Local communities urged to vote for health programs to receive funding

Local communities are being urged to get online and vote for critical health programs that aim to get kids active outside of school hours.

Health programs that receive the most votes by the community will receive a one-off Medibank Community Grant.

The call to action comes amid research by the Heart Foundation[1], which found that 81% of young Australians aged between 5-17 years, are not meeting the recommended Australian physical activity guidelines, of at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity a day.

Medibank’s Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Rita Marigliani said, “The prevalence of childhood obesity that leads to chronic disease is significant. Currently, one in four children have it as an overbearing in their lives, and we believe that encouraging physical activity from an early age we can grow healthy kids and prevent any of that happening in the future.”

“The annual Community Grants program is one of the most important ways that Medibank works in partnership with local communities to support better health outcomes for young people and help stem the growth of childhood obesity by encouraging more kids to be physically active.

“More than 300 not-for-profit organisations applied for a grant this year with 19 community projects being shortlisted to share in $500,000 worth of Medibank funding.

“Now it’s up to local communities to have the final say on which projects receive a grant and will have the greatest impact by casting their vote online.

“All you need is a smart phone or a computer and you can cast your vote online via medibankcommunitygrants.com.au.”

Voting opens November 9 and closes November 20.

Medibank Community Fund grants shortlist

New South Wales

SEWS All Inclusive Playground: ’Let's Get Active'
The Hornsby Healthy Kids Program

Multicultural Dance Mentoring 4 Youth - Street Dreams
NOSH: Nutrition, Outreach, Support, Health

Northern Territory/ South Australia/ Tasmania

Eed-ar-th-ar Nee-tji-kar (Living Life) (NT)
Empowering Youth Program (SA)
YMCA Launceston Friday night ‘Hang Time’ (Tas)

Queensland

Treehouse Family Fitness Program
Breathing Fire – Manly Junior Dragons
Tudor Park PCYC Rhythm & Dance Programs

Carinbundi Kids Sport and Recreation Program

Victoria