A new approach to preventing ill-health in the Territory has been unveiled by the Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Meegan Fitzharris.
Launching the Healthy and Active Living Strategy, Ms Fitzharris said it would build on the work done through the Healthy Weight Initiative, which began in 2013.
Programs under the latter included Fresh Tastes, Ride or Walk to School, It’s Your Move, Healthier Choices and Healthier Work.
“We want to shift the focus from treating illness, to preventing illness and keeping people well, so the Healthy and Active Living Strategy will help us understand local challenges, agree on top priorities for preventive health and work together to create the right environments that protect and promote health and wellbeing,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“A proposed framework will be tested and refined with representatives from across the community over the coming months.
“This includes non-government community organisations, businesses, and education and research sectors.”
She said the aim of the strategy was to make healthy and active living a way of life in Canberra; promote Canberra as a destination of choice for its healthy and active lifestyle, and connect research excellence and business innovation to achieve healthy and active living.
“We want as many people as possible to get involved in crafting our new approach to preventive health, and ensure the excellent work already under way and the views of all Canberrans are taken into consideration,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“A reference group is being established to help us understand local issues and establish priorities. As the strategy is refined there will be an opportunity for broader public input.”
