By ANEEKA SIMONIS
HEALTH-CONSCIOUS Cardinia Shire Council has been named as a leader in community health and wellbeing.
The council was named the Victorian winner of a 2014 Heart Foundation Local Government Award for its health initiatives as a council with a population greater than 15,000.
The foundation commended the council on several initiatives put in place to improve community health including the school stop and drop zones, bike education sessions, walking groups as well as the Healthy Bites program which is active in 12 cafes and restaurants across the shire.
“Each Healthy Bites option is low in saturated fat and salt, high in fibre and must contain at least one serving of vegetables or fruit,” the 2014 Heart Foundation Winner Booklet read.
“Each cafe must have at least three Healthy Bites approved options as well as meeting general venue criteria promoting healthier ingredients and environments.”
Cardinia Shire Mayor Graeme Moore said the council was proud to be acknowledged for its hard working efforts to create a healthier community.
“Obesity and related illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease, are on the rise and council is committed to giving our residents the best chance at creating healthier lifestyles,” Cr Moore said of the council’s Healthy Together initiatives.
“We have a large range of healthy initiatives implemented by a number of council divisions and it is fantastic that this hard work has been recognised.”
The Heart Foundation Local Government Awards recognise and showcase councils who are working to improve heart health through building a sense of community, encouraging people to be physically active, to not smoke and make healthy food choices.
Cardinia Shire Council received $2000 as the Victorian winner.
