Community grants for rural health week

Health Minister Lara Giddings encouraged local groups from communities around the State to apply for $30,000 committed by the Tasmanian Government for small grants of up to $2,500 to run health promotion activities during Rural Health Week this year.

Ms Giddings also urged rural Tasmanians to nominate champions of health and wellbeing in their communities for the State’s Rural Health Awards.

Ms Giddings was in Oatlands to officially launch organisation for Rural Health Week – a collaborative effort between the Department of Health and Human Services, the University’s Department of Rural Health and the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.

RHW will run from 9-15 November and showcase programs, projects, research and services that promote health and wellbeing in rural and regional areas of Tasmania.

Ms Giddings said that many sectors of the community were doing it tough because of the global financial crisis, but that the rural sector was doing it tougher than others because the financial meltdown was compounded with successive years of drought.

“When things are tough, people need help in many ways, and one of the most important is with health services,” Ms Giddings said.

“Unfortunately, people under pressure often don’t take the time to look after themselves, and an occasional reminder is a good thing, and that is what Rural Health Week aims to do.

“Tasmania's Health Plan is also continuing to improve the way we deliver health services to our rural communities.

“This has involved a greater focus on disease prevention, early intervention and community-based assistance for self-management programs.

“The Government has a leading role to play, but everyone in the community can contribute.

“Events like Rural Health Week are an ideal vehicle for doing just that, as they empower communities to help improve their own health.”

Ms Giddings said the Government was again contributing funding of $30,000 towards a community small grant scheme to support groups in their chosen health promotion activities during Rural Health Week.

Acting Dean of the University of Tasmania’s Faculty of Health Science Professor Judi Walker said it was a great opportunity for rural communities to promote good health and wellbeing.

“Rural Health Week is an opportunity for country communities to celebrate their achievements in health and wellbeing under the theme ‘Health and Wellbeing – Sustaining Rural Tasmania,’” Professor Walker said.

“It aims to increase awareness within rural communities about their health issues and the importance of a preventative approach to their health through activities and established programs within the community.

“Up to $2,500 will be available to each of the Rural Health Week regional planning groups for organising health promotion activities.

“At the same time, communities will also be invited to nominate local champions of rural health in recognition of their outstanding efforts in making a difference to the health and wellbeing of people in their community.

“Three awards – the Rural Health Community Award, Rural Health Worker Award and Rural Health Group Award – will be presented at the culmination of RHW on 15 November.”