Gannawarra Shire Council will partner with VicHealth over the next two years to improve outcomes for children and young people.

The Gannawarra Stronger Together project will support council and local agencies to collaborate and build prevention systems that help create healthier, more connected communities for children and young people.

It is part of VicHealth’s new Partners in Place initiative, which aims to use place-based approaches to improve everyday conditions that support health and wellbeing, by combining long-term investment with evidence and practical support.

The initiative prioritises communities that face greater barriers to health, including First Peoples, regional and rural communities, and children and young people.

Gannawarra Shire Council chief executive Geoff Rollinson said the partnership was warmly welcomed.

“This funding is incredibly important for a rural community like ours,” Mr Rollinson said.

“It gives us the opportunity to invest in programs and activities that bring young people together.

“Without support like this, it can be difficult to sustain that level of investment over time.”

VicHealth chief executive Anna Peeters said that while hospitals and clinics played a key role in keeping people healthy, “the biggest opportunities to improve health are found in the places where people live, learn, work and connect with others”.

“That’s why lasting change starts with communities themselves,” Prof Peeters said.

“Communities know what will make the biggest difference because they live it every day.”

The Gannawarra Stronger Together project will specifically focus on increasing accessible opportunities for children and young people to participate in community life.

Mr Rollinson said this would involve getting young people participating in decision-making processes by talking directly with them and their families about what makes them feel supported, involved and connected to the community.

“That might involve using parks, community spaces and local facilities to support activities such as art, music, theatre and physical activity,” he said.

“The project will make the places where children and young people already spend time even more welcoming, active and connected.”

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