Our progress in delivering positive health outcomes for the community have been highlighted in a report noted by council.

The Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2018-2021 Second Annual Report outlines the organisation’s programs and services that drive to tackle disadvantage and discrimination which affect health and wellbeing.

The four goals of the plan are to support social connection to improve mental health; increase participation in physical activity improve access to safe and healthy local environments services and food; and increase community safety and prevent violence and injury.

Efforts during 2019-2020 include:

• The City’s first ever Social Housing Plan 2020-2041 was adopted by council with the aim of facilitating an increase in supply of social housing and working with both state and federal governments;
• The City ran 120 Mental Health First Aid Courses reaching 3 300 young people parents and teachers;
• Council adopted its first Reflect - Reconciliation Action Plan paving the way towards reconciliation within the City and in the community;
• The 10-year Shared Trails Masterplan was adopted aimed at creating a fully connected network of shared trails across the region contributing to increased physical activity for the community;
• A new Changing Places toilet facility for those with severe and profound disabilities was built in Westfield Geelong with funding support from the Victorian Government;
• A culture-specific swimming program trial targeted at refugee men attracted 160 participants over a number of months at Waterworld. The long-running women’s program aimed at young girls and women who aren’t involved in sporting and recreational activities saw 226 participants take part; and
• The Geek Out program moved online as a result of COVID-19 restrictions to make sure young people stayed engaged particularly those at risk of developing mental health issues. The program involves activities and games aimed at enhancing problem-solving skills self-confidence and teamwork.

The City has already started preparing for its new Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2021-2025.

Councillor Sarah Mansfield - Deputy Chair Community Health Wellbeing and Safety portfolio

This annual report has put a spotlight on the important work carried out by council and City to improve the health and wellbeing of all community members including the Social Housing Plan and Shared Trails Masterplan.

The pandemic has highlighted that this work is more important than ever and requires further resourcing and collaboration to respond to these new COVID-19 challenges. While we have a tough year ahead this document demonstrates that there are many opportunities available that can positively contribute to health such as affordable housing access to healthy food community sports and safe spaces to walk and cycle.