Penrith City Council has won Best Overall Project in the Heart Foundation’s Healthy Hearts Local Government National Awards. Sponsored by Medibank Private, the annual Awards are presented at national and State level to Councils and community organisations which develop innovative facilities and programs to encourage healthy lifestyles in their communities.
Presented recently in Sydney, the Penrith Food Project won the Medibank Private Trophy for Best Overall Project and also took out the award for Best Nutrition Project.
“Local Government plays an essential role in the fight against Australia’s number one killer – heart disease – by providing community facilities, services and projects which encourage more physical activity, better nutrition, and smoke free environments,” said Peter Wallace, Heart Foundation Chief Executive. “The Penrith Food Project aims to improve the supply and demand for healthier food and develop an ongoing local system for improving the health impact of the food supply.”
General Manager of Medibank Private, Ken MacDougall, said the range of categories in the awards program are an indication of the commitment of all involved to tackle the problem of cardiovascular disease from all available angles.
“While there is no doubt good nutrition, regular exercise, and being smoke free are major contributors to good health and longevity, many would not take the first step if not for projects initiated by local councils,” he said.
Other winners include the following.
Best Indoor Recreation Facility: Beatty Park Leisure Centre, Town of Vincent, WA.
Best Outdoor Recreation Facility: Petrie Park Skate and Bike Facility, Maroochy Shire Council, QLD.
Best General Community Recreation Project: Mount Annan Challenge Walk, Campbelltown Council, NSW.
Best Specialist Project: Equal Access Play Spaces, The Cities of Marion, Happy Valley and Noarlunga, SA.
Outstanding Project by a Community Organisation: Westbury Community Garden, Meander Valley Council, TAS.
Outstanding Project with Limited Resources: Winning Walkers Project, City of Charles Sturt, SA.
