5 September 2008
Townsville City Council Wins Heart Foundation
Queensland Local Government Awards
Recognised for best practice in heart health by the Heart Foundation
The Heart Foundation announced the winners of the 2008 Heart Foundation Queensland
Local Government Awards earlier in the week. Townsville City Council’s initiative “The
Strand” received the Queensland State Overall Winner Award as well as winning the
category award for “Provision and Use of Facilities to Improve Heart Health”. The Awards
strive to recognise local governments who have not only planned and implemented heart
health programs in their community, but have also achieved outstanding results.
“The Strand”, a 2.2km foreshore development, is one of Townsville’s premier destinations
and has redefined recreational facilities for health and leisure in the city. Townsville City
Council redeveloped “The Strand” at a cost of $40million, creating a free, multiuse facility,
catering to all ages and pursuits. Over 25,000 people visit the facility each week, many with
the purpose of exercising. Judges were impressed by the facility’s strong,
ongoing
commitment to healthy communities. Mayor Les Tyrell was delighted to accept the award on
behalf of Townsville City Council.
As the Overall State winner in Queensland, Townsville City Council has won a $2000 cash
award from the Heart Foundation to further develop their facility. They are also eligible to be
selected as a National Category Winner or even the National Overall Winner –
to be
announced in December.
“The Awards are important because they recognise the outstanding achievements of local
governments in the continuing fight against cardiovascular disease - Australia's leading
cause of death”, said Heart Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Cameron Prout. “Local
Governments play a pivotal role in introducing structural change, implementing policies and
creating supportive environments which allow people to be physically active, reduce smoking
and improve their nutrition.”
This year the Heart Foundation added another category to its awards to encourage local
governments to address the key health issue of the reduction of exposure to tobacco. The
new category entitled Programs and Policies that Reduce Exposure to Tobacco joins the
existing four award categories, namely Implementation of Plans and Policies to Support
Heart Health, Provision and Use of Facilities to Improve Heart Health, Programs that Improve
Heart Health in Priority Groups, and Programs that Promote Healthy Weight.
Other Queensland awards include:
Winners
Logan City Council won the “Programs that Improve Heart Health in Priority Groups”
category with their program, “Eat, Play, Live Well Logan”. It is a free fitness and nutrition
program providing an exciting, new way for the Logan community to keep fit and healthy.
Moreton Bay Regional Council won the “Programs that Promote Healthy Weight” category
with their “Active for Life: Go for a Healthy Childhood” initiative. This program is aimed at
increasing the health of children (aged 18 months to 12 years), both nutrition and physical
activity levels, through the professional development of Family Day Care carers.
Highly Commended
Logan City Council’s “Logan Sports Holiday Program” and Moreton Bay Regional Council’s
“Redcliffe Healthy Ageing Partnership and Active Living Directory” were both awarded highly
commended within the “Programs that Improve Heart Health in Priority Groups” category.
Also receiving a highly commended accolade was McKinlay Shire Council within the
“Programs that Promote Health Weight” category with their initiative “The Weight’s Over”.
- Ends -
Local Government Awards
The Heart Foundation Local Government Awards celebrate the work of local governments in their
communities to promote and improve heart health. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of
death and a major source of disability in Australia. However, people can reduce their risk of
cardiovascular disease by making healthier lifestyle choices. Local governments which create
supportive environments to promote better health and reduce the risk of chronic conditions can
receive recognition through the Heart Foundation Local Government Awards.
About the Heart Foundation
The Heart Foundation saves lives and improves health through funding world-class cardiovascular
research, guidelines for health professionals, informing the public and assisting people with
cardiovascular disease. As a charity, the Heart Foundation relies on donations and gifts in wills to
continue their lifesaving research, education and health promotion work. For further information go to
For further information or to arrange an interview and/or photo please contact:
Communications & Media Manager
Jill Sims
Heart Foundation
Tel (07) 3872 2541 Mb 0421 911 116 Email jill.sims@heartfoundation.org.au
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