NEW GRANTS AND SCHOOLS COMPETITION TO TACKLE OBESITY
The Member for Berowra, Philip Ruddock MP, said today that the Australian Government has launched a new grants program and schools competition focused on preventing obesity and chronic disease.
“Community groups in my electorate of Berowra will be able to apply for grants of between $10,000 and $200,000 for local projects that promote healthy living among at-risk groups,” Mr Ruddock said.
“It is important that we encourage everyone in our community to adopt a healthy lifestyle to lower the incidence of obesity and chronic disease such as Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.”
“These grants will assist community groups to establish projects that will help people who at risk and I encourage local schools to enter the Government’s competition that recognises the large role primary schools play in promoting healthy lifestyles.”
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“Our schools can play an important role in helping the wider community promote a healthy active lifestyle to children, and the Government is pleased to recognise that contribution,” Philip Ruddock said.
Schools in the seat of Berowra could win $10,000 worth of fitness or playground equipment if they are the winner, or $2,500 worth or fitness or playground equipment if the are runner up.
All schools would be sent an information kit this month, and entries would close on 10 August 2007, with winners notified by the end of September 2007. Applications for the community grants projects would close on 26 June 2007, with successful applicants notified by the end of September.
This funding is being provided under the Australian Better Health Initiative, a four-year, $500 million joint initiative of the Australian Government and state and territory governments, to promote wellbeing and better management of chronic disease. More information on the ‘Healthy Active Australia’ community and school grants program and the national school competition is at www.healthyactive.gov.au