Mai Wiru Regional Stores Policy wins $12,000 community award
The community based Mai Wiru (Good Food) Regional Stores Policy is this year’s National Overall Winner of the Heart Foundation Kellogg Local Government Awards. Mai Wiru won the top award for its ongoing impact on the health of people living on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands. Judges said the community driven policy is a fantastic example of Aboriginal communities taking control of their long term health.
The award was announced by Wendy Keech, Heart Foundation National Program Director – Local Government Awards, at a special presentation in Alice Springs on 26 November 2007.
Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara, Nganampa Health Council and Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Women’s Council received $12,000 from the Heart Foundation through the support of Kellogg, as well as a commemorative plaque and perpetual trophy.
Mai Wiru aims to improve the health and wellbeing of all Aboriginal people living on the APY Lands, by ensuring continuous access to safe, nutritious and affordable food, as well as essential health items, through community stores. The policy was developed under the auspices of Nganampa Health Council in conjunction with Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Women’s Council, following a request from Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara.
The aim of the Heart Foundation Kellogg Local Government Awards program is to recognise Local Governments working to improve heart health through building community connections, encouraging people to be physically active, be smoke free, and make healthy food choices. The program offers $35,000 in recognition awards, distributed among the winners in each of the four categories.
The Mai Wiru Regional Stores Policy was also named National Category Winner for the Implementation of Plans and Policies to Support Heart Health Category and the South Australian State Overall Winner.
Other National Winners
Provision and Use of Facilities to Improve Heart Health
District Council of Cleve (SA)
Cleve Community Fitness Gymnasium – ‘Gym Works’
Gym Works was set up by Cleve Sporting Bodies Inc and currently has 270 members (approximately one-third of the town’s population!). It offers physical activity for all ages and abilities.
Programs that Improve Heart Health in Priority Groups
Kunbarllanjnja Community Government Council (NT)
Remote Indigenous Stores and Takeaway (RIST)
RIST aims to improve the overall health of the community by increasing the availability and volume of fresh and healthy foods in the community store and takeaway.
Programs that Promote Healthy Weight
City of Greater Geelong (VIC)
Healthy Beginnings Strategy
This integrated health strategy aims to improve the physical health and wellbeing of children up to 12 years of age, and reduce the incidence of childhood overweight and obesity.
Congratulations to all the state winners, finalists and entrants who entered their programs into the Heart Foundation Kellogg Local Government Awards 2007! Entrants in the awards are judged on their community’s heart health issues, local participation in the development and implementation of the program, benefits offered through innovation, and short and long term impact on the health of the community.
If your Local Government has a program that may be eligible to enter the 2008 awards, visit www.heartfoundation.org.au/lga or call 1300 36 27 87.
