Tuesday, 18 June 2024

Featured picture: L-R Central Coast Voice for Health members Melissa Budgeon and Chris Fletcher.

Central Coast community members celebrate two years of work in getting a range of health and wellbeing initiatives off the ground across the region.

Over fifty community members and service providers attended the event on Tuesday to celebrate their tireless work on the numerous community-led preventative health projects, which commenced in 2022 with funding from the Tasmanian Government.

‘Hundreds of locals raised what was most important to them through our earlier consultations and an action plan was developed.  The Central Coast Voice for Health was then formed, with more than 60 locals and service providers working together across a range of initiatives.

‘They have been working on some really key issues, including local service navigation, mental health, get active initiatives, parenting support and the establishment of a community garden in Ulverstone.’ said Megan Collier – Health Consumers Tasmania Community Engagement Worker.

‘You ask the community what do you want and need?  We all know, it’s been done before and then nothing comes of it.  I had a different feeling about this and we’re seeing the results now.  There’s action!’ Eddie Roberts, a local community member and Central Coast Voice for Health Steering Group member said.

‘Today we come together to celebrate all our successes to date, look forward to what’s next and see the outcomes’ said Megan Collier.

‘We know that local people know their health needs best and we are proud to support six active and vibrant local health action groups across the state advocating for their health and wellbeing needs.’ HCT CEO Ellen MacDonald said.

‘We acknowledge the State Government’s commitment through funding this initiative as part of the Health and Wellbeing Network Project on the Central Coast.  There has been such innovation here, and we are seeing outcomes beyond what was anticipated. We look forward to seeing what is to come over the next 12 months.’ HCT CEO Ellen MacDonald said.

L-R Health Consumers Tasmania Community Engagement Workers Megan Collier and Lisa Kelly.