Councils join forces to improve region’s health and wellbeing
The collaborative project is between Berri Barmera, Renmark Paringa and Loxton Waikerie councils, Murraylands and Riverland Local Government Association and Preventive Health SA.
Berri Barmera Council is the host council and Mayor Ella Winnall said the partnership will see the implementation of preventive health action across the region.
“We welcome this new partnership and look forward to creating opportunities for our community to support health and wellbeing,” she said.
“By co-funding a dedicated role, this partnership will drive a proactive, community-focussed and evidence-based approach to preventive health and community wellbeing across the Riverland.”
The partnership will explore five key preventive health areas of importance to the region, including obesity prevention, alcohol and other drugs, tobacco and vaping, mental health and wellbeing, and suicide prevention.
“Councils already play a big role in some of these areas, such as sport and recreational spaces to encourage people to be active and services to support community wellbeing, so it’s a great to enable a staff member to focus on opportunities in this space with a small contribution from each council,” Mayor Winnall said.
“While it’s a relatively small contribution from each council, it has enabled Preventive Health SA to have someone dedicated to the cause and based locally.
“It’s a great example of the councils working together to create collaborative outcomes for the entire Riverland.
“This new role will support and deliver evidence-based preventive health action to drive change.”
The Murraylands Preventive Health Partnership builds on insights gained through nine Wellbeing Hubs developed in partnership between Preventive Health SA and regional and metropolitan councils over the past four years.
It aims to strengthen regional councils’ preventive health capacity and improve access for regional communities to access health-promoting initiatives.
Applications for the Preventive Health Officer role are now open. For more information, or to apply, visit the website (berribarmera.sa.gov.au/your-council/employment/preventive-health-officer).