Nationals Member for Gippsland East and former VicHealth board member, Tim Bull, has congratulated local clubs and organisations that have received VicHealth funding to support residents hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic to improve their health and wellbeing.
Mr Bull said the organisations had received VicHealth Reimagining Health Grants to help locals build better social connections with each other and the community, provide greater access for physical activity and increase access to healthy, affordable food.
“This funding will support those in the community who need it most,” Mr Bull said.
“This much needed VicHealth funding will ensure local organisations can continue supporting our community to build back better from the impact of coronavirus restrictions.
“Grass-roots organisations are the heart and soul of our local community and their efforts are key to helping us recover from this pandemic.”
Mr Bull said the funding would make a positive difference to each organisation and the local community members who will benefit.
“This has been such a tough year for many in our local communities with the impact of bushfires at the start of the year followed by coronavirus restrictions,” he said.
“A reduction in opportunities for people to be socially connected, active and healthy has really taken a toll on wellbeing.
“Each of these local organisations has welcomed this funding as we all look to recover from a difficult 2020.”
East Gippsland grant recipients include:
Wollangarra Incorporated - $10,000 to adapt its outdoor education program and build the capacity of young people to design, organise their own conservation programs and hikes;
Gippsland Lakes Complete Health - $3,000 to develop and run art workshops for bushfires impacted young people that will assist in the healing and recovery process;
Gippsland Lakes Complete Health Limited - $10,000 to support local Aboriginal people to co-design a place of healing and cultural connection that will rejuvenate the Lakes Entrance Aboriginal Health Association’s outdoor area;
East Gippsland Shire Council - $20,000 to provide opportunities for young people can participate creatively in circus performance, arts and crafts and music;
East Gippsland United Football Club - $9,875 to establish a GO Football junior program to reengage and rebuild confidence in returning to sport participation following the pandemic lockdowns;
North East Canoe Club - $3,000 to provide exciting white-water skills and leadership training to up and coming paddlers with the focus on increased participation for female participants.
VicHealth grants are currently closed to new applications but will reopen for further applications in 2021. For further information or to register for the VicHealth e-bulletin to hear about VicHealth grant rounds as soon as they are announced visit www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/funding/reimagining-health-grants.
Friday, December 11, 2020
