.1% and Presbyterian and Reformed 5.9% (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2012).

• There is a significantly higher than average level of people living in the community with a severe or profound disability and HACC clients, residents receiving a disability support pension is double the state average (Department of Health, 2012).

social engagement and Crime

• Over a third (33.3%) of the population volunteer at least once a month compared to the state average of 19.7% and 50.2% have participated in citizen engagement in the past year, similar with the state averages (VicHealth, 2012)

• Parental involvement in schools is 51.1% slightly higher in the municipality than the state average (48.8%) (Department of Health, 2012)

• Residents are a lot less likely to have attended an arts activity or event in the past 3 months compared to the state average (51.2% and 63.6% respectively), although the number of residents who made or created their own art or craft (38%) within the past 3 months was above the state average (34%) (VicHealth, 2012)

• More than three quarters of residents share a meal with family on 5 or more days of the week (VicHealth, 2012)

• 98.8 % of residents feel safe or very safe walking alone in the local area during the day and 80.7% of the population feel safe on the street alone after dark (VicHealth, 2012).

• People with an intellectual disability are less likely to access community resources, get help from family, friends and neighbours when needed or help out as a volunteer, compared to the general Victorian population (Department of Health, 2011b)

• 3.4 per 1,000 adolescents in the Grampians region were placed on community based orders, compared to 1.5 per 1,000 across Victoria (DEECD, 2010)

• Intimate partner violence perpetrated by a male is the largest contributor to illness, disability and death for women aged 15-44 (VicHealth 2004 cited in Women’s Health Grampians, 2012).

• Rates of Family violence incidents in ARCC are significantly higher than the state average 10.4 vs 7.4 leaving it ranked 14th in the state.

• Drug usage and possession offences in ARCC is significantly higher than the state average 3.1 vs 1.9 per 1000 population leaving ARCC ranked 11th in the state.

• Total crime offences in ARCC are higher than the state average 72.8 vs 64.7 per 1000 population ranking it 19th in the state.



2. Socio-economic FactorsArarat Rural City Council (ARCC) is the 11th most socio-economically disadvantaged LGA in the state (Department of Health, 2011). In general, aboriginal Victorians experience greater degrees of socioeconomic disadvantage compared to non-aboriginal Victorians (Department of Health, 2012b).

economic and employment Characteristics

• The unemployment rate in ARCC is slightly lower than the state average, 4.3% compared to 5.4% (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2012)

• The most common occupations in ARCC (Urban Centres and Localities) included Labourers 19.0%, Community and Personal Service Workers 16.6%, Technicians and Trades Workers 13.4%, Professionals 12.4%, and Managers 10.8%

• ARCC top 5 industries of employment include Hospitals, Electrical Equipment Manufacturing, School Education, Public Order and Safety Services, Supermarket and Grocery Stores. Manufacturing and Public order and Safety Services are well above the state average.

• ARCC has higher than average levels of low income individuals and households, with the median gross weekly household income at $483 compared to the state average of $749. (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2012).

• Food insecurity in ARCC is the highest in the state, over double the state average affecting 12.6% of the ARCC population, compared to 6% across Victoria, with aboriginal Victorians 4 times as likely to have experienced one occurrence of food insecurity in the past year (Department of Health, 2012b & Department of Health, 2012)

education

• 64.0% of ARCC residents did not complete Year 12, 20% more than the state average and only a quarter of residents have completed a higher education qualification (Department of Health, 2012)

• 9.78% of 15-19 year old school leavers in ARCC were engaged in non-school study or full time work, compared to 2.4% in Victoria (Community Indicators Victoria, n.d),

• The Australian Early Development Index which measures children’s development as they enter school highlights that 8% of children in ARCC are vulnerable on either one or more, or two or more domains, compared to 10% in Victoria (DPCD, 2011).

Housing and sustainability

• 11.7% of households in ARCC spend 30% or more of their gross income on rent or mortgage payments, compared to 20.4% state average (Community Indicators Victoria, n.d).

• Supply of drinking water in Victoria is generally very satisfactory; with E.coli water quality standards being met by 99.2% of supplies in 2007-08 (Department of Health, 2010)

• In ARCC 39.5% of residents live in households where waste water is collected (e.g. from washing machines, showers, sinks), compared to 41.3% state average (Community Indicators Victoria, n.d)Only 22% of household kerb waste collected by local government was recycled in 2009-2010, compared to the state average of 44% (Community Indicators Victoria, n.d)

• The effects of climate change will not impact population groups evenly; older people, children, outdoor workers, people who live in rural or coastal areas and those with existing medical conditions experience a greater risk of associated health problems (Department of Health, 2011).

• Per capita, Victoria is one of the world’s worst polluters. Half of Victoria’s pollution comes from coal-fired power stations, with 95% of electricity generated from the burning of brown coal (Environment Victoria, 2013).

• Sustainable green energy alternatives, such as wind power, are gaining popularity as alternatives to other forms of energy production. To date, there is no published scientific evidence which demonstrates wind turbines have a deleterious impact on health (NHMRC, 2010b). Renewable energy, and its potential health impacts, has not yet been assessed with the same rigour as traditional energy sources (NHMRC, 2010). An updated review of the scientific literature on wind turbines, post July 2010, is currently being undertaken by the National Health and Medical Research Council and is expected to be published mid-2013.

3. Health and Wellbeing3.1 Health Conditions

Chronic diseases are the major contributor to burden of disease in Victoria, with cardiovascular disease, cancer and mental disorders responsible for over half of burden of disease (Department Human Services 2005 as cited in Department of Health, 2011). Heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, suicide and alcohol related conditions all feature in the top ten conditions contributing to avoidable mortality in ARCC for the period 2002-06 (Department of Health, 2011d).

overweight and obesity

• Overall number of overweight or obese persons is much higher than the state average in ARCC. 59.2% of females and 62.7% of males are overweight or obese (Department of Health, 2012).

• People with an intellectual disability are more likely to be either overweight or obese, or underweight, compared to the general population (Department of Health, 2011b).

• Aboriginals in rural Victoria are more likely than non-aboriginals to be obese (Department of Health, 2012b)



ambulatory Care sensitive Conditions

• The top five ambulatory care sensitive condition admissions (for which hospitalisation is thought to be preventable) for 2011 in ARCC were; diabetes complications, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dental conditions, pyelonephritis, and ear nose and throat infections (Department of Health, 2011e).

Cancer

• In general, cancer survival rates have improved in the period from 1990-2004, due largely to improved treatment and early disease detection through screening.

• The incidence of cancer has increased in the past 20 years and is set to increase, yet the majority of cancer is preventable (Department of Health, 2010 &2011).

• In ARCC the incidence of cancer is significantly higher than the state average 773.3 per 100,000 population vs511.4 per 100,000 per population. Cancer rates are higher than the state average in both males and females.

• Breast cancer screening participation in 2010 in ARCC was 52.7% compared to 55.9% state wide (Department of Health, 2012)

• Cervical cancer screening participation in 2010 in ARCC was 53.4% compared to 63.1% state wide (Department of Health, 2012)

• Females with an intellectual disability are less likely to have had a pap smear or mammogram in the previous two years, compared to female Victorians without an intellectual disability (Department of Health, 2011b)

• People with an intellectual disability are less likely to wear sunglasses in the sun (DH, 2011b)

diabetes

• The incidence of diabetes type 2 is similar to the state average 4.89% of residents reported having type 2 diabetes, compared to 4.8% state wide (Department of Health, 2012).

• The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Victoria is greater in males than females; 5.8% versus 3.8% (Department of Health, 2010).

mental Health and Wellbeing

• ARCC has lower than the state average levels of people reporting a high degree of psychological distress.

• Residents who report fair or poor health is higher than the state average 21.2% vs 18.3% leaving Ararat ranked as 14th in the state.

• People with an intellectual disability are more likely to have depression and are also more likely to seek help for a mental health problem (Department of Health, 2011b).

• Approximately 1 in 4 Aboriginal Victorians had high or very high levels of psychological distress, almost double that of non-aboriginal Victorians (Department of Health, 2012b).

• 51.4 % in ARCC feel valued by society and feel they have opportunities to have a real say on important issues, with Aboriginal Victorians less likely to feel this way (DPCD, 2010 & Department of Health, 2009b).

Injury

• In terms of healthy years of life lost, injury is among the top ten factors in Victoria contributing to burden of disease.

• Falls are the leading cause of injury admission and presentation in emergency departments, at approximately one third (VISU 2011c as cited in Department of Health, 2011).

Communicable disease

• Salmonella, pertussis, tuberculosis and sexually transmissible infections are priorities for communicable disease in Victoria (Department of Health, 2011)

• Notifications of Chlamydia in ARCC were 3.9 per 1,000 population, as opposed to 3.5 per 1,000 in Victoria (Department of Health, 2012)

• Influenza notifications in ARCC were 0.1 per 1,000, compared to 0.6 per 1,000 in Victoria (Department of Health, 2012)

• Notifications of pertussis in ARCC were 0.4per 1,000 population, as opposed to 1.6 per 1,000 in Victoria (Department of Health, 2012)

3.2 Health behaviours

Immunisation

• 95.5% of children in ARCC were fully immunised at 24-27 months compared to the state average of 93.4% (Department of Health, 2012).

smoking

• 21.4% male Victorians and 16.9% of female Victorians smoke, with the highest prevalence of female smokers in the 18-24 age bracket and for males the 25-34 year bracket (Department of Health, 2011c).

• In ARCC 23.6% of females smoke compared to the Victorian state average of 16.9% (Department of Health, 2012).

• 61.8% of ARCC residents support smoking bans in outside dining areas, compared to 69.8% in Victoria (VicHealth, 2012)

• People with a mental illness are more likely to smoke, and smoke more heavily, compared to those who don’t (Access Economics cited in Department of Health, 2011)

• Aboriginals in rural Victoria are more likely to smoke (Department of Health, 2012b).

• Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug across the state, with 9.4% of people aged 14 years and over having consumed it in the previous 12 months (AIHW 2011b as cited in Department of Health, 2011)



physical activity

• The percentage of residents not meeting physical activity guidelines is above the state average (28.2% vs 27.4%). Male residents in ARCC are under the state average however, female residents not meeting physical activity recommendations are higher than the state average, 29.9% versus 27.2% (Department of Health, 2012)

• 9% of adolescents aged 10-17 years in the Grampians met the recommended levels of physical activity each day, compared to 12.3% in Victoria (DEECD, 2010)

• People with an intellectual disability are almost three times less likely to meet physical activity recommendations than the general Victorian population (DH, 2011b)

• ARCC residents are significantly less likely to spend seven hours a day or more sitting when compared to the average Victorian (15.2% versus 32.6%) (Department of Health, 2012).

Fruit and vegetable Consumption

• 41.9% of females and 54.8% of males in Victoria do not consume enough fruit and vegetables and fail to meet national dietary guidelines (Department of Health, 2010).

• ARCC residents’ consumption of fruit and vegetables is lower than the state averages, 57.6% of residents do not meet the guidelines compared to the state average of 48.2%Women in ARCC have a lower fruit and vegetable consumption compared to the state average.Males in ARCC,have similar consumption to the state average; (Department of Health, 2012).

• Aboriginals in rural areas are less likely to eat fruit compared to non-aboriginals (Department of Health, 2012b)

• 16.7% of adolescents aged 10-17 years ate the recommended serves of fruit and vegetables each day in the Grampians region, compared to an average of 19% in Victoria (DEECD, 2010)

alcohol

• The percentage of residents who at risk of short term harm from alcohol consumptionwas slightly under the state average. However the number of alcohol related offences and alcohol clients is well above the state average.(Department of Health, 2012)

soft drink

• 19.6% of residents consume soft drink on a daily basis, compared to 12.4% in Victoria (VicHealth, 2012).

• People with an intellectual disability are three times more likely to drink soft drinks when thirsty, compared to the general Victorian population (Department of Health, 2012).

life expectancy

• Life expectancy at birth for Victorians has increased, with the difference in life expectancy between males and females decreasing over time (Department of Health, 2010).

• Australian Aboriginal life expectancy compared to the non-aboriginal population is 11.5 years less for males and 9.7 years for females (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2011).

• Life expectancy in ARCC is less than the state average for both males and females; 82.0 years for females compared to the state average of 84.4 and 76.8 years for males, compared to 80.3 years (Department of Health, 2012).

4. Facilities and Services

• The number of GP’s per 1,000 population in ARCC is slightly lower than the state average at a rate of 1.06 per 1,000 compared to 1.11 (Department of Health, 2012)

• GP attendances are well below the state average; 4,829.7 for females compared to the state average of 6,197.5 and 3,306.7 for males, compared to 4,573.8 (Department of Health, 2012)

• HACC clients aged between 0-69 are more than double the state average (410.7 per 1000 population vs 196.9 per 1000 population). HACC clients over 69 years old are also significantly higher than the state average.

• Allied Health Service sites and Pharmacies per 1000 population are higher than the state average.

• Dental hospitalisations are the leading cause of preventable hospital admissions in Victorians 20 years and younger (Department of Health, 2011). Only 71.7% of adolescents in the Grampians felt they could access dental services if required, significantly lower than the 78.3% state average (DEECD, 2010).

• 82.1% of residents believe their area has good facilities and services, which is slightly less than the state average (Department of Health, 2012).

• 59.6% of ARCC households have broadband internet access at home which is significantly less than the state average of 72.6% (Department of Health, 2012).

• 31.6% of residents had experienced transport limitations in previous year, compared to 24.6% in Grampians and 23.7% in Victoria (Community Indicators Victoria, n.d).

References

1. Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2011, The Health and Welfare of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Oct 2010, Australian Bureau of Statistics, retrieved 6 March 2013, <http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/[email protected]/lookup/4704.0Chapter218Oct+2010>

2. Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2012, 2011 Census Quick Stats Ararat (RC), Australian Bureau of Statistics, retrieved 5 March 2013, <http://www.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2011/quickstat/LGA20260?opendocument&navpos=220>

3. Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2012b, 2011 Census of Population and Housing Basic Community Profile, Australian Bureau of Statistics, retrieved 5 March 2013, <http://www.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2011/communityprofile/LGA25990>

4. Community Indicators Victoria, n.d, Ararat (RC) Wellbeing Report, Community Indicators Victoria, McCaughey Centre, University of Melbourne, Carlton

5. Department of Education and Early Childhood Development 2010, Adolescent Community Profiles Summary sheet for the Rural City of Ararat, Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne

6. Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, 2011, Summary of AEDI results for local communities within the Rural City of Ararat, Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne

7. Department of Health, 2009, Victorian Population Health Survey 2008, Ararat Rural City selected findings, Department of Health, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne



8. Department of Health, 2010, Your Health: The Chief Health officer’s Report 2010, Department of Health, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne.

9. Department of Health, 2011, Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2011-2015, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne

10. Department of Health, 2011b, Victorian Population Health Survey of People with an Intellectual Disability, Department of Health, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne

11. Department of Health, 2011c, Victorian population health survey 2008: Selected findings -2. Health and lifestyle, Part 1, State Government of Victoria, retrieved 5 March 2013, <http://docs.health.vic.gov.au/docs/doc/8A58828201D17E36CA25787300157837/$FILE/2008_ch02_01.pdf>

12. Department of Health, 2011d, Avoidable Mortality VHISS Interactive Reports, Department of Health, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne

13. Department of Health, 2011e, ACSC 2004-2005 Update Grampians Region, Department of Health, retrieved 27 March 2013, <http://www.health.vic.gov.au/healthstatus/admin/acsc/index.htm>

14. Department of Health, 2012, LGA Profiles: Ararat (RC), Department of Health, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne

15. Department of Health, 2012b, The health and wellbeing of Aboriginal Victorians: Victorian Population Health Survey 2008 Supplementary report, Department of Health, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne

16. Department of Planning and Community Development, 2010, Indicators of community strength for Ararat LGA 2008, Department of Planning and Community Development, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne.

17. Environment Victoria, n.d, Safe Climate, Environment Victoria, retrieved 12 March 2013, <http://environmentvictoria.org.au/safe-climate>

18. National Health and Medical Research Council, 2010, Wind Turbines and Health A Rapid Review of the Evidence, National Health and Medical Research Council, Australian Government, Canberra

19. National Health and Medical Research Council, 2010b, NHMRC Public StatementWind Turbines and Health, National Health and Medical Research Council, Australian Government, Canberra

20. Victorian Health Promotion Foundation, 2012, Ararat (RC) LGA Profile, Victorian Health Promotion Foundation, Carlton South

21. Women’s Health Grampians 2012, Violence against women in the Grampians region: Policy, initiatives and a snapshot of data, Women’s Health Grampians, Ballarat.

22. Women’s Health Grampians 2012b, Rural Women’s Health: Grampians Region Sexual and Reproductive Health, Women’s Health Grampians, Ballarat.

23. Women’s Health Grampians, n.d.(b), Women in Ararat (RC), Women’s Health Grampians, received 22 March 2013

24. Women’s Health Grampians, n.d., Gendered Data Resource: Age/Population Projections in the Ararat LGA, Women’s Health Grampians, retrieved 10 March 2013, < http://www.whg.org.au/files2.php?r=5&cat=>

Appendix 2 - Ararat LGA Profile - VicHealth Indicators Survey 2011 results

This profile provides an overview of wellbeing in this LGA. It is designed to provide local governments with population health data to undertake comprehensive, evidence-based municipal public health and wellbeing planning.

Ararat highlights• A significantly greater proportion of Ararat residents shared a meal with their families at least five days

a week (78.4%), compared with the Victorian average (66.3%).

• Compared with the Victorian average (32.6%), a significantly smaller proportion of Ararat residents spent seven hours or more sitting down on an average weekday (15.2%).

• Most residents of Ararat felt safe walking alone in their local area at night; 80.7% reported that they felt safe or very safe, which was significantly more than the state average (70.3%).

• A significantly greater proportion of Ararat residents volunteered at least once a month (46.0%), compared with the Victorian average (34.3%).

• A significantly smaller proportion of Ararat residents reported attending arts activities or events in the last three months (51.2%) than the Victorian average (63.6%).

• Ararat residents (80.8%) were significantly less likely than the Victorian average (88.8%) to have internet access at home or to use social networking to organise spending time with friends and family (Ararat 22.0%; Victoria 35.1%).

• Significance has been calculated to the 95% level of probability. Significant difference is indicated when confidence intervals for an LGA estimate do not overlap with confidence intervals for the Victorian average. Not all statistically significant results are reported as ‘highlights’. See chart over page for all indicators. Data has been weighted by age and gender within each local government area (LGA). Crude rates, also known as non-standardised rates, are shown here to help inform localised planning. Crude rates are not appropriate for comparisons between individual LGAs, as estimates have not been age-standardised and differences may be due, at least in part, to differing age profiles. Significant differences shown in this document may be partly due to differences between the age profiles of the LGA and the Victorian population as a whole. Age-standardised data is available on request†.

The Rural City of Ararat is located west of Melbourne and its most populous community, Ararat, is approximately 200 kilometres from Melbourne. The Rural City of Ararat covers an area of roughly 4,210 square kilometres and has a population of about 12,000.

About the surveyThe data comes from the VicHealth Indicators Survey 2011, which has a focus on social determinants of health. It complements other population health survey work conducted in Victoria. Data was collected through t elephone interviews. The survey was conducted in each of Victoria’s 79 LGAs, with a total sample of 25,075 participants aged 18 and over. For more information, please refer to the full report of the VicHealth Indicators Survey 2011 at www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/indicators.

† For more information about age-standardised data, contact [email protected]

Victorian Health Promotion Foundation

PO Box 154, Carlton South, VIC 3053 T +61 3 9667 1333 F +61 3 9667 1375 [email protected] www.vichealth.vic.gov.au

October 2012 Publication number: K-041-KN ISBN number: 978-1-922133-01-4

© Copyright Victorian Health Promotion Foundation 2012



Indicator%

LGA

LGA estimateconfidence

interval%

Victoria

Victorialeast

favourable Victoria Range

Victoriamost

favourable

Wellbeing

Subjective wellbeing (range 0–100) 79.1 [77.3, 81.0] 77.5 73.7 82.5

Alcohol

Purchased alcohol in the last 7 days 33.3 [25.9, 41.6] 36.3 54.4 20.7

7 day $ spend on packaged liquor (of those purchasing)+ 35 [25, 44] 45 63 24

7 day $ spend at a licensed premises (of those purchasing)+ 27 [14, 41] 45 129 13

Work, life and time

Long commute (≥2 hours per day)^ No data 11.6 26.2 0

Inadequate sleep (<7 hours per weekday) 28.7 [21.7, 36.9] 31.5 44.1 18.8

Lack of time for friends/family 21.2 [14.7, 29.6] 27.4 36.2 17.8

Time pressure 36.0 [28.3, 44.6] 41.3 53.8 26.5

Adequate work-life balance^ 48.2 [37.4, 59.2] 53.1 37.6 69.5

Healthy eating and sedentary behaviour

Shares a meal with family (≥ 5 days per week) 78.4 [71.0, 84.3] 66.3 54.7 81.1

Sedentary behaviour (sitting ≥7 hours per day) 15.2 [10.1, 22.4] 32.6 52.3 15.2

Daily soft drink consumption 13.0 [8.3, 19.7] 12.4 20.5 4.3

Green space and safety

Visit to green space (≥ once per week) 45.2 [37.0, 53.6] 50.7 31.4 79.3

Perceptions of safety - walking alone during day 98.8 [95.6, 99.7] 97.0 89.6 100

Perceptions of safety - walking alone during night* 80.7 [72.8, 86.7] 70.3 45.2 95.4

Community engagement

Volunteering (≥ once per month)* 46.0 [37.9, 54.3] 34.3 22.6 62.1

Participation in citizen engagement (in the last year) 50.2 [41.9, 58.4] 50.5 26.4 73.3

Arts and new media

Attended arts activities or events (in the last 3 months) 51.2 [42.9, 59.4] 63.6 35.4 82.6

Made or created art or crafts (in the last 3 months) 38.0 [30.2, 46.4] 34.9 20.4 51.2

Internet access at home 80.8 [74.7, 85.8] 88.8 68.5 96.1

Social networking used to organise time with friends/family 22.0 [15.6, 30.1] 35.1 18.8 47.1

Social attitudes that influence health

Community acceptance of diverse cultures 40.5 [32.4, 49.1] 50.6 28.3 78.0

Prepared to intervene in a situation of domestic violence 92.7 [88.4, 95.5] 93.1 87.9 97.0

Smoking policy

Support for smoking ban in outside dining areas 61.8 [53.3, 69.7] 69.8 59.9 76.8

Ararat highlightsThe chart below shows how the indicators of health and wellbeing for this LGA compare to the Victorian average. The LGA’s result is shown as a circle. Significant difference (indicated by the circle’s colour) was deemed to exist when confidence intervals for an LGA estimate did not overlap with confidence intervals for the Victorian average. Crude rates, also known as non-standardised rates, have been presented here to help inform localised planning. Crude rates are not appropriate for comparison between LGAs, as estimates have not been age-standardised and therefore differences may be due, at least in part, to differing age profiles. Values are percentages unless stated otherwise.

Legend LGA value significantly more favourable than Victorian average

LGA value significantly less favourable than Victorian average

LGA value not significantly different from Victorian average

Sampling variability high, use with caution (relative standard error 25–50%)

Victorian average

+ Reported as $ for those purchasing this type of alcohol

Range of results across all LGAs

^ Question only asked of participants who were employed

* Cannot be compared to 2008 Victorian Population Health Survey as data was not collected in the same manner

Relative standard error above 50%, estimate not reported

Details of questions can be found at: www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/indicators

No data

Community Feedback - Ararat Rural City CouncilMunicipal Public Health and Wellbeing Planning 2013 – 2017

Community feedback from “My Big Wish” cards Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Planning 2013 – 2017

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1 Ararat 50+ F A hose or street sweeper would be terrific to clean up around Town! The Council is very slack in seeping our town clean. We have many visitors passing thru – It’s Embarrasing!

√

2 Ararat 37 F Ararat pool the town raised a lot of money for this so don’t put rates up and use pool as reason – Ararat Council is a joke

√ √

3 Ararat 16 F Outdoor Pool √ √

4 Ararat 15 F Better shops, healthier food stores √ √

5 Ararat 16 F Fully disclosed gym with access for all ages √ √

6 Ararat 27 M Gym stuff at the gardens √ √

7 Ararat 15 F More options for teenagers to be social √ √ √ √

8 Ararat 16 F I would like to see the outdoor pool to open because most people go to Green Hill Lake and there’s snakes goes in water and it’s how most kids die!

√ √

9 Ararat 31 F Gym at the park √ √

10 Not listed 10 F I wish the outdoor pool would open – Please √ √

11 Ararat 16 F Fix the Outdoor Pool!!! √ √

12 Ararat 15 F Better fire station. Upgrade trucks √ √

13 Not listed - - Ten Pin Bowling Alley √ √

14 Ararat 16 F Better wheelchair access to the whole town √ √

15 Ararat 16 F Healthier food options √

16 Ararat 22 F Gym equipment on the train track side of the gardens √ √

17 Ararat 16 F Gym equipment on the train track side at the lake (and transport out there or re-vamp the walking track)

√ √

18 Ararat 11 M Better Skate Park √ √ √

19 Ararat 16 M Better Skate Park √ √ √

20 Ararat 13 F Girls Skate Park √ √ √

21 Not listed - - I wish you would stop wasting our rate money. Think it is outrageous as we pay more than those who live Melbourne. So please spend ours wisely

√

22 Ararat 36 F Cheaper houses √ √

Sub-totals for Page 1 17 21 1 4 4

Appendix 3 – Community Feedback




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23 Ararat 16 F More options for teenagers to be social (as opposed to being rebellious or sitting at home doing nothing)

√ √ √

24 Not listed - - Fix the pool – No rate rise √ √

25 Ararat 10 F Wish for the outdoor pool to get fixed √ √

26 Tatyoon 31 F A lactation consultant based in Ararat. There is definitely a need because lots of people are going to Ballarat or Melbourne

√ √ √

27 Ararat 50+ F Take a look at how the pot holes have been ‘Repaired” to the carpark behind Lyall Eales & near Grampians Community Health. Shame on you Ararat this is what brings this town to a lower level. Ararat cannot move forward to be a lovely town

√ √ √

28 Ararat 40 F Pool to be fixed with no rate rise. Where is our money to fix it √ √

29 Ararat 41 F The outdoor pool with no rate rise. You have let the town down by not keeping the update. Give it back for us to use.

√ √

30 Ararat 15 F Wish buses would run more √ √

31 Ararat 50+ F We will never be Kyneton or Castlemaine. Our Council has no idea how to present our town to it’s full potential. It’s filthy here so how can we feel fulfilled in this slack environment???

√

32 Ararat 44 F Happy lifestyle, Happy People, Bakeries & Take Away & Cafes offering healthy food! Lovely upmarket markets local (not crappy ones at present) Being a bit groovy!! Offering more arts, Pilates & Yoga! More recreational facilities apart from YMCA. YCMA very unfriendly & unclean needs update!! Town is very click and hard to break into!! More community spirit and less bogans!!, Green Hill Lake very ugly need’s updating.

√ √

33 Ararat 40 F To sponsor physical activities for people who cannot afford it YMCA etc

√ √ √

34 Ararat 50 M Low cost health & wellbing options ie YMCA and other sporting facilities

√ √ √ √

35 Ararat 50 M For people to be encouraged to maintain wellness rather than overcome illness

√

36 Lake Bolac 55 M Public transport from Lake Bolac and Willaura to Ararat √ √

37 Ararat 17 F Something to do that does not cost money √ √ √

38 Ararat 56 M Men’s shed to be closer to town √ √

39 Ararat 56 F Promote well being rather than focus on illness √ √

40 Ararat 56 F Churches to advertise what weekly programs they offer throughout the week

√ √

41 Ararat 43 M A good bus service to Ararat √ √

42 Ararat 60 F To promote Mental Health First Aide Courses √

43 Ararat 50 M A greater community awareness of sporting and social clubs available?

√ √

44 Ararat 50 M To promote community groups especially to people who don’t buy local paper. Perhaps a mail drop each month

√ √

45 Ararat 56 F Diabetes support for younger people √ √



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46 Ararat 27 M Cooking demonstrations using real ingredients that don’t cost much – where you get to taste the food – not many ingredients either

√ √

47 Ararat 43 F To be able to meet people socially √

48 Ararat 32 M Have free concerts using local musicians in Ararat Gardens √ √ √ √

49 Ararat 56 F Promote the local walking tracks √ √ √ √

50 Willaura 70+ F Developing a community garden in Willaura, to involve people in the joy of growing and eating fresh vegetables and sharing a quality time together.

√ √ √

51 Ararat 37 F Free community meditation, yoga, tai chi classes maybe also available for school children during school time and free hard rubbish removal services for households.

√ √ √

52 Ararat 45 F The ARCC – agencies and services place less focus on individual behaviour change and more focus on the way in which they deliver health and wellbeing services by addressing issues of access, equity, and attitude and ensure tree engagement of consumers.

√ √

53 Ararat 33 F Opportunities for new people to the area to meet others. It can be difficult to meet people outside of your workplace.

√

54 Not listed - - Recycling in rural area √

55 Ararat 52 F More free activities for people who want to get fit. YMCA costs are sometimes out of reach of people and times as well.

√ √

56 Moyston 32 F Walking tracks for prams in Moyston √ √

57 Armstrong 52 F Dental care needs to be more accessible ie more affordable, part of medicare,? means rested but many more affordable appointments available to all.

√

58 Not listed - - Ongoing medical support options and medicare denal rebates √

59 Ararat 52 F Rubbish bin in carpark behind AJ McDonald Centre. Sick of looking at and picking up rubbish!!!

√

60 Ararat 41 F People growing vegies at home. Vegetable swaps. Real farmers markets (eg fresh fruit and vegetables)

√ √ √

61 Ararat 32 F Access to locally grown fruit. Bike Tracks √ √ √ √

62 Ararat 53 F That the outdoor pool is a going concern √ √

63 Ararat 43 F Public hospital patients not have to pay for weekend visits to GP at hospital

√

64 Ararat 78 M Bulk billing medical service √

65 Ararat - - Extended bike track √ √

66 Ararat 54 F To have functioning outdoor pool in Ararat √ √

67 Ararat 68 - More socialisation opportunities for people aged over 65 that live alone that isn’t the day centre of Senior citizens.

√

68 Ararat 62 - Safer Bike paths within the town are safer and there are more of them

√ √

69 Ararat 76 M To have the bus shelters in Ararat more weatherproof √ √





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70 Ararat 18 F To have more youth services geared toward youth engagement in the community.

√ √

71 Not listed - - Community Kitchens. ‘Cooking for One’ Classes √ √

72 Ararat - - Younger social group that is not day centre or senior citizens √

73 Not listed - - More assistance for families who struggle to maintain a functional family – early support like parenting training, life skills, cooking.

√ √ √

74 Ararat 77 M Respite facility that’s not a nursing home √ √

75 Not listed - - Bulk Bill medical service for pensioners and others √

76 Not listed - - Cater for youth – drop in centre. Planning events, like ‘Freeze’ √ √

77 Ararat - F Outdoor swimming pool √ √

78 Ararat 50 F Kayak locker at Greenhill lake Bike Tracks in town – more than the length of High St between McDonalds & Lardners – Joke!

√ √ √

79 Elmhurst 37 F Council focus on long term planning and infrastructure development – not short term stuff like Biggest Loser. Invest in our community not ‘rank’ promotional opportunities.

√

80 Ararat 34 F Healthy eating options at local restaurants & cafes. Options for youth (12 – 21) counselling (not drug, alcohol or crisis related) More youth vocal options.

√ √ √

81 Not listed - - I would like to see parents educate their children & themselves on being more understanding & compassionate towards people with a disability physical or mentally. It would also be nice to see them and the general public show support to these people and their parents or carers. A smile or kind word can make a difference.

√ √

82 Not listed - - To have more walks. √ √ √

83 Not listed - - That Ararat get sufficient funding for Mental Health services such as free counselling – improvement on only just 6 free sessions & possible further 6 it is not enough thankyou & counsellors are great. (Stawell)

√ √

84 Not listed 38 F More consultation with community and listen to what is said by them. Outdoor pool be part of the Alexandra Sport precinct planning.

√ √

85 Moyston 37 F More support for New Mums. Volunteer program where approved people/persons to give a new mum time out – 1 – 3 hours so Mum can sleep – have Coffee etc. Not everyone has family around them to help. ** Real need for this.

√ √

86 Moyston 37 F Gym at Moyston. With up to date equipment to use or an outside circuit built at oval – Stepper – bars to help with toning excercises.

√ √ √

87 Moyston 37 F To get Annette Sims to come to our area to speak / present healthy life style. She is a brilliant speaker. Motivator, Author of 7 cookbooks. Awesome Lady – Realistic – Lydia Jackson 0417 542 799

√ √



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88 Moyston 37 F To have information / sessions on healthy lunchbox ideas for Kids for Mums to come together and socialise – Realistic – Affordable.

√ √

89 Moyston 37 F Childcare ran by Council at YMCA so Mums can distress at a gym without having to worry about kids.

√ √ √

90 Moyston 37 F Free Hall use of Moyston Rec. Reserve for Cooking demonstrations or exercise class.

√ √ √

91 Moyston 38 F A crèche at the YMCA (why not utilise the building where the Salvation Army runs kid club?)

√ √

92 Moyston 38 F More community gatherings/participation book swaps, seed/produce swap

√

93 Moyston 38 F Fitness station at Moyston Oval and around Alexandra Lake √ √ √

94 Ararat 52 F Outdoor gym equipment at Alexandra Park. √ √

95 Ararat - F To see Kokoda Park utilised as an outdoor exercise/leisure area and gathering place, in this time when we are constantly, rightfully so, being reminded of the importance of health and fitness.There are many people who do not and/or cannot participate in organized sports who would benefit from such a development. I believe our most vulnerable folk, the young, our Seniors, the disabled, all have a right to safe outdoor leisure.Various settings could be incorporated into the park, around its open space, I believe at reasonable cost, paid for by securing grants ie – disability, environment, heritage. As Ararat grows into the future there is a need for open space which is close at hand to the business area and other facilities. Schools and community groups could be invited to work with Council and help establish and look after a designated area.Perhaps an example of a similar park might be May Park in Horsham, which I believe encourages people to enjoy the outdoors in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.Possible attractions might be picnic and barbeque areas, a giant chess game, graffiti wall, seating including Poets seat – and other contemplative area. A wheelchair friendly walking path all the way around would be a great way to promote exercise.These are just some suggestions but not doubt, there will be plenty of others.Given Kokoda Park’s history (Commenced 1861, originally the Recreation Reserve) it has a great and ongoing story to tell.I’d be pleased for you to accept this submission and include it in Council’s 2013 - 2017 planning, for serious consideration.

√ √ √ √ √

96 Moyston 11 M More paths for walking on √ √ √

97 Moyston 33 M Shade over playground @ footy oval. It’s the only one that doesn’t have shade. It limits the time you can bring children down to use the ground

√ √

98 Moyston 57 F A safe walking track between the town and the post office. A balance of peace and quiet and community (ie Moyston) Shade sails needed in playground at oval

√ √





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99 Moyston 63 M Moyston playground – Shade? Better roads – Moyston-Ararat Road has deteriorated to 3rd world standard

√ √

100 Moyston 61 F Community outdoor exercise track/stations, More regular maintenance of gravel roads for pedestrian and vehicle safety. Travelling doctor/nurse once a week in town.

√ √

101 Moyston 34 F Shade over the playground at the football oval √ √

102 Moyston 6 Shade sail over Moyston footy oval playground √ √

103 Moyston 37 F Shade sail over playground at footy oval √ √

104 Moyston 30 F Pathed footpath from primary school to shop √ √

105 Moyston 20 F Pathed footpath from primary school to shop √ √

106 Moyston - F Shade sail over oval playgournd. Solar panels on pavilion √ √

107 Not listed 34 F One day someone will open a halfway house type of setup for those families who struggle with bringing up children and managing life skills. They could go there for a month to live as a family and learn how to cope instead of having their children taken away continually


“my big Wish” card - totals 56 87 11 46 25

Themes from Community feedback from Council Plan postcards Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Planning 2013 – 2017

Community

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Enhance sporting precincts √ √

Better shopping options √

Accessible/Approachable Councillors √

Options for the youth of the community √ √ √

Community based events and activities √ √ √

Aged care programs and Activities √ √ √

Public toilets in the main street of Willaura √ √

Work together with the community to achieve goals √ √

Consult and engage with the community √ √

Volunteering within the community is an asset and connects people with others √

Promote health and wellbeing programs – encourage activity √ √

Develop Green Hill Lake Reserve √ √ √ √

Revitalise existing community events √ √

Provide facilities to all areas of the municipality √ √ √

“Lifestyle” themes from 138 responses - TOTALS 5 12 4 11


Lifestyle

Bu

ilt

Eco

no

mic

Nat

ura

l

So

cial

Oth

er/

Co

mm

ents

Cycling and walking tracks √ √ √

Recognition of our cultural history √

Leverage off our location and proximity to the Grampians √ √

Community Gardens √

Promote regional living benefits and our location √

Streetscape and township entry sign improvements √

Advocacy to all levels of Government √

Medical and Educational services that are at a high standard √

Promotion of tourism and events √ √

Promote One Tree Hill as an asset – look at future development √

Retain/enhance our heritage buildings √

Welcome new residents to the area √

JWard, Aradale and Langi Morgala Museum are all important to our heritage/history √

Encourage growth in a sustainable manner √

Promote healthy, vibrant activities for all age groups √

“Lifestyle” themes from 115 responses - TOTALS 2 4 3 4 6

Economy

Bu

ilt

Eco

no

mic

Nat

ura

l

So

cial

Oth

er/

Com

men

ts

Public toilets, look at current facilities and potential for new ones √ √

Advocate to have the train timetable align with local bus services and allow people to travel to Melbourne on business

√ √

Encourage large stores (Big W, Kmart) and chain stores √ √

Plan for the effects of the Western Highway By-Pass Projects √ √

NBN and digital connectivity – ensure all community members have access √ √ √

Look at ways to reduce rates √

Supporting small business in budgeting and planning √ √

Sustainable growth planning √ √

Review assets and make decisions regarding their future use √

Create a local wine festival or event to promote our municipality √ √

Investigate parking options for the future √

Encourage the development of new community/cultural events √ √

More diversity in our restaurants and opening times √ √

Keep providing performing arts program √ √

Encourage Government Departments to open offices in our municipality √ √

“Economy” themes from 130 responses - TOTALS 1 12 - 7 8




Environment

Bu

ilt

Eco

no

mic

Nat

ura

l

So

cial

Oth

er/

Com

men

ts

Green Waste collection √

Hard Waste collection every quarter or six months √

Keep waste fees at a reasonable level √

Asset maintenance and renewal √ √

Landfill options for the future √

Recycling of stormwater √ √

Carbon Neutral and Solar initiatives √ √

Graffiti removal √ √ √

Pest, Plant and Animal control

Emergency Management preparation and community information √ √ √

Awareness of environmental planning conditions √ √

Recycling service in rural townships √ √

Maintenance of gravel roads √ √

Tree planting and maintenance √ √

Fallen tree removal from roadsides √ √ √

“Environment” themes from 148 responses - TOTALS 2 13 6 2 4

Here and NowB

uilt

Eco

no

mic

Nat

ura

l

So

cial

Oth

er/

Com

men

ts

Maintain existing buildings and infrastructure

Investigate developing Centenary Park √ √ √

Investigate options for McDonald Centre – not being used

Gum San Museum to be self funding

Get rid of Council cars and trips to China

Alexandra Gardens and the Town Hall are assets

Sporting precincts are well maintained √ √

Library services – static and outreach are well received √

Upgrade dangerous footpaths and crossings √ √ √

Look at ways to improve the Skate Park √ √

Combine indoor and outdoor pool √ √ √

Need affordable housing for people moving here √ √

The oval and pool proposals will benefit few and are unaffordable √

Re-open the outdoor pool √ √ √

Alexandra oval surface is excellent √

“Here and Now” themes from 199 responses - TOTALS 4 6 8 3

“Community” themes - from 138 responses - TOTALS 5 12 4 11

“Lifestyle” themes - from 115 responses - TOTALS 2 4 3 4 6

“Economy” themes - from 130 responses - TOTALS 1 12 7 8

“Environment” themes - from 148 responses - TOTALS 2 13 6 2 4

themes from responses to Council plan postcards - totals 14 47 13 32 21

Priority 1. Sample Action Plan (under development) for Improving Healthy Eating and Oral Health

Strategy

Health Environment: Built/Economic/ Natural/Social

Responsible Agencies

By when Performance measures

Undertake to educate parents how to provide affordable, healthy lunchbox meals for children at school with colourful, crunchy fruit and vegetables forming part of every child’s day.

Social, Economic ARCC - Healthy Together (Schools Achievement program).

supported by - Schools - EGHS

Evaluate twice yearly

Percentage increase in number of school children eating fruit and vegetables every day at school – Achievement Program.

Number of children with unhealthy BMI decreased by 2018 – Health Data Profile (PCM).

Advocate for compulsory cooking classes to be a part of all primary and secondary school curriculums. Aim to have a vegetable garden in all schools.

Built, Economic EGHS

supported by - Schools - ARCC - Healthy

Together (Schools Achievement program).

Evaluate twice yearly

Increase in number of daily fruit and vegetable serves for adults and children as per Healthy Together Communities Evaluation Framework.

Develop a healthy eating programme that focuses on budgeting, menu planning, label reading and cooking meals that are affordable, tasty and easy to prepare.

Built, Economic, Social

ARCC - Healthy Together (Schools Achievement program).

supported by - EGHS

Yearly evaluation via survey.

Percentage decrease in number of people who had issues accessing fresh fruit and vegetables- ‘Healthy Food Basket Price Survey’ – Healthy Together.

Undertake work with supermarkets and local food shops and farmers markets to help people make healthier food choices through better marketing of fresh fruit and vegetables, and increasing their availability and affordability.

Undertake work to attract more fruit and vegetables farmers to our local farmers market in order to provide more variety and choice.


ARCC - Healthy Together

supported by - EGHS - Dieticians - PCP

Yearly collection of data.

Increase reported satisfaction with number, variety and cost of fresh fruit and vegetables available locally.

Increase uptake in numbers of community members attending programmes – EGHS data.

Undertake work with local cafes and workplaces to increase availability and affordability of healthy lunches and snacks.


ARCC - Healthy Together (Workplace Achievement Program)

supported by - Workplaces - Local Cafes

Yearly collection of data.

Increase community satisfaction with local food outlets availability of healthy food, and with accessibility to these outlets for families/mothers with young children – Achievement Program.

Appendix 4 – Sample Action Plan Healthy Eating & Oral Health



Strategy




Advocate for a fluoridated potable water supply in accordance with State Government priorities.

Built EGHS GWMWater

supported by - ARCC

Encourage local dentists to partner with schools to increase children’s visitation to dental services. Dental education to focus on importance of drinking water rather than soft drink for teeth and weight.


EGHS

supported by - Schools - ARCC Healthy

Together

Twice yearly review.

Decrease in number of hospital admissions for dental conditions – Victorian Health Information Surveillance System data.

Decrease in reported number of dental caries across municipality, and increase in number of school children visiting dentist yearly – Victorian Health Information Surveillance System Data; Early Childhood Community Profiles data.

Delivery of the Smiles for Miles Program to support Oral Health.

Social GPPCP

Include oral health promotion in the assessment and care plans of HACC clients.

Social ARCC

Promote breastfeeding and education about how to provide healthy meals and snacks to infants and children.

Economic, Social, Natural

ARCC

supported by - EGHS - Midwives - GPs

Quarterly review.

Increase in number of mothers continuing full breast feeding at 2 weeks, three, six & 12 months – Maternal & Child Health Services Annual Report.

Promotion of dietetic services through school newsletters, community events.

Social EGHS

supported by - School nurses - GPs

Twice yearly review

Increase uptake in dietetic services across all sectors of community.

Raise awareness of community fruit and vegetable garden through social media.

Social, Economic ARCC – Healthy Together

supported by - Community Garden - Schools - Central Grampians

LLEN

Twice yearly review.

Community report increased awareness of community garden.

Social media site showing active youth involvement and community engagement in donation programme.

Investigate opportunities to install and maintain infrastructure to support and enhance paths, tracks and trails eg. drinking water fountains.

Social, Built, Economic

ARCC Include this element in the reporting framework

Strategy




Develop a ‘grow and share’ programme to donate surplus crops to most needy in community.

Social, Economic

Integrated Health Promotion Working Group. Focus of the next four years will be on implementation of solutions in the Food Security area as per Phase 1 & Phase 2 reports, including establishment of a Food Alliance with a broad range of stakeholder.

GPPCP

Develop an Early Years Plan that reflects the goals of the MPHWP and focuses on healthy food sources and the reduction of obesity and overweight instances in early years.

ARCC

supported by - YMCA - DEECD - GCH - GPPCP

June 2014 Plan developed.

Advocate within school settings to encourage the reduction of food waste to landfill (incorporate teachings within Healthy Together achievement programs in schools).

Natural (Intention to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through a reduction of organic waste to landfill)

ARCC Reduction of organic waste in kerbside collection through a comparison of regular kerbside collection audits.

Advocate within workplace settings to encourage the reduction of food waste to landfill (incorporate teachings within Healthy Together achievement programs in workplaces).

Natural (Intention to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through a reduction of organic waste to landfill)

ARCC Reduction of organic waste in kerbside collection through a comparison of regular kerbside collection audits.



Priority 2. Sample Action Plan (under development) for Increasing Physical Activity

Strategy




Support sporting clubs to welcome new beginners and parents.

Social ARCC

supported by - Sports Central - Local sports clubs

Yearly survey

Increased new memberships in sports clubs and new members reporting sense of feeling welcome and valued – local survey.

Identify, establish and maintain paths of travel to walk and cycle to school utilising Safer Design Guidelines.

Built, Natural ARCC Twice yearly review

Improved and developed walking and cycling tracks; Improved disability access to parkers and reserves – Community Safety Strategy, Disability Access and Inclusion Plan, Active Pathways Project.

Identify, establish and maintain paths of travel to walk and cycle utilising Safer Design Guidelines.

Investigate opportunities to instal infrastructure to support and enhance paths, tracks and trails eg. seating.

Include this in the reporting framework.

Raise awareness of facilities including walking tracks, ramps, public toilets, water fountains, pedestrian crossings and playgrounds.

ARCC Increased usage of facilities...

Provide outdoor gym equipment at local parks and reserves.

Built, Natural, Economic

ARCC

supported by - State Government

Yearly Review

Percentage increase in number of people and families accessing free exercise facilities.

Advocate for more time in primary school curriculum to increase activity amongst children. Create links between exercise, healthy foods, doing well at school, self-esteem.

Built ARCC - Healthy Together

supported by - Schools

Yearly Review

Victorian Population Health Survey.

Appendix 5 – Sample Action Plan for Increased Physical Activity


Strategy




Promote library sports equipment hire service.

Investigate donation programme for unwanted sports equipment.

Social, Economic ARCC Yearly Review

Library reports increased borrowings.

Physical activity times for children at home have increased – local survey.

Promote physiotherapy so people with chronic illness (eg arthritis, respiratory diseases) can better self-manage, remain independent and fit.

Social, Economic EGHS

supported by - ARCC - GCH

Twice Yearly Review

Decrease in hospital admissions for asthmas, COPD, arthritic complications through better self-management – Victorian Health Information Surveillance Systems Data.

Encourage diverse workplace settings to promote employees to be active during breaks.

Encourage people in sedentary occupations to incorporate exercise into their lifestyles.

Social, Built, Economic

ARCC - Healthy Together

supported by - EGHS - Local businesses

Twice Yearly Reviews

Increase in physical activity reported in workplace data Victorian population health data.

Develop second phase of ‘Pebble’ Challenge.

Social ARCC - Healthy Together

supported by - Alere - Personal Trainers - YMCA

Twice yearly review

ALERE data – community involvement and weight loss.

People reporting increased self-esteem and less loneliness related to increased involvement in physical activity and social connectedness – Victorian Population Health Survey).

Work with parents to encourage active play and reduced TV/media time for children and toddlers.

Social ARCC

supported by - EGHS - GCH

Yearly Review

Increase in weekly hours of activity for children (NPAPH).

Sports clubs promoting responsible alcohol consumption.

Social Sports Central

supported by - Local sports clubs - Police

Yearly Review

Increase in number of sports clubs who have responsible alcohol consumption policies – local survey.


Priority 3. Sample Action Plan (under development) for Improving Mental Health and Increasing Social Connectedness

Strategy




Increasing youth participation in civic activities.

Identify ways in which youth can contribute in non-traditional ways through a youth forum.

Social, Economic, Natural

ARCC

supported by - Central Grampians

LLEN- Grampians Community Health

Twice Yearly review

Youth reporting civic pride in Ararat Shire and a sense of belonging and feeling a valued community member – Victorian Population Health Survey; Local council survey/Grampians Community Health.

Increase in number of volunteers aged in teens and twenties participating in civic life – Victorian Population Health Survey; Local council survey/Grampians Community Health.

Expand on existing youth programs and youth groups.

Social ARCC (Need funding for a youth worker with council.)

supported by - Central Grampians

LLEN- GCH

Twice yearly reviews

Advocate and undertake work to encourage fun socialisation without alcohol and binge drinking.

GCH

supported by - If ARCC was to be

involved we would need to access funding for a youth worker

Promote local playgroups and children’s programs.

Social YMCA

supported by - Wimmera Uniting

Care- ARCC

Yearly Review

YMCA collection?

Support the provision of more local childcare options.

Social, Economic Feedback from young mothers and families – Maternal and Child Health Services Annual Report.

Assist new parents to develop skills in order to learn parenting and basic life skills such as providing healthy meals, positive discipline, healthy play, creating home environments which foster learning and education.

Social EGHS

supported by - ARCC - CAFS - YMCA - Grampians Mental

Health

Twice yearly review

Percentage increase in social connectedness and positive coping skills reported by mothers and families – Maternal Child Health Services Annual Report; Victorian Population Health Survey; Preventative Health Survey; DHS data.

Appendix 6 – Sample Action Plan for Improving Mental Health & Increasing Social Connectedness

Strategy




Promote Lifeline, men’s suicide help line, beyond blue line.

Social Grampians Community Health

supported by - Sports clubs- Workplaces- EGHS- Community Health- ARCC

Twice yearly review

Percentage increase in number of men who feel supported through using telephone help lines – Preventative Health Survey.

Percentage decrease in number of men reporting moderate levels of psychological stress – Victorian Population Health Survey.

Continue to support White Ribbon activities.

Social WHG

supported by- ARCC- Grampians- Community Health- PCP- EGHS

Yearly Review

‘Clicks’ on council webpage press release.

Increased access to free mental health counselling.

Social, Economic Grampians Community Health

supported by- Medicare Local- EGHS- Grampians Mental

Health- Medicare Local- Mental Health

Practitioners

Twice yearly review

Greater uptake of mental health services within municipality – local data survey.

Percentage increase in people reporting feeling supported – Victorian Population Health Survey; Preventative Health Survey.

Raise awareness of General Practitioners who provide a bulk billing service.

Economic Twice yearly review

Increase in number of local GPs offering bulk billings. More advertising of bulk billing locally – Medicare Local data.

Raise awareness of social opportunities for socially isolated people through greater awareness of community events.

Social ARCC Twice yearly review

Percentage increase in number of people reporting greater social belonging and less social isolation – Indicators of Liveability Survey.

Continue the momentum of Challenge Ararat (the pebble program).

Social ARCC- Healthy Together

Twice yearly planning and review

Increasing numbers attending events.

Continuation of capacity building through provision of Mental Health First Aid in Ararat.

Social GPPCP

Ongoing partnership work with the Child & Youth Mental Health Service Redesign Project, at Executive and Regional Interagency collaboration level.

Social GPPCP

Life style Coordinator in Ararat specific. Linking people who have been recently diagnosed into existing community based groups for appropriate physical activity and/or social opportunities.

Social GCH



Priority 4. Sample Action Plan (under development) to Reduce Tobacco Use

Strategy



By when Performance measure

Enforcement of regulations in accordance with the Tobacco Act 1987.

ARCC

Encourage young people not to take up smoking.

Social

Promote smoke free environments.

Support anti-smoking campaigns.

Advocate within workplaces to encourage and support employees to quit smoking.

Advocate within sporting and recreational organisations to encourage and support members to quit smoking.

Appendix 7 – Sample Action Plan to Reduce Tobacco Use

This document can be accessed on Council’s website and electronic or hard copies are available by contacting Council.

How do I get a copy of this document?

Contacting Council

Postal Address: Ararat Rural City Council PO Box 246 Ararat 3377

Telephone: (03) 5355 0200

Fax: (03) 5352 1695

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.ararat.vic.gov.au

Municipal Offices: Cnr Vincent and High Streets Ararat 3377

For a large print version of this publication, please call (03) 5355 0200


Published by Ararat Rural City Council, Ararat, Victoria. www.ararat.vic.gov.au Designed by o2 Media, Warrnambool, Victoria. www.o2media.com.au

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