Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth)

⏰ Only 5 days left to apply! Attention local governments! Applications for VicHealth’s new Partners in Place program close this Friday 5 December. Don’t miss your chance to create lasting impact on the health and wellbeing of children and young people in your community. 💡 Funding available: $100,000 per year for up to 5 years for Victorian councils to design and deliver locally-led initiatives that remove barriers to health and wellbeing. Need a hand? Explore our step-by-step guides and handy resources to help you finalise your application: https://ow.ly/rsWn50XyPli Apply now: https://ow.ly/L20b50XyPlj Let’s work together to build communities that foster healthier, fairer futures for our young people.

We’re thrilled to share Ian Hamm MAICD FIPAA has been appointed as the new Chair of our Board. A proud Yorta Yorta man, Mr Hamm has been part of the VicHealth Board since 2021, and brings decades of leadership experience across government, sport and the community sector. He’s a passionate advocate for ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices are front and centre in decision-making – something we’re committed to champion. Ian’s deep understanding of community leadership, combined with his strategic and cultural insight, will be invaluable to VicHealth. We also recognise and thank our outgoing Chair, the Hon Nicola Roxon, for her incredible leadership and contribution to VicHealth over the past 5 years. Throughout her time as Chair, Nicola has been thoughtful, principled and deeply committed to public health, leaving a strong legacy for Victoria. Read our full statement for more info https://ow.ly/FHWI50XxTL9

Slower speeds = healthier, more connected communities. When we drive at safer speeds, we create calm streets where kids and families can walk or ride safely to school, enjoy local parks, and visit libraries and shops with peace of mind. Lower speed limits don’t just prevent tragedies, they also encourage active lifestyles and vibrant neighbourhoods. As Infrastructure Victoria has highlighted, research shows that reducing speed limits on local streets has little impact on travel times. But what it does change is how safe and welcoming our streets feel. Read more about Infrastructure Victoria’s recommendation here: https://lnkd.in/gdhCHN5S

This local council is changing the game. Sports clubs have the power to bring us together – there's so much joy in kids getting the chance to shine on the field, while families connect on the sidelines. However too often, companies selling harmful products like alcohol, sugary drinks, and gambling sponsor local clubs and sport facilities. They then use this as an opportunity to target young people with their marketing. That’s why Ballarat City Council has introduced its Harmful Industries Declaration and Sponsorship Guide, requiring local clubs and organisations to declare partnerships with harmful industries. This means that organisations which derive significant income or benefit from harmful industries and activities will not be eligible for funding. The guide also helps clubs to find better sponsors – ones who promote good health and wellbeing. By setting clear guidelines, Ballarat is investing in activities that promote health and wellbeing—not lining the pockets of harmful industries. Find out more about how Ballarat is creating healthier spaces for children and young people to live, learn and play here: https://lnkd.in/g4225NGf

We all want to see our young people healthy and thriving. Which is we’ve teamed up with ARACY and Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) to create The Future Healthy Countdown 2030 – Australia’s first national effort to track, year on year, whether our children and young people are truly thriving. Last week, we launched the Future Healthy Countdown 2030 supplement in the Medical Journal of Australia which explores how learning and employment pathways shape youth health and wellbeing. Featured in the supplement is The Countdown’s first Progress Report, which reveals that many children and young people are being left behind. The good news? Policy solutions are within reach and strongly supported by most Australians. Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/gh3rkz6W

New research alert: Did you know some packaged toddler foods contain as much sugar as marshmallows or gummy bears? New research conducted by Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) in partnership with us and Food for Health Alliance has revealed toddlers are regularly eating these products from an early age. The survey findings reinforce the need for policy and regulatory action to improve how these foods are made and marketed to protect parents and families. Want to learn more about the findings? Read more here: https://lnkd.in/giSPVZkv  

Applications are now open for Partners in Place, VicHealth’s new place-based funding opportunity. We know local governments have a deep understanding of their communities and play a critical role in supporting health and wellbeing. Partners in Place will support councils across Victoria to respond to community health and wellbeing needs, creating environments where every child and young person can thrive. From increasing access to healthy food to creating safe spaces for social connection, we want to partner with local governments to deliver healthier, fairer communities. 💡 Funding available: $100,000 per year for up to 5 years for Victorian councils to design and deliver locally-led initiatives that remove barriers to health and wellbeing. Keen to know more? For details and to apply, visit: https://lnkd.in/gYkZ2vPm Find resources to help your application here: https://ow.ly/K4rU50XqTBR 📅 Applications close Friday 5 December.

We know that things like where you live, your income, your culture, and your access to safe spaces all affect health outcomes. That’s why we’re working to remove the barriers that drive inequity and limit participation – especially those who face the most disadvantage. Last week, we proudly supported the The Australian Multicultural Health Collaborative and FECCA (Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia), as they hosted the National Multicultural Health and Wellbeing Conference 2025. Over two days, the conference brought together public health leaders, multicultural communities, and experts from across systems come together to share knowledge elevate community insights and consider real solutions to reduce barriers to good health for everyone. This is big, important work – and we’re proud to have played a role in making it happen. We’re big believers in bringing people with shared values together.

Today marks the deadline for 70% of packaged food products in supermarkets to voluntarily display a Health Star Rating, yet only 37% currently do. This means many Australians still aren’t getting the clear, accessible information they deserve when buying food for themselves and their families. The Health Star Rating is designed to help shoppers cut through marketing spin and quickly compare healthier options. We’ve joined The George Institute for Global Health and the Food for Health Alliance in calling on the Government to make the system mandatory. As our CEO Professor Anna Peeters, AM, FAHMS, CF, GAICD puts it: “Introducing mandatory Health Star Ratings is an important step to ensure all Australians have access to clear, consistent and reliable nutritional information… This is an opportunity for government, industry and the community to align on creating a food system that supports health and wellbeing.” Full details here https://ow.ly/IsuO50XrxKr

VicHealth is proud to partner with the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation to help more young Victorians develop a love of good food, and the lifelong skills to grow, cook and share it. Today we're announcing 62 government primary schools across Victoria will receive grants to deliver the Kitchen Garden Program. The grants will support schools in low-socioeconomic areas, including regional, rural and specialist schools, to rebuild gardens, address food insecurity, and foster a whole-school approach to nourishing food. Over the next two years, students at these schools will learn to grow, harvest, prepare and enjoy fresh, seasonal food, building confidence, connection, and healthy habits that last a lifetime. Together, we’re helping ensure more Victorian children have the opportunity to thrive. Read our media release for more info: https://ow.ly/ZHqo50XqRHQ #KitchenGardenProgram #FoodEducation #SAKGF #HealthEquity