Including everyone in our Healthy Future Including everyone Victorian Health Promotion Foundation Annual Report 2007-2008 Including everyone in our Healthy Future

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Victorian Health Promotion Foundation Annual Report 2007-2008 At face value, Australians enjoy good health, with the second-highest life expectancy on the planet. But behind this statistic lies a big challenge.

We are now facing rapidly increasing rates of chronic illness, linked to unhealthy lifestyles. The future for many will be years of poor health and wellbeing.

There are many social, economic and environmental issues that are compromising our ability to live healthy lives. Their impact is magnified amongst disadvantaged members of the community. VicHealth works with governments, organisations and communities to create healthier social conditions and improved built environments for everyone.

Annual Report 2007–2008 3 The Foundation envisages Addressing health inequalities and a community where: fostering change in the social, cultural and physical environments that influence the health of all Victorians is key to VicHealth’s work. Everyone is included in our vision for a healthy future.

Vision Mission

The Foundation envisages The Foundation’s mission is a community where: to build the capabilities of organisations, communities • health is a fundamental and individuals in ways that: human right • everyone shares in • change social, economic, the responsibility for cultural and physical promoting health environments to improve health for all Victorians; and • everyone benefits from improved health outcomes. • strengthen the understanding and the skills of individuals in ways that support their efforts to achieve and maintain health.

4 Victorian Health Promotion Foundation CONTENTS

Overview

Chair’s report 2 CEO’s report 3 Building a healthy future 4 Awards 8 Investments at a glance 9

Who We Are

Board of Governance 10 Staff 12 Board appointed Advisory Panels 14

Health Promotion Action

Creating Active Communities 16 Promoting Healthy Eating 24 Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing 28 Reducing Smoking 38 Reducing Harm from Alcohol 39 Other Health Action Areas 40 Tackling Health Inequalities 42 Fostering Innovation and Building Evidence in Health Promotion 44

Raising Awareness

Media activities 48 Major publications 50 Other publications 50 Conference papers and presentations 51 International delegations 52

Contributing to policy

Policy submissions and consultations 53 Committees and working groups 54

References 56 Among these is tackling the burden I would like to take this opportunity contributed by chronic diseases to acknowledge the great work such as cancer, cardiovascular that so many government disease, mental disorders, departments, organisations diabetes and asthma which, if and individuals undertake in left unfettered, will overwhelm partnership with us. our health system and impact heavily on our prosperity. VicHealth is in a unique position to highlight what can be achieved Disadvantaged members of our by integrating funded program community carry a disproportionate activity, research and evaluation. share of the burden of disease We also build opportunities for and illness. There is increasing people to be informed, learn Chair’s Report evidence that the life and health new skills, have greater access expectancy gap experienced by to activities that promote good In the last twelve months the case these groups is due in large part health, and share healthier for increased investment in health to their vulnerability to chronic environments. promotion and disease prevention disease. In turn, the associated gathered significant momentum. health burden risks compound This role allows us to lead and their economic and social advocate for excellence in the Australia’s first national illness marginalisation. development of appropriate prevention summit, a VicHealth health-promoting policies and initiative in partnership with the Ensuring our prevention efforts programs. It also enables us to Australian Institute of Health are effectively targeted to those maintain strategic alliances with Policy Studies, was held in April that have the poorest health is national and global public health 2008. The summit saw more than where we will achieve greatest interests to strengthen health 100 of Australia’s leaders from healthcare savings. It is also in promotion action and advocacy. government, health services, line with the community value NGOs, business, academia and of fairness. The challenge for Our Board has a breadth of the community create a vision health promotion is getting the experience in health, sport, the for the prevention of illness and balance right. arts, research, business and disability, including concrete communication, which gives us ideas for delivering on that vision. In addition to changes in our social great advantages in addressing and economic environments current and emerging health Over the past year it has been which will continue to have health challenges. I would like to extend very reassuring to see a renewed relevance, there is also the looming my sincere thanks to all Board emphasis from both state and issue of climate change. members for their energy, federal governments towards a enthusiasm and commitment comprehensive and cooperative There is mounting evidence that to health promotion. approach to strengthening climate change has already begun disease prevention at state to impact on health and wellbeing Finally, I would like to take this and national levels. – for example, by affecting food opportunity to thank Chief Executive affordability and compromising Officer Todd Harper and all the The challenge for us is to the sustainability of rural VicHealth staff for their ongoing seize this opportunity to create economies and communities. If commitment and drive to create significant and sustainable unchecked, its impacts are likely a healthier life for all of us. prevention approaches into to affect an increasing proportion the future. of the population, particularly those who are already socially We know that health is the top and economically vulnerable. priority for most Australians. Without health, it’s difficult These changes suggest that to live well and to achieve our Victoria faces significant health aspirations. Although there have challenges and that we need Jane Fenton, AM been marked improvements in to work in partnerships with Chair the health of Victorians in the organisations, government last half-century, and our life and the Victorian community expectancy has increased, to ensure improved health significant challenges remain. for all Victorians.

2 Victorian Health Promotion Foundation at all levels; to focus on evidence; covering a broad range of to use the learning from our sectors, to trial different programs and research; and the approaches in preventing political support which allows us violence against women. to innovate and trial approaches VicHealth is working with to complex current health issues. women’s organisations, and with Indigenous and culturally In the past year we continued to diverse groups, men, boys work in partnership with federal and workplaces to prevent and state governments, particularly violence against women. the State Department of Human Services and the Department As well as our focus on current of Planning and Community priority areas, we continued CEO’s Report Development, as well as to invest in research and organisations, communities and evidence-gathering on It is my pleasure to present individuals from a broad range of emerging health concerns. VicHealth’s Annual Report sectors including sport, recreation, VicHealth’s new Discovery Grants 2007-2008. community, local government, Scheme, which fosters emerging education, arts and business. The last year has been a period of ideas and conceptual research, significant change in the global, Some highlights include: this year funded initiatives towards national and local context. further understanding in the • Commencing work with six prevention of chronic diseases, local councils across the state In response to this rapidly evolving workplace health promotion, on our new program Streets environment, we have continued alcohol harm reduction, and Ahead, which aims to foster our leading role in the promotion the application of information flexible, community-based, of better health for all Victorians, technologies in health promotion. with a focus on reducing the sustainable initiatives to increase differences in health status physical activity among children For many years VicHealth has between population groups. aged 4 to 12 years through engaged in debates on the active transport. harmful impact of alcohol in Addressing health inequalities, • Ongoing research by Associate our community. However, we particularly with Indigenous Professor Tony LaMontagne, need to strengthen our efforts. people, is a fundamental part from the McCaughey Centre: One project funded under the of VicHealth’s work. We want VicHealth Centre for the Discovery Scheme includes to create equal opportunities Promotion of Mental Health research on the development for health and aim to bring and Community Wellbeing, of parental guidelines on how to disparities down to the lowest on workplace stress, revealing prevent and deal with underage level possible. The complexity of that almost one in six cases drinking, to be undertaken by addressing entrenched inequalities of depression among working Professor Anthony Jorm at requires undertaking our efforts Victorians is caused by job stress. the Orygen Research Centre. in a flexible, imaginative and evidence-informed way. • Work undertaken by VicHealth The health gains experienced fellow and Associate Professor in the last half-century have This year we reached the mid- David Dunstan from the been significant. We must work point of our ambitious strategic International Diabetes Institute, together to generate and apply plan to improve health and putting a focus on the obesity the knowledge that will ensure wellbeing for all Victorians – and diabetes-related health that our longer lives are healthy, a plan that reflects national and implications of sedentary working happy and productive. Addressing state public health priorities. patterns. This will inform new chronic disease is crucial to thinking on how we can meeting this challenge and Our health promotion priorities re-engineer the workplace to the benefits of improved health remain clear – reducing harm be both economically productive must be shared by all. from tobacco and alcohol misuse; and health-promoting. creating active communities; I would like to extend my gratitude • We invested a further $1.5 million promoting healthy eating; to the dedicated team at VicHealth into five major projects under and improving mental health for their ongoing focus on including our Building Bridges program, to and wellbeing. everyone in Victoria’s healthy future. promote cultural understanding Fostering change in social, and break down discrimination economic, cultural and physical and associated health problems. environments to support healthy The scheme is targeted at lifestyles underpins our work. workplaces, the education system, local government The foundation of VicHealth’s and communities. achievements in these areas lies Todd Harper • Our Respect and Responsibility in our ability to create partnerships Chief Executive Officer program funded 29 projects,

Annual Report 2007–2008 3 Celebrating 20 years: VicHealth Chair, Ms Jane Fenton AM presented special awards of recognition to the political leaders who ushered the Tobacco Act 1987 into Parliament. These being then Premier, the Hon. John Cain; then Health Minister, the Hon. David White; the Shadow Health Minister, the Hon. Mark Birrell, and the Hon. Kenneth Wright, Leader of the National Party (represented here by State National Party MP, Hugh Delahunty).

BUILDING A VicHealth is in a unique position to modifiable factors. All of VicHealth’s foster environments and cultures projects and programs are HEALTHY FUTURE that support health and wellbeing. aimed at addressing factors The Victorian Health Promotion We fund a diverse range of projects, that increase chronic disease. Foundation (better known as which are underpinned by evidence This is done through health VicHealth) is the peak body for and rigorously evaluated. promotion programs, research, health promotion in Victoria. It is education, policy development Chronic disease represents one an independent, statutory authority and behaviour change. of the largest challenges facing that was established by the the health system today; it is This year, we made 982 individual Victorian Parliament as part of the estimated to cause about 80% health promotion investments Tobacco Act 1987 with a mandate of the total burden of disease addressing the greatest to promote good health for all in Australia. The death rate for preventable risk factors for ill Victorians. Our Chair and Board most major chronic diseases in health: smoking; lack of physical of Governance has a breadth of Australia, except diabetes and activity; discrimination, violence experience in health, sport, the osteoporosis, is decreasing; and social and economic exclusion arts, research and communication. but in contrast, the number of leading to mental health problems; VicHealth advocates for excellence hospitalisations for all chronic poor nutrition; and harmful drinking. and innovation in health-promoting diseases has increased. While working to improve the health policies and programs, with a of all Victorians, we also target Most chronic disease in Australia focus on promoting good health many activities and support today is associated with a range and wellbeing and preventing ill research initiatives towards of risk factors including unhealthy health and chronic disease. reducing health inequalities. eating, physical inactivity, alcohol, Our activities range from small smoking and stress. These grants funding for community- behavioural risk factors, which based projects to long-term are often related to the social, multimillion dollar funding economic and physical environments for programs such as Quit. We in which we live and work, can also invest heavily in public lead to high blood pressure, high health research. cholesterol, diabetes and mental health problems. Our approach is flexible, imaginative and evidence- On average, less than 3% of total informed. Our work complements health expenditure is allocated and adds value to the work of to organised public and private state, commonwealth and prevention programs, but 40% non-government organisations. to 50% of the causes of premature deaths can be attributed to

4 Victorian Health Promotion Foundation CREATING ACTIVE COMMUNITIES PROMOTING HEALTHY EATING National Prevention Summit When it comes to developing more It is common knowledge that good The National Prevention Summit, flexible and inclusive opportunities eating habits play a central role in an initiative of VicHealth and the for people to participate in sport maintaining health and preventing Australian Institute of Health and active recreation, VicHealth cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Policy Studies (AIHPS), brought continues to lead the way. osteoporosis, some cancers and together both the Federal and Through our investment in 44 dental disease. Nutrition-related Victorian Ministers for Health, State Sporting Associations, nine ill health accounts for the largest as well as more than 100 of Regional Sports Assemblies and burden of disease including Australia’s leaders from all eight statewide peak bodies we obesity and high cholesterol. levels of government, health, are broadening access and tackling VicHealth also knows that poor business, academia and the non- health inequalities. Many more nutrition rarely results from a lack profit sector to develop strategies Victorians, including people with of knowledge but is more likely to for stemming the tide of illness disabilities, Indigenous Australians, do with the social, environmental, threatening to overwhelm our new arrivals and people from cultural and economic factors healthcare system. lower socioeconomic groups, influencing people’s food choices. are becoming more physically Delegates supported a platform active and developing a sense To address these underlying for advancing the health and of belonging with the local factors, to improve access to wellbeing of all Australians that sporting community. healthy food among Victoria’s also contributed to deliberations disadvantaged and to improve at the 2020 Summit less than Tackling the general decline food security, VicHealth is two weeks later. in children’s physical activity, supporting eight local councils playing outdoors and what many under the Food for All program VicHealth and AIHPS are now researchers have described as the to increase people’s access to and coordinating the development of loss of ‘children’s independent consumption of a variety of foods, issues papers to explore in more mobility’ – the capacity of particularly vegetables and fruit. depth some of the ideas and children to move around their The program focuses on the themes raised at the summit, neighbourhoods, towns and barriers people face in accessing with the intention of submitting cities without adult supervision – healthy food and assists local well-developed proposals to is also a key focus. Building on governments to prioritise food the new National Preventative the successes of the Walking access issues in planning. Health Taskforce and the School Bus, which we piloted National Health and Hospitals with four councils in 2001 and In addition, we are working in Reform Commission. this year was running in 60 partnership with researchers and local government areas across non-government organisations to Victoria, we have introduced a advocate for and support policies new program, Streets Ahead. and legislation that encourage It allows for the development of nutritious food choices in the more comprehensive and flexible areas of food retail, marketing, children’s independent mobility advertising and supply. projects, which will be implemented in targeted neighbourhoods. PLANNING FOR HEALTH

As in previous years, VicHealth There is growing evidence that the provided funding through Active design of the environment we live Club Grants to help more than 620 in can support or impede our local sports clubs purchase sports efforts to adopt a healthy lifestyle. safety equipment and portable Factors include: proximity to parks, shade and to train volunteers. open space, shops selling a variety of food for healthy eating, services, and public transport; bicycle lanes and footpaths; a sense of place and community connectedness; aesthetics; and suitable housing and housing designs that provide

a sense of safety. ≥

VicHealth’s Focus ≥

Promotion Prevention Early Intervention Treatment Rehabilitation

Annual Report 2007–2008 5 Influencing the way we design REDUCING SMOKING REDUCING HARM FROM ALCOHOL and build our suburbs has long been on VicHealth’s agenda. This Since its beginning, VicHealth has For many years VicHealth has year we collaborated with a range supported and funded the smoking been engaged in debates of organisations, government prevention and cessation programs concerning harmful consumption departments and individuals to delivered by Quit Victoria and in of alcohol and has supported help ensure that health is factored more recent times, the research, programs that promote into the planning of our future policy development and advocacy responsible drinking. environments. This work is work undertaken by the VicHealth We work in collaboration with helping to address concerns Centre for Tobacco Control. government and community about lack of exercise and rising Evidence shows that tobacco partners to facilitate an innovative levels of obesity; lack of access control has been one of the best, approach to alcohol harm to shops, schools and other key if not the best, buy in health for reduction; building evidence venues; and depression arising over a quarter of a century. Since on the social impacts of alcohol from social isolation. VicHealth commenced funding consumption; identifying effective Quit Victoria in 1987, Victoria’s interventions; and developing PROMOTING MENTAL HEALTH smoking rates have fallen programs to reduce alcohol- AND WELLBEING substantially: by about 20% in related harm. men and nearly 15% in women. VicHealth is a major collaborator With harmful drinking among with international peak bodies In recent years there have been young people rising, we need to such as the World Health some particularly important strengthen our efforts to reduce Organisation (WHO), the World steps forward in tobacco control. alcohol-related harm. While the Federation for Mental Health, In March 2006, graphic health social use of alcohol is widely the UK-based Clifford Beers warnings appeared on cigarette accepted, alcohol-related harm Foundation and the American- and tobacco packaging and most in Victoria results in premature based Carter Center in developing Victorian workplaces became disability and death associated research and policy in mental smoke-free. On 1 July 2007 with road trauma, workplace health and wellbeing, and is licensed premises became accidents, drowning, sexual renowned as a world leader smoke-free, with legislation also assault, domestic and interpersonal in mental health promotion. influencing pack sizes. Retailers violence, and self harm. must comply with laws and Rates of mental ill health are regulations governing point-of- We believe that the way forward increasing alarmingly: by the year sale signage, and the sale and lies in forging broad coalitions and 2020 it is estimated that depression display of tobacco products. ensuring a coordinated approach alone will be the second-highest from health groups, as well as cause of disease burden in the Working with government and our fostering new research and world. VicHealth’s work in this partners, especially the Tobacco evidence about what works. area continues to focus on the Control Unit at the Cancer Council development of programs aimed Victoria, VicHealth has a continuing at increasing both the skills of commitment to tobacco control individuals in maintaining and the next steps must build on mental health and improving the our successes. Over the next four environments in which people live, years we will contribute more since this is a vital influence on than $16 million to initiatives good mental health. directly aimed at reducing the prevalence of smoking in the Therefore, we work in partnerships Victorian community. to address the factors that have a strong influence on mental health, such as social isolation, violence and discrimination, and poor access to resources for vulnerable groups.

6 Victorian Health Promotion Foundation other health action areas TACKLING HEALTH INEQUALITIES The Victorian Health Inequalities Network – which was previously VicHealth also contributes to To minimise the impact of social managed by Victorian Council other health issues including and economic disadvantage on of Social Services (VCOSS) and sun protection. people’s health, VicHealth targets Monash University – has now many of its activities and research become a VicHealth-managed Every year, 1600 Australians die initiatives towards those who are project. To date, activity has from skin cancer. The cost to the most vulnerable. included the establishment of health system is enormous – over a network of over 200 members $294 million annually. Ironically, Significant inequalities in health and a forum, People Places skin cancer is one of the most exist in Victoria and Australia. Processes, held in April 2008. preventable cancers in Australia. They result from some people having inadequate access to VicHealth activity – in conjunction The SunSmart program aims to essential health and other public with the Department of Human minimise the human cost of skin services; exposure to unhealthy, Services – has led to the cancer in Victoria. The program, stressful living and working development of a suite of health jointly funded by the Cancer Council conditions; limited lifestyle choices; inequalities indicators, assistance Victoria and VicHealth, leads the and the tendency for sick people with ensuring an equity focus in world in skin cancer protection. to move down the social scale. the statewide physical activity Those health inequities are unfair, VicHealth has contributed more plan and development of a set unnecessary and avoidable. than $13 million to the SunSmart of core competencies for the health promotion workforce in program since it was established Major work has been undertaken reducing inequality. in 1988. In this financial year we this year to develop an equity tool provided just under $500,000. to guide health promotion intervention planning and FOSTERING INNOVATION In 2007 the issue of solarium evaluation. This tool (described AND BUILDING EVIDENCE regulation came to the forefront in the People Places Processes IN HEALTH PROMOTION of people’s minds and was put resource) has been trialled in one firmly on the political agenda local government area across a At VicHealth, supporting innovation following the tragic death of range of projects, with favourable and building evidence for health Clare Oliver (who was diagnosed results. A second-phase trial is promotion is an overarching with melanoma aged 25 and died currently being planned across a theme for all our program work. shortly after). Through SunSmart’s wider range of Victorian settings. We have a rigorous approach to campaigning and the support of Interest in participating in the trial finding new and improved ways Health Minister Daniel Andrews, has been strong. The statewide of doing what we do. VicHealth’s Victoria became the first state to Primary Care Partnership network strategic planning process regulate the solarium industry on is also interested in using the tool included the development of 1 February 2008. as an integral component of their a new research framework to three-year planning cycle in better link research, evaluation, integrated health promotion, due and program and policy to commence in 2009. formulation. Another important part of the research formula In conjunction with the Department is a commitment to building of Human Services (DHS), VicHealth relationships and effective has been a leading partner in partnerships in both the research developing a compendium of good and wider communities. This will practice showcasing examples of further support the innovative projects with proven impacts on approach to health promotion reducing inequality. VicHealth- that is the hallmark of VicHealth. funded projects are included in the compendium.

Annual Report 2007–2008 7 In recognition of their outstanding and innovative contribution to health promotion – the winners of the 2007 VicHealth Awards receive their plaques.

Awards Koori workers and parents with Awards for projects training, education, mentoring promoting other VicHealth’s annual health and support. health issues promotion awards are presented Planning For Health and in recognition of outstanding Awards for projects achievements and innovative Wellbeing Project – Planning primarily promoting mental Institute of Australia (PIA), contributions to health promotion health and wellbeing through VicHealth-funded projects. Victorian Division (project with budget under $75,000) The 2007 awards were presented Pacifika Down Under PIA has aimed to increase the at VicHealth’s Annual General (project with budget under $15,000) number of planners aware of Meeting at the Plaza Ballroom, This community festival brought advocating for the integration of Regent Theatre, Melbourne on Pacific region communities planning and health. The project 12 December 2007. Congratulations together to celebrate their also increased the capacity of to all award winners. cultural identities and connect planners to influence local urban people with local support services. design so that health is part of the The project showed the value Awards for projects plan. Gathering research, evidence of involving diverse cultural primarily promoting and practice of good planning for communities in artistic pursuits physical activity health and wellbeing is another as a means of promoting mental central aim of the project. Keen-Agers: Increasing Physical health and wellbeing. Activity Amongst Senior Victorians ‘I want you to think of what’s Pitcha This – Council on the Ageing (Victoria) happening here every time you (project with budget between (project with budget under $75,000) look at your cigarette… Every $15,000 and $75,000) The project seeks to expand the time’ – Quit Victoria This project sought to engage Keen-Agers table tennis concept (project with budget over $75,000) Indigenous young people and of recreational sports participation Tobacco use still claims around their communities in a process for seniors, by evaluating and 16,000 lives in Australia and is of identifying and producing documenting the model’s success the preventable health risk positive, realistic images to reflect and establishing workforce responsible for the greatest the strengths and participation of development and good practice burden of disease in Australia. community members in everyday sharing mechanisms across the An opportunity presented itself life. Film, photography and digital health, sport, fitness and aged in 2006 and 2007 with the storytelling were all used to care sectors. introduction of new graphic health produce positive images with warnings on Australian cigarette Physically Active Koori Kids six Victorian communities. packets. The objectives were to (2007-2008) Gippsland Lakes add depth, meaning and personal Community Health Australian Football League (AFL) Violence Against Women Strategy relevance to the new warnings. (project with budget over $75,000) This project aims to increase (project with budget over $75,000) the physical activity levels of The AFL’s Respect and Indigenous young children, Responsibility Policy’s broad working with Koori communities intention is to firmly position the and partner agencies across AFL as a leader in advocating Lake Tyers, Lakes Entrance and cultural change across the Bairnsdale. A Physically Active football industry and to develop Koori Kids committee oversees and promote safe and inclusive staff recruitment and establishment environments for women and of a series of sustainable kinder girls, across all levels of football. gyms and active play opportunities for children, while also providing

8 Victorian Health Promotion Foundation INVESTMENTS DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDING ACROSS VICHEALTH’S PRIORITY AREAS

AT A GLANCE Table 1 Expenditure on priority areas Health Action Area Total Percent EXPENDITURE Active Communities $9,470,614 41.4% In 2007-2008, VicHealth contributed (includes Sport and Recreation, $24,748,825 towards program Active Transport and Built activity, research grants and Environment Projects) associated expenditure. Healthy Eating $864,077 3.8% Health Inequalities $783,812 3.4% Grants expenditure (program and Innovation and Evidence $1,392,721 6.1% research grants, and other grants Mental Health and Wellbeing $5,610,981 24.5% associated activity) accounted for Other $870,247 3.8% $22,894,910. Tobacco Control $3,902,458 17.0% $1,853,915 was expended on Total Expenditure $22,894,910 100.0% developmental work, special studies and VicHealth-implemented Tackling health inequalities is one of VicHealth’s integrated themes communication strategies. and is an overarching consideration for all our funding. The expenditure for Health Inequalities shown in Table 1 relates to funding for specifi c BUILDING EVIDENCE projects in this fi eld.

In 2007-2008, VicHealth contributed Figure 1 $4,635,345 towards public health Expenditure on priority areas research across all our priority areas. VicHealth funded 13 public health research grants, fi ve research scholarships, 25 fellowships and four research centres. Table 2 shows the distribution of funding to research.

PROJECT VOLUME

In 2007-2008 VicHealth received 1626 applications for funding. Active Communities 41.4% VicHealth approved 805 Healthy Eating 3.8% applications. In addition to new Health Inequalities 3.4% funded projects, 189 grants were Innovation and Evidence 6.1% Mental Health and Wellbeing 24.5% carried over from previous years. Other 3.8% Tobacco control 17.0%

Table 2 Research funding

Centres Public health Research Research Total research grants scholarships fellowships

No. grants 4 13 5 25 47 Total $ $1,665,000 $768,835 $54,280 $2,347,230 $4,835,345 % of annual budget 7.2% 3.3% 0.2% 10.2% 20.9% for all grants

Annual Report 2007–2008 9 VicHealth Board of Governance

Ms Sue Cormack Mr Hugh Delahunty Sue Cormack manages her Hugh Delahunty, State National own consultancy business in Party Member for Lowan, Chair. Ms Jane Fenton AM Geelong and has vast professional has a long involvement in local experience at national, state and government as a councillor and Jane Fenton is principal of Fenton local levels in the areas of sport, mayor with Horsham Rural City Communications, a strategic recreation and education. Sue is Council. He was an advisor with communications consultancy. currently National Project Officer the Office of Rural Affairs and has She is a fellow of the Public for the Schools Network, supporting links with many community and Relations Institute of Australia, Australian schools to develop sport sporting bodies. He played with a life governor of Very Special and physical activity. She is also Essendon Football Club and is a Kids and director of the Murdoch active in club and community life member of Murtoa Football Children’s Research Institute. development to support grass- Club. He was the previous roots sport across the Barwon National Party Spokesman for Region. Sue’s work with volunteers Health and Aged Care and is in community organisations is now the Shadow Minister for the driven by her strong interest in portfolios of Sport and Recreation, the connections and friendships Youth Affairs, and Veterans’ Affairs. that these environments offer to local community members. Dr Sally Cockburn Dr Sally Cockburn has some 20 years’ experience as a GP and is a well-known media commentator. Sally has a solid understanding of corporate governance through Dr Mei Ling Doery extensive experience on health Dr Mei Ling Doery is a medical and charity boards including Mr Richard Dalla-Riva MLC practitioner with a keen interest seven years on the Metropolitan Richard Dalla-Riva MLC, State in human performance, which Ambulance Service Committee Liberal Party Member for Eastern has been recognised with a Young of Management and two years as Metropolitan Region, was born in Investigator Award from the chair of the Variety Club of Victoria. Orbost, Victoria and educated at European Space Agency. Her broad She has been a member of the Beechworth Primary School and professional experience includes Ministerial Advisory Committee on Macleod High School. Before club doctor for Richmond reserves Women’s Health and is on the board entering politics, Richard was football team, health consultant of the Monash Medical Foundation a Senior Police Detective with to CSIRO and a Medical Officer and Family Planning Victoria. the Victoria Police. After leaving for the Australian Defence Force. the Police Force, Richard held a Mei Ling has had a leading role with variety of positions in business the Australian Medical Students before being elected to Parliament association, Ausdoctors.net, the in November 2002. He currently UN Space Generation Forum, serves as Shadow Minister for SpaceFutures and the Victorian Industry and State Development, Youth Space Forum. Shadow Minister for Major Projects Mr Lindsay Gaze OAM and Freedom of Information. Lindsay Gaze is director of coaching and player development for the Melbourne Tigers in Australia’s National Basketball League. Lindsay is a member of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame board, and one of Australia’s most prominent and experienced basketball coaches. He represented Australia in basketball as a player in three Olympic Games and as a coach in four Olympics.

10 Victorian Health Promotion Foundation Mr Peter Gordon Ms Belinda Jakiel Ms Kirstie Marshall OAM Peter Gordon, executive director Belinda Jakiel was born and raised Kirstie Marshall, State Labor Party and deputy chairperson of national in Ballarat and is a descendant Member for Forest Hill, was elected law firm Slater & Gordon, has been of the Wotjobaluk people and to the Victorian State Government at the forefront of smoking and the country of Poland. Belinda in 2002 and re-elected in 2006. health litigation in Australia, is National Project Manager Prior to getting involved in politics, involving class action litigation Indigenous Employment Program Kirstie was well known for sporting against the Australian tobacco with AFL Sportsready. She is also achievements. She was named industry and helping the US a qualified teacher, a former the Victorian Sportswoman of the Department of Justice in a elite athlete, director of Victorian Year four times, was the Australian multibillion dollar action against Indigenous Leadership Network, Skier of the Year six times and the tobacco industry. Peter has patron of EastWeb and an was awarded an OAM for her worked for asbestos victims for 20 ambassador for Go for your Life. contribution to skiing and sports years. In 2004, he established the Her professional experience administration on the Queen’s $500,000 Slater & Gordon Asbestos involves extensive work with young Birthday Honour List in 2003. Research Trust. He is also a former people, Indigenous communities AFL director and president of and high-risk groups. Footscray Football Club.

Ms Jerril Rechter

Professor Richard Smallwood AO Jerril Rechter is CEO/Artistic Professor David Hill AM Director of Footscray Community Professor Richard Smallwood has Arts Centre and has extensive Professor David Hill is director of a wealth of experience in senior experience of leadership in the The Cancer Council Victoria. One medical and public health positions, arts, education, not-for-profit and of Australia’s leading public health recently as Commonwealth Chief youth sectors in Australia. Jerril is researchers, Prof. Hill is widely Medical Officer. He is chair of the a recipient of fellowships from the regarded as a leading international Victorian Ministerial Taskforce for Australia Council, Harvard Club of expert in social marketing and Cancer, former chair of the National Australia and Winston Churchill public health campaigns. In 2001 Health & Medical Research Memorial Trust. She has received he was made a Member of the Council and past president of a Tasmania Day Award and in Order of Australia for services to the Royal Australasian College of 2003 was awarded a Centenary the promotion of community health, Physicians. Prof. Smallwood is an Medal for service in the Tasmania particularly in the development of international speaker on research, Together process as a Community cancer awareness and prevention clinical and health service topics Leaders Group member. programs. He is President-Elect and author/co-author of some 250 of the International Union Against publications. He is Deputy President Cancer and will become its of the Australian Medical Council President in August 2008. and Chair of its Specialist Education Accreditation Committee, and a board member of Bio21.

Mr John Howie John Howie is a lawyer and special counsel with Williams Winter Solicitors. He is chair of the Victorian Legal Aid Commission as well as chair of the VicSport Board, president of the Film Victoria Board and a member of the Melbourne Olympic Park Trust.

Annual Report 2007–2008 11 STAFF

Senior Officers at 30 June 2008

Chief Executive Officer Mr Todd Harper

Mental Health and Wellbeing Active Communities and Healthy Eating Tobacco Control and Alcohol Director, Mental Health Director, Active Communities Harm Reduction and Wellbeing and Healthy Eating CEO Ms Lyn Walker Ms Kellie-Ann Jolly Research, Strategy and Policy Corporate Services Communications and Marketing

Acting Director, Communications Director, Corporate Services and Marketing Ms Jackie McCann Ms Kerry Grenfell

Director, Research, Strategy and Policy Mr Tass Mousaferiadis

Ms Jackie Van Vugt, Director, Communications and Marketing, resigned the position in May 2008 after almost seven years of service.

12 Victorian Health Promotion Foundation VicHealth Staff List Librarian Current at 30 June 2008 Shirley Pandolfo

CEO’s Office Corporate Services Chief Executive Officer Director Todd Harper Jackie McCann

Executive Assistant Business Systems Lisa Pittard Martyn Baker

Senior HR Advisor Information Systems Jen Atkinson Xa Dinh

Finance Active Communities Rashmi Baijnath and Healthy Eating Iromi Kodikara Director Len Tan Kellie-Ann Jolly Operations Support Program Staff Chris Davis Serrin Cooper Larna Grace-Pack Shelley Maher Paul Grant Virginia McInneny Eromi Paiva Vanessa Phillips Karen Reinsch Jane Potter Ben Rossiter Communications Lee Choon Siauw and Marketing Unit John Strachan Acting Director Roopa Umesh Kerry Grenfell Shelley White Program Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing Antony Balmain Director Helene Finnie Jo Hillas Lyn Walker Natalie Lleonart Program Staff Sam McCrow Dee Basinski Heather Smith Betty Bougas Robyn Thompson Mark Boyd Jackie Van Vugt Melanie Heenan Philippa McLean Fulbright Fellowship Kenton Miller Cassie Nicholls Emily Morgan Irene Verins Geof Webb Kim Webster

Tobacco Control and Alcohol Harm Reduction Senior Program Advisor Brian Vandenberg

Research, Strategy and Policy Director Tass Mousaferiadis

Program Staff Michele Agustin-Guarino Jennifer Alden Kerry Haynes Andrena Matthews Monica O’Dwyer Lisa Thompson

Annual Report 2007–2008 13 BOARD APPOINTED Ms Kathy McConell Ms Kate Roffey ADVISORY PANELS Department of Human Services, VicSport Public Health Ms Kate Simkovic Ms Sarah McKay Australian Sports Commission (Active Active Transport Obesity Prevention Policy Coalition After-school Communities Program) Mr Hugh Delahunty (Chair) Ms Sarah Pollock Ms Jackie Solakovski VicHealth Board Wesley City Mission Lander & Rogers Ms Susan Barford Ms Jane Potter (Convenor) Assoc. Prof. Jeff Walkley Southvale Primary School VicHealth RMIT Ms Bernadette George Ms Lee Choon Siauw BG Urban Solutions VicHealth Research and Evaluation Ms Anne Harris Mr Maurice Sinclair Advisory Committee RACV George Weston Foods Prof. Richard Smallwood (Chair) Ms Marlene Johnson Ms Mary Stewart VicHealth Board Member Growth Areas Authority Horticulture Specialist Prof. John Catford Ms Kellie-Ann Jolly Ms Ragini Wheatcroft Deakin University VicHealth Department of Primary Industries Dr Mukesh Haikerwel Mr Patrick Love General Practitioner Catholic Education Office Sport and Recreation Prof. Helen Herrman Ms Vera Lubczenko Ms Belinda Jakiel (Chair) ORYGEN Research Centre Sustainability Victoria VicHealth Board Member University of Melbourne Dr. Karen Malone Ms Christina Black Prof. David Hill University of Wollongong Department of Human Services Cancer Council Victoria Ms Sheryl McHugh Mr Peter Burns Dr Jim Hyde Wellington Shire Council YMCA Department of Human Services Ms Margaret Pledger Mr Lindsay Gaze Prof. John McNeil Parents Victoria VicHealth Monash University Mr John Robinson Ms Sue Hendy Prof. Terry Nolan Department of Infrastructure Council on the Ageing University of Melbourne Dr Ben Rossiter (Convenor) Mr Garry Henshall Prof. Kerin O’Dea VicHealth Parks & Leisure Australia University of Melbourne Ms Keran Howe Dr Lyn Roberts Healthy Eating Victorian Women with National Heart Foundation Disabilities Network Dr Leanne Rowe Ms Sue Cormack (Chair) Ms Kellie-Ann Jolly University of Melbourne VicHealth Board VicHealth Ms Tracey Slatter Ms Jennifer Browne Mr Arden Joseph Colac Otway Shire Victorian Aboriginal Community Department for Victorian Controlled Health Organisation Communities (Community (VACCHO) Sport & Recreation) Mr Trevor Budge Ms Megan Kerr Planning Institute of Australia, VicHealth Victoria Ms Shelley Maher Mr Richard Dalla Riva VicHealth VicHealth Board Mr Michael Neoh Mr Paul Fishlock Sports Assemblies Victoria Campaign Palace Prof. Warren Payne Ms Kellie-Ann Jolly University of Ballarat VicHealth Mr Steve Perrson Ms Kirsten Larsen The Big Issue Department of Sustainability & Environment Mr Mark Lawrence Deakin University

14 Victorian Health Promotion Foundation Community Arts Ms Rhonda Cumberland Culturally and Participation Scheme Office for Women’s Policy, DPCD Linguistically Diverse Ms Libby Eltringham (CALD) Discrimination Ms Fiona Beckwith Advisory Committee Arts Victoria Domestic Violence and Incest Resource Centre Ms Kate Gillick Mr Waleed Aly Victorian Arabic Social Services Dr Michael Flood School of Political and Social University of Wollongong Enquiry, Monash University Ms Vic Marles Legal Services Commission Dr Marion Frere Mr Paris Aristotle University of Melbourne Victorian Foundation for Survivors Ms Jerril Rechter of Torture VicHealth Board Mr Terry Healy Department of Planning and Asst. Commissioner Mr Steven Richardson Community Development Ashley Dickinson Arts House Mr John Howe Victoria Police Mr Mark Wilkinson VicHealth Board Assoc. Prof. Kevin Dunn Darebin City Council Ms Isabella McCrea University of New South Wales National White Ribbon Foundation Dr Marion Frere Community Prof. Jenny Morgan University of Melbourne Participation Scheme University of Melbourne Ms Eugenia Grammatikakis Ms Jane Crawley Ms Sam Mostyn Municipal Association Victoria Melbourne City Council Australian Football League Ms Carmel Guerra Ms Lil Healy Deputy Commissioner Centre for Multicultural Youth Issues Department of Planning and Simon Overland Ms Lynne Haultain Community Development Victoria Police CPR Mr Adrian Panozzo Prof. Boni Robertson Mr George Lekakis RecLink Australia Griffith University Victorian Multicultural Commission Ms Jerril Rechter Assoc. Prof. Julie Stubbs Mr Ian McHutchinson VicHealth Board University of Sydney Adult Multicultural Education Ms Cath Scarth Ms Bronwyn Webster Services Adult Multicultural Commonwealth Office for Women Assoc. Prof. Harry Minas Education Services Victorian Transcultural Psychiatry Preventing Violence Unit and Centre for International Communities Against Women – Technical Mental Health Together Scheme Advice and Support Ms Leah Nichles Department of Immigration Dr Jo Barraket Ms Libby Eltringham and Citizenship University of Melbourne Domestic Violence and Ms Belinda Jakiel Incest Resource Centre Mr Mark Purcell Oxfam Australia Athlete Development Australia Ms Sue Finucane Ms Denise Leembruggen Office for Children, Department Prof. Richard Smallwood Awakenings Festival of Human Services VicHealth Board Ms Kath McEntee Dr Marion Frere Dr Helen Szoke Department of Victorian McCaughey Centre: Victorian Equal Opportunity Communities University of Melbourne and Human Rights Commission Ms Melika Yassin Sheikh-Eldin Dr Melanie Heenan Mr Peter van Vliet AMES Community Australian Football League Ethnic Communities Council of Victorian Health Promotion Dr Kylie Kripps Foundation Violence Against Women Onemda Koori Research Unit, Advisory Committee University of Melbourne Ms Teresa Zolnierkiewicz ANZ Executors and Trustees Mr Mick Boyle Ms Fiona McCormack Company Ltd Department of Justice Domestic Violence Victoria Ms Elizabeth Broderick Ms Mandy McKenzie Human Rights and Equal Domestic Violence and Opportunity Commission Incest Resource Centre Ms Deb Bryant Prof. Jenny Morgan West CASA University of Melbourne Dr Sally Cockburn Ms Gen Ryan VicHealth Board Office for Women, Victorian Government

Annual Report 2007–2008 15 Through its many program investments, VicHealth gives numerous people more opportunities to be physically active.

CREATING ACTIVE Activity Snapshot RecLink, an organisation that advocates for and improves COMMUNITIES Participation in Community access to sporting, social and Sport and Active Recreation Physical inactivity is ranked recreational activities to some of Many Victorians who could benefit second only to smoking as the Victoria’s most disadvantaged most from increased participation most important factor affecting people, is also receiving funds, in sport and active recreation have our health.1 That’s why VicHealth which will be used to expand its the least access and opportunity advocates and supports change work in outer metropolitan to participate, particularly people that makes everyday living more Melbourne and regional Victoria. with disabilities, Indigenous active. We do this by working with Australians, new arrivals and people As well as increasing the number a range of organisations and living in low socioeconomic areas. of people actively participating in different sectors at state, regional physical activity, funding will help and local levels. In order to broaden access and many organisations to increase opportunity and reduce health In the pursuit of its goals to the diversity of coaches, officials inequalities, VicHealth is increase Victorians’ physical and administrators involved at partnering with 44 State Sporting activity, VicHealth invests in all levels. Associations, nine Regional programs to increase participation Sports Assemblies and eight in sport and active recreation, Disability Support Network statewide peak bodies through its supports walking and active Participation in Community Sport Supporting sporting bodies to find transport programs, and advocates and Active Recreation (PICSAR) ways to better include people with for urban planning factors in program. Funding will enable disabilities has been a new focus health as a central design principle. these organisations to reach out for VicHealth this year. There are An ideal healthy environment to many more people, including fewer options and choices for makes it easy and pleasant for those living in regional Victoria, people with disabilities to enjoy people to walk and exercise. so that they can become more the social and health benefits of It has safe areas for children to physically active and can develop participating in community sport play outside, has street-friendly a sense of belonging with the and recreation. Their participation building design that promotes local sporting community. rate in sport is 2%, yet they represent a sense of safety and interaction 19% of the population. Six peak The Victorian Rugby League, between neighbours, provides disability and disability sport and for example, which has a strong places for people to come together recreation organisations are now commitment to increasing that are both enjoyable and part of VicHealth’s PICSAR participation among Indigenous accessible for everyone, and a program. Together they will help and new arrival communities, is good public transport system. support the 17 funded sports using VicHealth funding to provide organisations that have identified training and resources to make people with disabilities as a clubs more culturally aware primary target group. and inclusive. In turn this will help to make their clubs more vibrant and sustainable.

16 Victorian Health Promotion Foundation Diving into Physical Activity Research Streets Ahead will assist communities to create supportive With funding through VicHealth’s VicHealth is investing in a range of environments that enhance PICSAR program, Diving Victoria research projects to improve our children’s active transport and linked up with the Victorian understanding of what influences independent mobility in all aspects College for the Deaf to engage people to be physically active. of community life, not only to and a new group of very keen These include investigating the from school. Six demonstration participants. During a 12-week influence of physical inactivity and projects have been funded for program at the Melbourne Sports television viewing on type 2 three years. and Aquatics Centre, 14 students diabetes and obesity in older aged nine to 13 were introduced adults, analysing the economic to diving, with the assistance of factors that influence an Walktober AUSLAN-trained instructors. individual’s physical and mental Walktober is an initiative Some of the youngsters had never health, exploring physical developed by Kinect Australia been in a pool before and certainly inactivity amongst children in in collaboration with VicHealth. none of them had been taught Victoria and exploring factors This annual event aims to diving skills. Organisers say one influencing the participation of increase individual and broader of the greatest things the students young women in sport and community awareness of the learned from the program was physical activity. benefits of walking and to confidence and an ability to promote relevant programs and confront their fears. Active Transport activities occurring in the month of October. It exists to create a Diving Victoria has found a very Streets Ahead community motivated and able to willing partner with the hearing- Over the last two decades, the walk safely for fun, for health and impaired community and the two number of children who walk for the environment. This year organisations are planning a or cycle to primary school has hundreds of coordinating series of activity days. A second dramatically declined: 70% of organisations at state and local 12-week program has been run Australian children aged 5 to 12 levels joined Walktober. for students at the College for years are driven to school even the Deaf and it’s likely that the though 80% of them live within initiative will be picked up by three kilometres of their school. Walktober Walk to School Challenge 2007 organisations in regional Victoria. This decline represents more than Diving Queensland will also start simply a change in methods of VicHealth again invited all a similar pilot, based on the travel to school. It is indicative Victorian primary schools to Victorian model. of a general decline in children’s be part of the Walktober Walk physical activity, playing outdoors to School Challenge. The main PICSAR Evaluation and what many researchers have objective of this initiative is to described as the loss of ‘children’s raise awareness of the physical, An evaluation of the PICSAR independent mobility’ – the capacity environmental and social benefits program is underway so that we of children to move around their of walking among all ages and can find out if we are making a neighbourhoods, towns and cities to get children walking to school. difference to participation levels. without adult supervision. A total of 312 schools from 71 VicHealth has engaged Monash council areas participated in University and ARTD consultants This year, VicHealth introduced the event, with 56,651 children to measure the impact that a new program to build on the walking to school on the day. VicHealth funding has on successes of the Walking School increasing participation levels Bus, which it piloted with four of people experiencing health councils in 2001 and in 2008 was inequalities. The evaluation running in 60 local government will investigate outcomes at areas across Victoria. Streets Ahead: the individual, community and Supporting children to get active organisational level and will build in their neighbourhoods allows evidence and knowledge about the for the development of more role of sport and active recreation comprehensive and flexible in increasing participation for children’s independent mobility people with disabilities, Indigenous projects, which will be implemented Australians, new arrivals and people in targeted neighbourhoods, rather living in low socioeconomic areas. than entire local government areas as in the case of the Walking School Bus.

Annual Report 2007–2008 17 PROGRAM Aquathlon – A how to guide Dive into Health and Safety Triathlon Victoria Victorian Diving Assocation INVESTMENTS IN $15,000.00 $35,000.00 CREATING ACTIVE COMMUNITIES Asian and New Arrivals Project Embracing all through AFL Badminton Victoria AFL Victoria Development In the pursuit of its goals to $55,000.00 Foundation increase Victorians’ physical $250,000.00 Baseball for All activity levels, VicHealth invests Baseball Victoria FlippaBall POD for All in sport and active recreation, $15,000.00 Victorian Water Polo walking and active transport, $40,000.00 as well as planning initiatives Basketball Plus to create environments that are Basketball Victoria Friends for Fitness conducive to physical activity. $125,000.00 Blind Sports Victoria $15,000.00 Beep and Jeep Investments in sport Pool Victoria Inc Get Active and active recreation $33,000.00 Leisure Networks Participation in Community Sport $100,000.00 and Active Recreation (PICSAR) Bowls – Taking the lead grants program in healthy partnerships Getting the Goulburn Royal Victorian Bowls Valley Active The PICSAR program aims Association and Victorian Goulburn Valley Sports Assembly to increase participation in Ladies Bowling Association $105,000.00 community sport and active $130,000.00 recreation, particularly for people Getting Women on Board with a disability and those from Boxing for H.O.P.E. VicSport low socioeconomic, Indigenous Boxing Victoria Inc $45,000.00 and new arrival communities. $15,000.00 It comprises three levels of Go with the Flow activity – state, regional and Building active Aboriginal Canoeing Victoria local. It aims to demonstrate the centres programs $15,000.00 social, physical and mental health Victorian Aboriginal Youth Sport Handball for All Abilities benefits of physical activity, and & Recreation Cooperative Ltd Handball Federation of Victoria helps prioritise interventions $230,000.00 $15,000.00 aimed at getting inactive or Building communities partially inactive people doing through swimming Hockey by the Sea sufficient physical activity for Swimming Victoria Inc Hockey Victoria health gain. $75,000.00 $30,000.00

PICSAR – state and regional grants Building knowledge and capacity Inclusive Pony Club – riders and coaches Access for anyone, Action for Community Living – VICNORD Pony Club Association of Victoria anywhere at anytime $15,000.00 Tennis Victoria $145,000 $200,000.00 Cricket 4 Me Inclusive Squash Cricket Victoria Victorian Squash Federation Accessible Sailing $55,000.00 Yachting Victoria $200,000.00 $75,000.00 Communities in Touch It’s About the Opportunity Touch Football Australia – Rowing Victoria An Active and Healthy Mallee $30,000.00 Mallee Sports Assembly Victorian Branch $50,000.00 $99,000.00 Koori Kids Come and Try Community Rugby Project Victorian Snowsports Association Active Health in Gippsland $15,000.00 GippSport Victorian Rugby Union $70,000.00 $220,000.00 Community Lacrosse Dig In Lacrosse Victoria All Communities Project $15,000.00 Football Federation Victoria Volleyball Victoria $60,000.00 $15,000.00

18 Victorian Health Promotion Foundation Learning for Life SafetyNet Program Bums off Seats Life Saving Victoria Netball Victoria Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly $70,000.00 $180,000.00 $50,000.00

The LINKING Project Shooting for All Crossenvale Community Orienteering Victoria Sporting Shooters Association Active Recreation Program $40,000.00 of Aus (Vic) Shire Of Campaspe $55,000.00 $30,000.00 Lord Taverners Players Pathway Indoor Sports Victoria South West Program East End Adventure $15,000.00 South West Sports Assembly Mallee Sports Assembly $108,000.00 $65,000.00 More Accessible Cycling CycleSport Victoria SPAR (Sport, Physical Activity GCONNECT $120,000.00 and Recreation) – Where are U? GippSport Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly $55,598.00 Motorcycling for All $99,000.00 Motorcycling Victoria Kids Onside $15,000.00 Sports for All VICSRAPID Reclink Australia $44,200.00 Multicultural and $135,000.00 Indigenous Development No Quick Fix Victorian Rugby League Inc Sport for Life Ballarat and District $60,000.00 Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria Aboriginal Cooperative $120,000.00 $58,368.00 Multicultural Sport and Recreation Project Stimulating Community Activity Out of Africa, into Soccer – Australian Multicultural Foundation and Wellbeing Club Integration Project $176,000.00 Calisthenics Victoria Inc Leisure Networks $55,000.00 $60,000.00 New Generation Bocce Bocce Federation of Victoria Surfing for Under- Physically Active Koori Kids $15,000.00 represented Groups (Pre School) Surfing Victoria Gippsland Lakes Community Health New Gym Faces in New $80,000.00 $55,100.00 Gym Places Gymnastics Victoria Taking it to the Streets Physical Fitness and $70,000.00 The Centre for Continuing Education Self Defence Program $115,000.00 Sports Focus OnSide Life Skills through Sport $32,000.00 OnSide Victoria Victorian Street Soccer $15,000.00 The Big Issue in Australia Structured Active Play $120,000.00 in Early Childhood Participation Advocate Leisure Networks VICSRAPID Western Suburbs $60,000.00 $30,000.00 Participation Program Victorian Weightlifting Association UP & OUT There PICSAR Program $15,000.00 The Centre for Continuing Education Sports Focus $60,000.00 $119,460.00 Wheelies for All Wheelchair Sports Victoria Vision Change PICSAR Program Phase 2 $70,000.00 Interchange Loddon Mallee Central Highlands Sports Assembly Region Inc $129,500.00 PICSAR – Active Participation $36,800.00 grants (rural and regional) Regional Development Program Youth Leadership in Health Women’s Golf Victoria Across the Land to the Alps and Wellbeing $80,000.00 – The Active Road Show Valley Sport The Centre For Continuing Education $60,000.00 Safer Sporting $60,000.00 Communities Project Sports Medicine Australia Activity Supermarket (Vic Branch) Community Centre Swifts Creek $110,000.00 $60,000.00

Annual Report 2007–2008 19 PICSAR Program support Smartplay Program Sport – Communication activities Disability Support Program Department for Planning and 2007 Jayco Herald Sun Tour These grants support active Community Development TL Sports Pty Ltd collaboration between statewide $90,000.00 $50,000.00 disability sport and recreation A program to promote and support Sponsorship of the 2007 Jayco agencies. They also provide a sports injury prevention as a means Herald-Sun Tour, with focus consistent form of advocacy for of encouraging active participation. on the associated community disability equality and guide the VicSport – PICSAR support participation events and the development of research into the VicSport promotion of the VicHealth/Go participation barriers and $135,000.00 for Your Life tour village. The enablers for people with a A program to support tour cross-promoted the mass disability. implementation of the participation ride ‘Around the Participation in Community Sport Bay in a Day’, as well as a ACL – VICNORD participation event in Bendigo. $7,000.00 and Active Recreation Program, including: state and regional Rumbalara Football & Netball Blind Sports Victoria grants, Active Participation Club publication $7,000.00 grants, and Active Club grants. Rumbalara Football & Netball Club $40,000.00 Deaf Sports and Recreation Victoria PICSAR Active Club grants program This project aims to document the $7,000.00 Active Club Grants 2007 achievements of the Rumbalara VICSRAPID Awarded to 623 Sporting Football & Netball Club. $7,000.00 clubs/organisations $1,194,874.00 Sport and active recreation Victorian Institute of Sport – Grants for equipment and safety developmental/innovation SportEd Victoria training to encourage participation programs $7,000.00 opportunities in physical activity Alcohol and junk food Wheelchair Sport Victoria for those who are currently inactive promotion in sport $7,000.00 or traditionally encounter barriers YMCA to participation. $50,000.00 Koori sport and recreation A project to determine the extent Workshops capacity building initiative and nature of alcohol and junk 9 Regional Sports Assemblies Victorian Aboriginal Youth Sport food promotion in sport and and Sports Medicine Australia and Recreation Cooperative explore opportunities to reduce (Vic Branch) $75,000.00 this. It involves an environmental $29,300.00 A pilot project to increase Koori scan of the extent and types of Funding for Regional Sports participation in community sport promotion in place, as well as an Assemblies and Sports Medicine and active recreation by working exploration of relevant state, Australia to undertake Active Club with and building the capacity of national and international literature. a selection of Koori communities Information Sessions in their area. across Victoria. Smartplay policies as well as Business plan development healthy, welcoming and more Fitzroy Stars Football Club Local Government Physical inclusive information are $30,000.00 Activity Network promoted in these sessions. This is a grant to support the Kinect Australia Fitzroy Stars Football Club to $30,000.00 produce a business plan and Funding to further develop the secure the resources required to physical activity network, which revitalise the club as a metropolitan supports local government Indigenous community hub. The authorities and other stakeholders long-term vision is to replicate to adopt and apply a ‘whole of the positive achievements of the council’ approach to planning Rumbalara Football & Netball for physical activity. Includes the Club of Shepparton to increase development of a physical activity sport and recreation participation website and network meetings while creating a safe and supportive in metropolitan Melbourne and environment for community regional/rural Victoria. members to develop new skills and connect with one another.

20 Victorian Health Promotion Foundation Respect and Responsibility: Investments promoting Greater Dandenong City Council Creating quality environments active transport $9,000.00 in community football clubs Walking School Bus program AFL Victoria Greater Geelong City Council $187,500.00 VicHealth’s Walking School Bus $9,000.00 A project to support development program is a partnership between Greater Shepparton City Council and implementation of education local government and community $9,000.00 and training material, policies and agencies that work with local procedures, and organisational primary schools to establish Horsham Rural City Council resources to reduce violence Walking School Buses in their $9,000.00 against women. Local level municipalities. The purpose of football clubs will be the sites the program is to create change Hume City Council for implementation. in the school travel patterns of $9,000.00 Victorian primary school children. ISIS Primary Care Spectator behaviour in The program delivers health, $9,000.00 community sport environmental and safety benefits. Sport and Recreation Victoria Kingston City Council Department for Planning and Establishment grants $9,000.00 Community Development $50,000.00 Mildura City Council Knox City Council To support the expansion of the $30,000.00 $9,000.00 Spectator Behaviour in Community Sport Campaign, this project will Walking School Bus Plus grants Latrobe City Council facilitate the production of sport $9,000.00 specific materials as well as the Bass Coast Shire Council development and delivery of a $9,000.00 Lower Hume Primary Care consistent single message across Partnerships – Murrindini Shire Baw Baw Shire Council $9,000.00 all sports. $9,000.00 Macedon Ranges Shire Council Sport and active recreation Bayside City Council $9,000.00 program evaluation activities $9,000.00 Maribyrnong City Council PICSAR state and regional Beechworth Health Service $9,000.00 grants evaluation $9,000.00 Monash University/ARTD Maroondah City Council $187,990.00 Boroondara City Council $9,000.00 The PICSAR evaluation will $9,000.00 identify the types of participation Melbourne City Council Brimbank City Council opportunities offered, and who $9,000.00 $9,000.00 participated in the PICSAR State Moira Shire Council and Regional and Active Paticipation Cardinia Shire Council $9,000.00 grants. The evaluation will $9,000.00 determine whether there has Moonee Valley City Council been an increase in the capacity Casey City Council $9,000.00 of funded organisations to improve $9,000.00 access and opportunities for Moreland City Council participation. The evaluation Caulfield Community Health Service $9,000.00 will investigate outcomes at (Bayside Health) the individual, community $9,000.00 Mornington Peninsula Shire and organisational level. $9,000.00 Central Goldfields Shire Council $9,000.00 Nillumbik Shire Council $9,000.00 Centre for Continuing Education Inc $9,000.00 North Grampians and Pyrenees Shire Council in conjunction with Darebin City Council the Grampians Community $9,000.00 Health Centre $9,000.00 East Gippsland Shire Council $9,000.00 Port Phillip City Council $9,000.00 Frankston City Council $9,000.00 Shire of Melton $9,000.00 Greater Bendigo City Council $9,000.00

Annual Report 2007–2008 21 Stonnington City Council Individual projects promoting Investments in creating $9,000.00 active transport liveable communities Bicycle Victoria: Surf Coast Shire Council Measuring, evaluating and Kids riding to school $9,000.00 reporting project – Stage one Bicycle Victoria Planning Institute of Australia (Vic) $100,000.00 Swan Hill Rural City Council $75,000.00 A community-based program, to $9,000.00 The aims of this project are to increase the number of children integrate existing best-practice Victoria YMCA, Werribee riding to school on a regular frameworks for building healthy, $9,000.00 basis. The project uses multiple sustainable and liveable strategies to work with children, Warrnambool City Council communities and apply this schools, community, government $9,000.00 integrated model to one of and industry to create a more Melbourne’s growth areas – supportive environment for cycling Wellington Shire Council Collins Estate Cranbourne East. and motivate participation. $9,000.00 This project will also develop an agreed evaluation framework Whitehorse City Council Social Marketing – qualitative and methodology to measure the $9,000.00 research to underpin the promotion of walking health and wellbeing status for Whittlesea City Council YMCA residents living in this development $9,000.00 $80,000.00 over the next five years. A qualitative research project Space to play: Phase 2 Wodonga City Council that explores in depth some of the National Heart Foundation $9,000.00 known barriers and motivators for of Australia (Victoria Division) walking as a transport option, as Yarra City Council $39,875.00 well as identifying ‘the most likely’ $9,000.00 This project aims to increase converts (but mindful of a health opportunities for children aged inequalities lens). The findings from 8-12 years to be more physically Streets Ahead program this research will help inform the active by creating interactive, development of a campaign plan Streets Ahead is a program to natural open play spaces that for the promotion of walking. increase physical activity in children are relevant and accessible to aged 4 to12 years. Working with Walktober 2008 the target group. local communities, the program aims to create a supportive culture Kinect Australia and environment for children’s $88,200.00 Research to increase independent mobility around their Walktober is an umbrella physical activity neighbourhood. Increasing the campaign to increase individual Arc Linkage Grant: Sport number of children who walk and and community awareness of and Recreation and its impact cycle to school is a primary aim, the importance and benefits on community wellbeing but focus is also on supporting of walking, and to link walking La Trobe University children to engage more freely initiatives promoting greater $25,000.00 with their local community. collaboration and momentum for walking in Victoria. The aim of the research project Brimbank City Council is to identify the impact of $75,000.00 participation in community sport and active recreation on social Cardinia Shire Council inclusion and connectedness $80,000.00 in communities.

Darebin City Council Exercise Recreation and $80,000.00 Sport Survey (ERASS): Victorian oversample Greater Bendigo City Council Sport and Recreation Victoria $79,069.00 Department of Planning and Greater Geelong City Council Community Development $76,789.00 $20,979.00 The Victorian oversample of the Wodonga City Council Exercise, Recreation and Sport $80,000.00 Survey is a joint initiative between VicHealth and Sport and Recreation Victoria, to collect adequate data to plan, evaluate and monitor interventions to increase community participation in physical activity.

22 Victorian Health Promotion Foundation Sport and active recreation – Research Scholarships Building research Young women’s participation University of Ballarat in physical activity in rural $100,000.00 and regional Victoria This project aims to build on University of Ballarat research undertaken during the $22,000.00 three year evaluation of the This project seeks to determine Partnerships for Health (PfH) the relative influence of social, and Participation in Community psychological and environmental Sport and Active Recreation factors on the participation of (PICSAR) Schemes. young women in sport and physical activity; the differences Discovery grants in the participation relative to Vertical Living: examining the geographic isolation; and to develop physical, social and environmental recommendations for enhancing determinants of the independent participation of young women mobility of children living in high from rural and regional Victoria. rise buildings The University of Melbourne Physical activity related $36,021.00 conference support This project flows from an existing grant from the Volvo Education Transported and Research Foundation and Architects for Peace aims to elicit the physical and $5,990.00 social environmental determinants A conference to facilitate cross- of child-friendly high rise housing displinary discussions and solutions communities. This study draws relating to sustainable transport. out the views of children and their Addresses the link between built parents presently living in high-rise environment and health and housing about their surrounding wellbeing, using sustainability communities. The project also and transport as a primary focus. aims to uncover international good policy and practice in promoting physical activity and independent mobility for these children.

Research Fellowships Understanding and influencing sedentary behaviour and physical activity in older adults International Diabetes Institute $105,000.00 Dr David Dunstan. This research program examines the relationships between sedentary behaviour and the development of lifestyle-related health conditions in older adults. It also examines the effectiveness of targeted prevention strategies designed to reduce sedentary behaviour and increase physical activity in older adults.

Annual Report 2007–2008 23 The food choices we make have an impact on our individual health and that of our society. By eating one more serve of fruit and vegetables a day, we would reduce our chance of getting heart disease, stroke or cancer and save the health care system at least $160 million per year.

PROMOTING Activity Snapshot planning; Swan Hill Rural City Council supports the Robinvale HEALTHY EATING Healthy Eating Community Growers Market, Food for All program In the past, VicHealth has funded which has reinvigorated the town research, community development Six years ago, VicHealth funded in many ways; and an innovative and other activities to promote two councils as community partnership between Wodonga healthy eating. The focus had demonstration projects to develop Council and Wodonga service been on improving individuals’ and implement strategies to give agencies is revolutionising the awareness about the importance their communities better access way the city’s residents access of healthy eating and supporting to nutritious food and improved emergency food relief. activities to encourage behaviour food security. Since then, the Food change to purchase, cook and for All program developed and has Future Foods for Future consume a range of food for gone from strength to strength. Health Conference healthy eating. Councils are leading the way in In partnership with multiple forging partnerships and creating Victorian Government departments In recent years, there has been innovative, practical and (Department of Human Services; growing evidence that social and sustainable ways for their Department of Innovation, Industry economic disadvantages prevent communities to regularly access and Regional Development; people from accessing a variety a variety of nutritious foods. Department of Primary Industries; of nutritious and culturally Eight councils (covering nine Department of Sustainability and acceptable foods. Many unhealthy municipalities) were funded for Environment), and Food Science foods are vigorously marketed to three years. Australia, this conference brought Victorian children, so VicHealth’s together international and national investment in obesity-related The City of Brimbank has leaders from public health, research initiatives is of crucial produced a ‘welcome kit’ for its local government, environment, importance. We believe the new arrivals to help familiarise research, urban planning, continuous ‘pester power’ of this them with the varieties of fresh farming, agri-food production, marketing means many children fruit and vegetables, as well as food processing, retailers and food often eat unhealthy food and are safe food practices; the City of marketers to examine the issues set up for long-term problems such Casey and Cardinia Shire created critical to food supply and health as diabetes and obesity. an award scheme for local and explore how health issues eateries, encouraging them to will redefine the food industry in VicHealth’s current aim is to provide good-value nutritious Australia. Climate change, drought, increase the understanding of meals; the City of Greater peak oil and globalisation are all factors that influence eating Dandenong is using peer drivers of potential food insecurity, patterns and help reverse the educators to help parents access and rising rates of obesity and trends in obesity over the next information about healthy eating, related chronic illnesses are 10 years. particularly for their children; generating pressure to reconsider Frankston City Council has what we eat and how we can all embedded food security in its obtain sustainable, nutritious Municipal Public Health Plan; the food. The two day conference Western Region Health Services attracted nearly 400 participants in the City of Maribyrnong has and provided opportunities for produced evidence that many of inter-sector discussion. their residents live in areas which do not have easy access to fresh fruit and vegetables; the Shire of Melton has invested in research that provides a solid base of local evidence and momentum for food security that informs its strategic

24 Victorian Health Promotion Foundation The Parents Jury The design of this intervention Planning New Developments has been informed by: The Parents Jury provides a forum Stockland, Growth Area Authority, for parents to voice their views • a systematic review of VicHealth and the Planning on children’s food and physical interventions aiming to impact Institute of Australia (Vic) are activity issues, and to collectively on weight, physical activity, working in partnership to integrate advocate for the improvement diet and sedentary behaviours existing best-practice frameworks of children’s food and physical from three month to five year olds. for building healthy, sustainable activity environments. VicHealth • evidence suggesting that and liveable communities, and are provides funding to the web-based applying this model to one of network, which began in 2004 as first-time parents may be particularly receptive to Melbourne’s growth areas – Collins an initiative of The Cancer Council Estate Cranbourne East. It will Victoria, Diabetes Australia (Vic) knowledge and skill development on parenting and the promotion also develop an agreed evaluation and the Australasian Society for method to measure the health and the Study of Obesity. of healthy family eating and physical activity. wellbeing status of the residents Membership has grown from 12 living in this estate over time. to 3392 parents. A major focus of This cluster-randomised The Parents Jury’s work over the controlled trial involves recruiting The Victorian Local Governance last two years has been to engage parents through Maternal and Association – Land Use and community members to build the Child Health Centres, commencing Community Food Security political argument for changes when the babies are three months in Victoria: Implications and Response for the Future to food advertising legislation. of age. The parents take part in This year it conducted four opinion six two-hour sessions over VicHealth contributes funding to polls to monitor public support for a15-month period. The sessions this project which aims to build various initiatives. It received good are aimed at building knowledge, the capacity of local governments media coverage of its Children’s skills, confidence and social to integrate community food TV Food Advertising Awards and support for parents regarding the security and land use objectives. the Trial by Jury project. The Jury promotion of healthy food and This will be carried out by an audit also held two media training activity for their infants. Unique to ascertain the extent to which sessions for parents to train as features of the intervention are local governments are achieving spokespeople and members were the use of pre-existing social these objectives, prepare a given the opportunity to participate groups (first-time parent groups), discussion paper with policy in two advocacy training workshops. and anticipatory guidance. options for consultations and trial these policies in two local Through increasing parents’ government settings. Building the evidence capacity to affect positive on child obesity outcomes for their infants, Within Healthy Eating, VicHealth Dr Campbell and her colleagues funds many researchers, seek to promote parental support including Dr Karen Campbell of a range of obesity protective whose research has focused on behaviours for their children. child obesity, healthy eating and the home environment. Since Planning for Health commencing her VicHealth and Wellbeing fellowship, Dr Campbell and Growth Area Authority colleagues at Deakin University’s Centre for Physical Activity and VicHealth, in conjunction with Nutrition have been awarded a a range of partners, funded the National Health and Medical Growth Areas Authority to develop Research Council grant to a strategic framework, which conduct the Infant Feeding Activity includes common principles, and Nutrition Trial (InFANT)2. liveability goals and indicators, and a practical checklist for liveability This study aims to test the planning. Planning before building effectiveness of a prevention is much more cost effective than intervention delivered to first-time refitting after areas have been parents, focused on parenting developed. Our partners include skills which support the the Department of Human development of positive diet, Services, the Housing Industry physical activity and low-level Association, the Municipal sedentary behaviours in infants. Association of Victoria, National Heart Foundation, the Department of Planning and Community Development and VicUrban.

Annual Report 2007–2008 25 PROGRAM Other healthy eating/obesity Research initiatives in INVESTMENTS related projects obesity prevention Land-use and community food Healthy Eating and Physical PROMOTING security in Victoria Activity: Data analysis and HEALTHY EATING VLGA community liaison $46,000.00 Deakin University – (CPAN) VicHealth’s program in healthy The aim of this project is to build $100,000.00 eating is primarily focused on the capacity of local governments increasing regular access to, to integrate community food The aim of this project is to more and consumption of, a variety security and land use objectives. fully examine the plethora of data of foods (particularly vegetables generated by public/population and fruit) by people living in Obesity Prevention Policy Coalition health research projects to disadvantaged communities. Cancer Council Victoria improve the promotion of healthy $112,000.00 eating and physical activity, and Food for All grants program This project funds a coalition to to more widely disseminate the identify, analyse and advocate for findings of this work. A key strategy in our effort to improved policy and regulatory improve healthy eating is the Food environments for healthy eating; for All program. This program is Discovery Grants with a specific focus on food designed to encourage local marketing aimed at children. Obesity and its risk factors government authorities among African migrant to improve integrated planning Official Supporter campaign adolescents: assessing of those things that influence Phase 3 – Healthy canteens the role of intergenerational access to food, such as transport, The Big Picture Strategic Services acculturation gap housing, economic development $50,000.00 Deakin University and land use. This project will assist sports $37,290.50 clubs to provide a range of This project examines elements City of Wodonga healthy food options in their of the family environment and $50,000.00 canteens (food outlets) at family dynamic that predispose This is the last instalment of the affordable prices. It will research African migrant adolescents Food for All – Phase 1 program food options currently offered at to obesity and obesity-related grants. City of Wodonga was one club canteens, assess the capacity chronic diseases. This pilot of eight local government areas of clubs to make a shift, identify study will also explore African funded to undertake the Food for healthy options and test the migrants’ perspectives All program since 2005. options via a pilot in a selected on barriers and inhibiting factors Evaluation of the Food for number of metropolitan and for adopting and maintaining All program – Phase 2 regional clubs. healthy lifestyles. Social Policy, Research Parents Jury Phase 2 – and Evaluation Services Diabetes Australia (Vic) Dr Meg Montague Diabetes Australia – Victoria $35,000.00 $30,000.00 This evaluation project aims to A web-based network of parents identify and report on the outputs which aims to provide a platform and impacts achieved with the for parents to have a voice and Food for All program. The analysis contribute to improving the food includes success factors at the and physical activity environments individual, community and local for children. government levels, and will provide recommendations for future food security programs.

26 Victorian Health Promotion Foundation Research Fellowships Research Scholarships Environmental and cultural Changing diet and physical activity determinants of obesity behaviours improves mental in populations at risk of and physical wellbeing food insecurity in women in midlife Deakin University Monash University $105,000.00 $5,136.00 Dr Cate Burns. Obesity is linked Ms Catherine Lombard. This with poverty and food insecurity scholarship aims to determine – limited or uncertain access to the contribution of individual healthy food. This fellowship lifestyle components to physical studies the sociocultural and and mental wellbeing in women environmental determinants in midlife; and to develop and of obesity in populations at risk test a multifaceted, sustainable, of food insecurity, particularly cost-effective health promotion in relation to eating habits. strategy to improve their physical and mental wellbeing. Preventing obesity in children and their families How weight loss might be Deakin University maintained: the development $130,000.00 of a web-based survey Prof. David Crawford. This research Deakin University aims to understand the underlying $4,650.00 drivers of the obesity epidemic, Ms Catherine Lombard. This study and seeks to identify strategies to aims to deconstruct the social, promote healthy eating, increase physical and psychological physical activity and prevent obesity correlates of weight regain, in children and their families. in an effort to inform the further development of successful weight Supporting parents to promote maintenance programs. children’s healthy eating Deakin University $105,000.00 Dr Karen Campbell. This research program explores the relationship between home environment and children’s eating. The research will develop, implement, monitor and evaluate an intervention to support parents in encouraging children’s healthy eating.

Long-term implications of the increasing prevalence and duration of obesity for health in Australia: An aid to more effective and targeted prevention Monash University $100,000.00 Dr Anna Peeters. This fellowship aims to comprehensively describe the burden of obesity through the lifetime experience of disease and disability as a basis for prioritisation for interventions.

Annual Report 2007–2008 27 Community celebrations and festivals provide opportunities to reduce discrimination by increasing contact between people from different backgrounds as they work together towards shared goals.

PROMOTING MENTAL Activity Snapshot VicHealth continued to support a variety of dance, hip hop, rap, HEALTH AND Increasing Social video and other projects to engage Participation WELLBEING young people, including Deaf Can This year, VicHealth continued Dance. This initiative of the Deaf VicHealth funds research and funding and supporting hundreds Arts Project, run by the Deaf Arts programs that focus on the of organisations to provide the Network in partnership with Arts societal factors that determine most socially isolated Victorians Access Victoria, provides hip hop, mental health and wellbeing. with opportunities to be a part funk and breakdance workshops We promote mental health and of their community’s civic and for young people whose first wellbeing by encouraging social cultural life. language is Auslan. Held at the participation, by reducing Victorian College of the Arts discrimination and violence, and Arts projects studios, the workshops will culminate in performances at improving access to economic The arts have a well-recognised the Melbourne Fringe and Art and other resources required potential to promote mental of Difference festivals. for health. Irrefutable evidence health and wellbeing. One of the suggests that this reduces arts’ most powerful contributions VicHealth also supported the Anti stress, anxiety and depression to health is that they reflect and Racism Action Band (Melbourne for individuals and the broader create an inclusive sense of Northern suburbs), Drummond community. Our aim is to address community. There is considerable Street Dance Project (North the complex environmental evidence that the stronger people Melbourne), Telling it as it is factors that impact on health feel this sense of belonging, the (Melbourne South East), In the while at the same time improving healthier they are. VicHealth Zone (Corio), Reel to Real (Bendigo peoples’ control of their own lives supports participation in community and Echuca) and Border Crossing and enabling them to participate arts activities by funding community (North Richmond). in community life. To do this we members to work in collaboration use research, communications with artists to create a performance, Festivals and celebrations and advocacy, and fund exhibition or public event that community-based participation expresses or raises issues VicHealth provides grants projects, evaluation and workforce important to their community. to community groups to create skills development. inclusive community-driven For example, artists from Polyglot festivals and celebrations. In recent years VicHealth has Puppet Theatre are working with Community celebrations provide created tighter links between children and their parents from opportunities to celebrate diversity all these activities, creating more the Carlton High Rise Estate to and reduce discrimination by rigorous evidence, better practice create The Big Game, a giant increasing contact between and stronger advocacy for version of a board game that people from different backgrounds continued change. By doing this, incorporates puppetry, play, as they work together towards a we continue to make substantial, literacy and numeracy, shared goal. measurable contributions to mental performance and spectacle. health and wellbeing at all levels. The workshops aim to engage the One of the festivals funded this children and through them, build year was the Youth Stage at the a greater sense of community Tarerer Indigenous Festival. The among their parents, many of festival, which features the local whom are new arrivals and refugees talent of South-Western Victorian from the Horn of Africa, Vietnam, Aboriginal artists through music, China, Turkey and Yugoslavia. The song, dance and visual arts, is Big Game will be ‘performed’ at recognised for its ongoing proactive a variety of venues in Melbourne approach to reconciliation. There and also feature at the Melbourne are limited outlets for young International Arts Festival 2008. Indigenous artists in the area,

28 Victorian Health Promotion Foundation so in 2007 the festival introduced Reducing Violence government social policy action a ‘youth stage’ to showcase young Against Women plan to address disadvantage and Indigenous talent as well as young VicHealth delivered a comprehensive promote inclusion and participation. artists from Melbourne. Workshops new framework for action in and forums were also incorporated. preventing violence against women Respect and By including under-18s in a less- to the Victorian Government in Responsibility Projects structured concert environment late 2007. The framework identifies A new program has been there was a dramatic increase in the causes of this violence and developed by VicHealth with the numbers of Indigenous youth the best ways forward to prevent $1.52 million allocated to support who attended and participated violence before it occurs. This new five major projects over the next (from planning and staging to approach will form a central plank three years. The new program performing). Many were mentored of the State Government’s work in builds on $810,000 invested in by older performers. this area over future years. 29 innovative projects covering a broad range of community sectors Community Participation Scheme A Fairer Victoria across Victoria, trialling different approaches to preventing violence This year, VicHealth looked at In 2003, VicHealth identified against women. The five larger how to increase participation in violence against women as a projects will be evaluated over a broad range of community and priority in its broader program of the next three years in order to group activities by people who activity aimed at addressing the identify and document models experience barriers to participation. preventable causes of poor mental of good practice in preventing This includes people from low health, given the strong evidential violence against women. socioeconomic backgrounds, link between this form of violence people with disabilities, and anxiety, depression and other In 2004, VicHealth launched a Indigenous Victorians, people mental health problems. report on the health impacts of from refugee backgrounds and intimate partner violence. This children and young people living Since then, significant advances ground-breaking study used in low socioeconomic areas. have been made to improve burden of disease methodology assistance to women and children to conclude that violence used by Thus, we launched the Community directly affected by this violence. men against women resulted in Participation Scheme, which Communities and agencies across more injury and death than any represents an amalgamation the state have continued their other preventable risk factor for of two schemes designed to work in providing accommodation, women aged 15-44 years of age. increase social participation legal advice, information, material Then in 2006, VicHealth released (the Communities Together aid and social support. Public a report on community attitudes Scheme and the Community Arts awareness campaigns have to violence against women. This Participation Scheme). Grants of expanded and there is evidence report showed that there were up to $20,000 have been allocated that the great majority of Victorians widely held attitudes which were to activities that enhance civic – 98% of women and 93% of men supportive of violence and put engagement, increase involvement – identify violence affecting women at risk. These studies in group activities, and increase women as a serious problem. access to supportive relationships. showed there was an urgent need VicHealth has placed particular for comprehensive prevention programs in Victoria. The new Technology projects emphasis on strengthening primary prevention responses program will contribute to this This financial year, VicHealth’s to this problem, working in identified need. Young People, Technology and partnership with others across Social Relationships projects a range of sectors and settings. Preventing Discrimination continued to receive additional In 2007 we worked closely with Building Bridges funding and resources from the State Government to develop external bodies representing the a framework and evidence base VicHealth has injected $1.5 million corporate and philanthropic to support primary prevention directly into five major projects sectors. The projects are designed of violence against women. This under the Building Bridges to explore how young people use is an essential step in efforts to program to promote cultural technology as a means to connect address the underlying causes understanding, and break down with one another and the broader of this violence and to provide a discrimination and associated community and test utilisation of solid foundation for a coordinated health problems. this technology to broaden access prevention response. to social relationships and support The new program builds on the for isolated young people. Numerous A Fairer Victoria 2008, launched work of 40 community projects, national and international conference by the Premier on 8 May 2008, already funded under a pilot presentations have been made continues this commitment, across the state. It follows evidence on the progress of each of the five investing over $1 billion across a of strong links between racial funded projects during this year. range of initiatives including these discrimination and health, as addressing family violence. shown in the September 2007 A Fairer Victoria is a whole-of- VicHealth report, More Than

Annual Report 2007–2008 29 Tolerance. It is based on an • Nearly one in two people to employment opportunities. approach used overseas to reduce (45%) reported having had such Initial outcomes have shown discrimination by bringing groups experiences at a sporting or that this program is highly from different backgrounds other public event at some time. effective and the program was together to work on projects extended this year to encourage that all see as important and The report suggests a number a greater evaluation focus to providing benefit. of approaches to addressing demonstrate it’s many successes. cultural discrimination. Building Bridges complements a Strengthening Policy range of other community-based Increasing Economic and Practice programs funded by VicHealth to Participation increase participation in sport and From Margins to Mainstream VicHealth continues to build on recreation, and healthy eating and Planning began this year for the existing research that mental wellbeing initiatives that promote From Margins to Mainstream, health remains relatively poor health in migrant, refugee and the 5th World Conference on the among those with low education Indigenous communities. Promotion of Mental Health and levels, low-status occupations and the Prevention of Mental and The five funded projects under low incomes, and among Behavioural Disorders, which will Building Bridges will be unemployed people or those with be held in September 2008 at the monitored with evaluation over job insecurity. These two projects Melbourne Convention Centre. a three year period to test how illustrate the focus VicHealth has More than 30 countries will effective the approach is in on improving employment and participate in this global biennial reducing discrimination. educational opportunities for event, which will reflect those most in need. VicHealth’s approach to the Discrimination Community promotion of mental health and Attitudes Survey Economic cost of the prevention of mental health workplace stress This VicHealth report, released problems by focusing on the links in September 2007, showed that VicHealth, through the between social participation, there is a strong relationship McCaughey Centre: VicHealth violence, discrimination and poverty. between ethnic and race-based Centre for the Promotion of discrimination and poor mental Mental Health and Community The McCaughey Centre: health. Such discrimination is also Wellbeing, School of Population VicHealth Centre for the linked to cigarette smoking as Health, University of Melbourne, Promotion of Mental Health well as drug and alcohol misuse. has provided $50,000 of funding and Community Wellbeing for Assoc. Prof. Anthony Lamontagne In addition, a number of previous for his project Estimating the In 2008 the McCaughey Centre: studies are highlighted in the Economic Benefits of Eliminating VicHealth Centre for the report, showing an association Job Strain as a Risk Factor Promotion of Mental Health and between discrimination and for Depression. Community Wellbeing entered physical health problems such its second year of operation. as heart disease, weight This project will build on previous This next phase of Centre activity problems, diabetes and low evidence identifying the economic was punctuated by a number of infant birth weight. benefits of addressing job strain highlights, including the official as a risk factor for depression launch of the Centre by the While the report highlights using epidemiologic and economic Minister for Victorian Communities; Victoria’s good record of fostering modelling. Assessing the economic the establishment of initial Centre cultural diversity, the study impacts of health promotion strategic directions; the indicates that people from migrant interventions is now of major consolidation of the McCaughey and refugee backgrounds continue importance in health promotion staffing profile; securing long- to experience unacceptably high and illness prevention and this term Centre accommodation; levels of discrimination, which report will contribute to a strong the production and publication in turn affects their health and body of evidence in this area. of a wide range of research wellbeing. For example: papers and policy reviews; and the organisation of • Nearly two in five people had Gambina numerous forums, seminars experienced discrimination in This project improves the and workforce development the workplace at some time economic, health and social events. The McCaughey Centre (three times as likely as those wellbeing of the Indigenous is rapidly becoming an born in Australia). community in the Goulburn Valley exciting source of new ideas, • Nearly one in three people region, by providing a holistic conversations and projects and (30%) had experienced approach to engaging Indigenous is continuing to explore and build discrimination in education young people and families in an a wide range of collaborative at some time (twice as likely integrated program of activities research, teaching and knowledge as those born in Australia). with schools and industry to transfer partnerships. increase career aspirations, school retention rates and access

30 Victorian Health Promotion Foundation Mental Health Promotion PROGRAM Against All Odds Project Short Courses INVESTMENTS Liminal Lines Incorporated Training in the skills required $29,824.00 to undertake work in mental IN PROMOTING A.R.A.B (Anti-Racism Action Band) health promotion continues to MENTAL HEALTH Victorian Arabic Social Services be an area of great interest to AND WELLBEING $30,000.00 various sectors across Victoria and interstate. Through VicHealth focuses on the following Back to Back Theatre – VicHealth’s Short Course in social and economic determinants Community Programs 08/09 mental health promotion, in promoting mental health Back to Back Theatre hundreds of people were given and wellbeing: $25,000.00 the tools and knowledge to • Social inclusion help protect mental health. The Big Game This year, the Short Course • Freedom from discrimination Polyglot Puppet Theatre was delivered to drought- and violence $22,720.00 stricken regions as part of the • Access to economic resources Border Crossing Department of Human Services North Richmond Community Drought Strategy. It brought Supporting social Health Centre (Inc) cross-sector organisations inclusion for mental $30,000.00 together to focus on the social health and wellbeing and economic impacts of Brunswick Women’s Theatre Audience Access grants program drought and the best ways to in Hume – Making a Scene support people and communities Research indicates that those Meadow Heights Learning Shop through it. Much of the course experiencing social and economic $21,680.00 was focused on strengthening disadvantage are less likely to the ways in which communities attend and participate in arts Caravan Serai 2008 can assess their needs, plan events and activities. This grants City of Darebin activities and work together. program was established some $20,000.00 years ago, to see if it was possible to make arts venues more City of Voices ‘Triumphs accessible to people in and Tragedies’ disadvantaged circumstances. Port Melbourne Neighbourhood This is the last of those grants. House $4,000.00 National Gallery of Victoria Access Program Citz National Gallery of Victoria Footscray Community Arts Centre $50,000.00 $30,000.00 Connecting Identities: Community Arts Participation Geelong Trilogy grants program City Of Greater Geelong Participation in Community Arts $30,000.00 activity provides opportunities Connecting the Peninsula for social inclusion as a means ATSI Community – Stepping to promote mental health and Stones Project wellbeing. Grants are provided Frankston Arts Centre to assist community members $30,000.00 to work in collaboration with artists to create a performance, Creating Suburbia exhibition or public event that Cardinia Shire Council expresses or raises issues $30,000.00 important to that community. Through this process people are A Daughter’s Dream provided with the opportunity to: Courthouse Youth Arts Centre Inc get involved in group activities; $25,000.00 access supportive relationships; Deaf Arts build self-esteem and confidence; Arts Access Victoria develop skills to express and $30,000.00 celebrate their culture; and increase a sense of self- determination and control.

Annual Report 2007–2008 31 Digital graffiti: Plugged In Rawcus – Community Communities Together Frankston Arts Centre Inclusion Program grants program $20,000.00 Rawcus The Communities Together $20,000.00 grants program seeks to promote Drummond Street Dance Project mental health and wellbeing by Drummond Street Relationship Real to Reel Music Program reducing barriers to participation Centre St Luke’s Anglicare in community celebrations and $15,000.00 $20,000.00 festivals for groups disadvantaged Eye2eye with Noweyung RICVIC by social, cultural, geographic Theatre Project The Torch Project or economic circumstances. This Noweyung Ltd $60,000.00 program facilitates social inclusion $12,600.00 by providing opportunities for The Seal Wife involvement in group activities, The Four Horsepersons of The Old Van Ltd skills development, relationship The Apocalypse $30,000.00 building and civic engagement. Platform Youth Theatre $30,000.00 Studio 1: MySpace 111 Ways to Have Fun Castlemaine and District Hopetoun A&P Society Inc Growing a Fringe Continuing Education Inc $10,000.00 City of Greater Bendigo $30,000.00 $29,700.00 4th Lake Bolac Eel Festival Telling It As It Is Lake Bolac Development Highwater Theatre – Stage 2 Australian Multicultural Association Somebody’s Daughter Theatre Foundation Ltd $10,000.00 Company Inc $30,000.00 $60,000.00 Antiochian Community VI Inprint Family Festival Home Lands Visionary Images Inc Antiochian Community Support City of Melbourne $20,000.00 Association $30,000.00 $10,000.00 Visible Arts Mentorship Program In Spring Time Multicultural Arts Victoria Ararat Golden Gateway Festival Auspicious Arts Projects Inc $30,000.00 Ararat Golden Gateway Festival Inc $30,000.00 $5,000.00 Voices from The Horn of Africa: In the Zone Young People Tell Their Stories Art Is... Pulling Strings Cloverdale Community Centre University of Melbourne Art Is... Festival $22,000.00 $60,000.00 $10,000.00

Jumpjet Circus Project Waddawewant – Beyond Survival Awakenings Festival 2008 Westside Circus Inc Ilbijerri Aboriginal and Torres Strait Wimmera Uniting Care $25,000.00 Islander Theatre $10,000.00 $30,000.00 Mental Health Music Network Bendigo Multicultural Festival Auspicious Arts Projects Inc Wildscapes of Warringine Bendigo Regional Ethnic $30,000.00 Mornington Peninsula Shire Communities Council Inc $25,000.00 $6,000.00 Mosaic Meditation Garden Mt Alexander Hospital Wise Roomers Big West Festival $30,000.00 Elwood St Kilda Neighbourhood Maribyrnong Festival Ltd, Learning Centre Trading as Big Festival Othello Cars $30,000.00 $10,000.00 Banyule City Council (Arts and Culture) Women’s Circus Suffrage Project Braybrook’s Big Day Out $30,000.00 Women’s Circus Limited Braybrook & Maidstone $30,000.00 Neighbourhood Association Inc Pitcha This #2 $10,000.00 Koorie Heritage Trust Inc $20,000.00 The Casa Care ‘Take Action for All-Abilities!’ Festival Upper Yarra Community House $10,000.00

Celebration of Aust Country and Celebration of Cultural Diversity Days Willow Grove Primary School $8,500.00

32 Victorian Health Promotion Foundation CERES 2008 and 2009 Autumn Gnatannwarr Multicultural Naidoc Week Activities Equinox Harvest Festivals Festival 2008 Rahmahyuck District CERES Community Environment Park Warrnambool City Council Aboriginal Corporation $10,000.00 $20,000.00 $6,000.00

Clayton South Multicultural ‘Going Potty’ garden & arts festival Natimuk Frinj Festival Community Women’s Festival Rosewall Neighbourhood Centre Arapiles Community Theatre Oakes Avenue Mothers Club $10,000.00 $10,000.00 $10,000.00 Gung Ho Multicultural Festival Pacifika Down Under Festival 2008 Collingwood Harvest Festival of Food, Dance, Music and Art – Pacifika Peoples Community Good Shepherd Youth & Family Building Community Ownership Group Inc Service Inc Wonthaggi Neighbourhood Centre $10,000.00 $10,000.00 at Mitchell House Inc Rock ‘n’ the River 2007 and 2008 $10,000.00 Communities Together Mildura Rural City Council Moira Shire Council Harmony Day $7,500.00 $10,000.00 community celebration Rosedale Werna Lidj Festival North Yarra Community Health Connecting Young People Rosedale Chamber of Commerce $10,000.00 & Newly Arrived Families & Industry Inc into the Fawkner Festival Heathdale BBQ Festival 2008 $10,000.00 Fawkner Community House Heathdale Neighbourhood Shekinah Community Ball 2007 $10,000.00 Association Shekinah Homeless Services Inc $10,000.00 Corio Norlane Community $3,871.00 ‘Celebrating Diversity’ project HYP Fest Harmonious Youth Springvale Multicultural Show Day Norlane Neighbourhood House Participation Festival Springvale Toy Library Inc $10,000.00 Australian Lebanese Welfare Inc $800.00 $10,000.00 Cultures and Culture of the Sudanese Youth annual social East End Community International Women’s Day and cultural events St Luke’s and Harmony Day events New Sudan Youth Association $10,000.00 International Women’s Group Inc of Australia Inc $12,000.00 A Day in the Park $5,000.00 community festival International Women’s Tarerer Festival 2007 Kyabram Community & Learning Day celebration Tarerer-Gunditj Project Centre Inc Women’s Health West Association Inc $9,000.00 $8,000.00 $10,000.00 The Doveton Show Kinglake Ranges Festival Taste of Tatura Festival Doveton Eumemmerring Kinglake Ranges Neighbourhood 2008 and 2009 Neighbourhood Renewal in House Inc Taste of Tatura Festival Partnership with the Brotherhood $10,000.00 of St Laurence $10,000.00 $10,000.00 Loddon’s Working With United We Stand – A Celebration Diversity Day of Rural Life East Reservoir Twilight Festival Department of Justice, Corrections Country Fire Authority Darebin Community Health Victoria $5,000.00 $10,000.00 $7,880.00 W Tree Spirit of Place Festival Embrace Difference – Major Cultural Celebration Buchan Neighbourhood House Celebrate Diversity Project at Word and Mouth Shine $10,000.00 Colac Area Health Multicultural Youth Festivals $5,000.00 Greater Shepparton Community Wally Wood Community Strengthening Family Fun Day Movie Festival $10,000.00 Barham & District Community Walwa Bush Nursing Centre $7,000.00 Support Fund Inc Meet the Neighbours $9,750.00 Melbourne’s Living Museum Where the Heart Is.... of the West Inc Frankston Multicultural community festival $20,000.00 Dinner Dance Festival Royal District Nursing Service Frankston City Council $10,000.00 $6,789.00 Wild on the Border dance party Murray Arts $5,000.00

Annual Report 2007–2008 33 Wild Stomp – Carnival Individual projects to support Discovery Grants social inclusion Wodonga WILD Speakeasy: Prototyping a City of Wodonga Train stations as creative distributed community advice $5,000.00 community hubs system in the Sudanese Department of Transport Nuer community Winberri Music Festival $100,000.00 La Trobe University Kangan Batman TAFE In this pilot scheme VicHealth $4,997.00 $12,000.00 will work in partnership with 10 The most important thing needed Women’s Celebration Concert other organisations – led by the by immigrants is information. Women’s Health Goulburn North East Public Transport Division of the Information allows them to be $8,000.00 Department of Transport – active and engaged in society, to develop community arts activity whereas lack of information leaves Women in Harmony: International in three train stations in Geelong, them isolated and dependent. The Women’s Day in Bendigo Hobson’s Bay and Yarra Ranges. speakeasy project gives callers City of Greater Bendigo The aims are to: increase access to timely and relevant $6,910.00 opportunities for participation information from people within in arts activity; increase safety at their own community. Youth Technology grants and around the stations through natural surveillance; encourage Information and communication Research Fellowships ownership of the stations by local technologies play an increasingly residents and station users; and Off To A Healthy Start: significant role in the key social create hubs which are vibrant A longitudinal ethnography of the and economic determinants of centres of community activity. social contexts and determinants young people’s mental health and of health and wellbeing among wellbeing. This grants program newly arrived refugee youth Research to support explores how technology influences La Trobe University social inclusion young people’s social relationships. $109,658.00 ARC: Connecting communities Prof. Sandy Gifford. The aim of 10MMM to government this five-year ethnographic study Western District Health Service University of Melbourne is to describe the social contexts $100,000.00 $30,000.00 and determinants that promote The Avatar Project: creating Ms Jennifer Lewis. This project will mental and social wellbeing collaborative online and 3D game identify the social connections for newly arrived refugee youth spaces for social interaction and linkages within and between and their families during the Victoria University communities and local settlement process. Broader $61,420.00 government to build supportive contextual factors that facilitate social networks and improve or hinder wellbeing will be Bridging the Digital Divide: citizen engagement, with an assessed at the level of the Giving young people at risk emphasis on marginalised groups. school, family and community. opportunities to get connected ARC: Good Starts project: Inspire Foundation Pathways to inclusion: An audio-visual arts and health $100,000.00 The contribution of community research project with newly- participation and networks Social participation in technology arrived young people from to improved health and (SPiT) refugee backgrounds wellbeing outcomes Interchange Central Gippsland Inc La Trobe University The University of Melbourne $100,000.00 $25,000.00 $84,000.00 Prof. Sandy Gifford. This is an Dr Deborah Warr. This research SYN.ORG.AU audio-visual arts and health considers how participation in Portable Content research project to help young local community groups and $100,000.00 refugees better cope with the institutions promotes social resettlement process. connection. Specifically, it explores how social connection builds local social resources and defines the pathways through which it impacts on mental and physical health.

34 Victorian Health Promotion Foundation Surviving (and thriving) on the road What is the social impact of the Reducing discrimination less travelled: A longitudinal study creative industries on regional for mental health of young people, sexual diversity, and metro communities? and wellbeing resilience and social networks Deakin University Building Bridges: Together La Trobe University $9,808.00 We Do Better (Phase 2) $105,000.00 Ms Tabitha Ramsey White. This Dr Lynette Hillier. This research project identifies and evaluates This program recognises that project aims to promote the health the potential role, limitations whilst cultural diversity enriches and wellbeing of marginalised and inclusiveness of the creative the local community, it also same-sex attracted young people industries to create positive social creates some challenges. The by understanding the factors that impact of the arts to inform program aims to address the protect them from drug use, policy, planning and design and identified social distance and mental ill health and suicide. implementation of community tension between groups within arts activities. the community by providing Why let them fall? Understanding positive intercultural contact the role of health promotion opportunities. This year’s funding Social inclusion related in shaping a better life for all conference support for the Building Bridges program young people allowed the expansion and The University of Melbourne Promoting positive relationships strengthening of some of the $105,000.00 for safer school communities most promising projects from Dr Jane Burns. This research The Alannah & Madeline Foundation the first phase in 2006. project explores mechanisms $10,000.00 to engage government, corporate The focus of the conference is Anti Racism Action Band and community sectors in mental creating safer school communities Victorian Arabic Social Services health promotion with young through the building of positive, $89,000.00 people, and how effective inclusive relationships between all Beaut Buddies approaches may be sustained, members of the school community The Victorian Foundation for and adapted beneficially across – students, teachers and parents. Survivors of Torture Inc settings and countries. Schools, communities and $82,000.00 the arts PhD Scholarships Cultural Development Network Cultural Games Masculinities and the health $6,000.00 Maribyrnong City Council of young refugee males from This conference seeks to increase $80,000.00 the amount and quality of after- Southern Sudan Kar Kulture hours use of school facilities Deakin University South Eastern Region Migrant for community-based arts and $10,003.00 Resource Centre cultural activity by informing and Mr Ndungi wa Mungai. This project $62,000.00 will research how notions of inspiring all stakeholders about masculinities can help in analysing possibilities for their own context. Kitchen Culture the health issues of young males Melbourne City Mission in from Southern Sudan in Melbourne. Partnership with WYPIN The research will analyse how $89,000.00 masculinities intersect with gender, class, race, ethnicity, age and culture to impact on the physical and psychological wellbeing of the target group. The target group for this research is young males (under 25) from Southern Sudan living in Melbourne who have arrived on refugee or humanitarian visas.

Annual Report 2007–2008 35 Individual projects supporting Research Practice Leader Partners in prevention the reduction of discrimination Program – Reducing ethnic Domestic Violence & Incest Fellowship for Indigenous and race-based discrimination Resource Centre (DVIRC) Leadership The University of Melbourne $80,000.00 Brotherhood of St Laurence $126,000.00 Working together against violence $30,000.00 Dr Natascha Klocker. The Women’s Health Victoria This project will ensure the Research Leader in Mental Health $90,000.00 further development of Indigenous Promotion is an applied research and evaluation position established Leadership by providing These projects were not scaled as a VicHealth/Melbourne opportunities for recognised up but did receive a further University partnership. It will Indigenous leaders to pursue their 12 months funding to support support research and evaluation vision, learn skills in leadership, prevention activity that while not allied to a program of work being mentorship and strategic planning focused at the primary end, had undertaken by VicHealth and its and networking. made some important inroads partners to address ethnic and into raising awareness and Onemda – Indigenous Knowledge race-based discrimination. facilitating community Sharing Project Included in the work is research engagement in understanding The University of Melbourne and evaluation of specific programs violence against women. $50,000.00 as well as secondary research and This project strengthens and analysis, and research translation CASA House sexual assault consolidates support for activity to inform policy and prevention project professional development practice. The grant will also help CASA House and knowledge generation for to build research capacity related (Royal Women’s Hospital) Indigeneous leaders in health to preventing discrimination by $40,000.00 through establishment of a network exploring new research questions, and appropriate skills building. building networks with other Grassroots primary prevention researchers and supporting post- of family violence Promoting diversity at the graduate student research projects. Nillumbik Shire Council local level $40,000.00 Municipal Association of Victoria $50,000.00 Reducing violence Multimedia stop violence This project will support the for mental health against women project Association to work with local and wellbeing Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service councils in Victoria to build their Respect, Responsibility and $40,000.00 capacity to promote positive Equality grants program: Phase 2 intercultural relations, address This grants program supports the discrimination and increase Individual projects to reduce scale up of a range of innovative acceptance of diversity. It will violence for mental health do this by linking councils to community-based approaches and wellbeing resources to assist them in this in preventing violence against women. These projects support White Ribbon Day work, supporting the development No To Violence, Male Family of networks between councils, work with a broad range of women’s organisations, Violence Prevention Association Inc and providing resources and $25,000.00 professional supports. Indigenous and culturally diverse population groups, men, boys Funding to facilitate cross-sector and even workplaces to prevent involvement and collaboration Research and evaluation related violence against women at the in the White Ribbon Campaign to reducing discrimination community level. in order to: increase community Evaluating practice to reduce awareness of the individual, family discrimination affecting Baby makes 3 and community level impacts of CALD communities Whitehorse Community violence perpetrated against The University of Melbourne Health Service women; and encourage men to $99,657.00 $90,000.00 take responsibility for violence Evaluation of projects funded perpetrated against women. Gender local governance under Phase 2 of the Building and violence prevention Bridges Scheme. This evaluation Maribyrnong City Council will build the evidence and $90,000.00 knowledge base for reducing discrimination through projects Northern interfaith project supporting cooperative inter- Darebin City Council cultural contact. $90,000.00

36 Victorian Health Promotion Foundation Research addressing violence Research Practice Leader Research addressing increased in relation to mental health Program – Primary prevention access to economic resources for and wellbeing of violence against women mental health and wellbeing ARC: Adolescent mental health La Trobe University Estimating the economic benefits and supportive classroom $126,000.00 of eliminating job strain as a risk environments Dr Michael Flood. The Research factor for depression La Trobe University Leader in Mental Health Promotion The University of Melbourne $14,000.00 is an applied research and $40,000.00 Assoc. Prof. Ramon Lewis. evaluation position established Project to quantify the economic This research aims to develop as a VicHealth/LaTrobe University benefits of addressing job strain strategies to prevent teachers’ partnership. The grant will support as a risk factor for depression aggressive classroom research and evaluation allied to a using epidemiologic and management and improve the program of work being undertaken economic modelling. mental health and wellbeing of by VicHealth and its partners to prevent violence against women. both students and teachers, and Research Fellowship learning opportunities for students. The work includes research and evaluation of specific programs Managing employment pathways ARC: Gender, local governance as well as secondary research and to reintegrate older workers and community safety: Making analysis, and research translation Swinburne University of Technology the links between violence in activity to inform practice and $105,000.00 public and private space policy. The grant will also help to A/Prof Libby Brooke. This project The University of Melbourne build research capacity related to extends the Finnish ‘work ability’ $20,000.00 the primary prevention of violence framework, enabling unemployed Dr Carolyn Whitzman. The against women by exploring new and injured older workers, retirees research project brings together research questions, building and volunteers to participate community safety and violence networks with other researchers in employment. By engaging prevention strategies, in public and supporting post-graduate stakeholders across employment, and private space, to improve student research projects. rehabilitation and health services, community health and wellbeing. interventions supporting ability and positive ageing will be developed. ARC: Models of intervention Research Fellowships to stop violence against women Promoting women’s mental Strengthening policy La Trobe University wellbeing by reducing intimate and practice in mental $25,000.00 partner violence against women health promotion Dr Angela Taft. This project will – Building an evidence base and develop, implement and evaluate expanding our knowledge The McCaughey Centre: models of good practice in partner La Trobe University The VicHealth Centre for the violence management from nurses’ $100,000.00 Promotion of Mental Health and women’s points of view. It Dr Angela Taft. This research & Community Wellbeing will also estimate the prevalence program evaluates whether formal University of Melbourne of women experiencing partner and informal primary health care $1,000,000.00 violence among Maternal Child strategies improve the mental Professor John Wiseman. Health nursing populations. health, wellbeing and mother- The purpose of this centre is child bonds of women at risk of ARC: Understanding Victorian to create and share knowledge or experiencing partner abuse. women’s experiences of unplanned about the social, economic and pregnancy and abortion environmental determinants of The University of Melbourne Increasing access to community wellbeing and mental $25,000.00 economic resources health. The centre also hosts Prof. Doreen Rosenthal. Study for mental health Community Indicators Victoria, to understand Victorian women’s and wellbeing which supports the development experiences of unplanned and use of local community Ganbina Indigenous School pregnancy and abortion in order wellbeing indicators. To Work Project – Phase 2 to improve the mental health Ganbina: Koorie Economic of women, their partners and Employment Training Agency family planning. $50,000.00 This project provides a holistic approach to engaging Indigenous young people and families in a program of activities with schools and industry to increase their career aspirations, school retention rates and access to employment opportunities.

Annual Report 2007–2008 37 Using graphic surgical footage the Quit 2007 ‘Carotid’ campaign aimed to educate smokers on how smoking could lead to stroke.

REDUCING SMOKING Activity Snapshot PROGRAM Supporting Indigenous INVESTMENTS TO A top priority for VicHealth Communities remains reducing the incidence REDUCE HARM of smoking, which is best reduced While Australia’s national smoking FROM TOBACCO through effective health promotion rate has fallen to 17%, there has strategies, including awareness been no significant change in the Supporting tobacco campaigns, individual counselling number of Aboriginal and Torres control and the and advocating for new, improved Strait Islanders who are smokers. reduction of smoking legislation to control the sale and Currently 51% of Indigenous use of tobacco. VicHealth has Australians are daily smokers Tobacco Control Unit continued to be a major and some communities have even The Cancer Council Victoria contributor to the decline in higher rates. Overall, Indigenous $3,691,752.00 smoking rates through its work people take up smoking earlier, The Quit Program aims to reduce with the Tobacco Control Unit smoke longer and make fewer the prevalence of smoking in at The Cancer Council Victoria. quitting attempts than the broader Victoria and to reduce the exposure Australian population. The Centre of non-smokers and smokers to We also fund the VicHealth for Excellence in Indigenous the harmful substances in tobacco Centre for Tobacco Control Tobacco Control (CEITC) at the smoke. Supporting this program (VCTC), which conducts innovative Onemda VicHealth Koori Health is a broad range of policy and research in tobacco control and Unit (University of Melbourne) program initiatives, delivering undertakes policy development is a research, policy and advocacy a comprehensive program on designed to reduce tobacco use organisation. It develops tobacco control that includes in Australia. VicHealth continues programs to support Indigenous cessation, prevention, exposure to move towards our goals of communities throughout Australia reduction and policy advancement. getting fewer people to take to tackle the burden of smoking. up smoking; of a cleaner, safer Last year Onemda worked with VicHealth Centre for environment where less people CEITC to produce a training kit for Tobacco Control are exposed to tobacco smoke; Indigenous health workers, Talkin’ Tobacco Control Unit (TCU) and of greater accountability Up Good Air. This highly popular The Cancer Council Victoria by the tobacco industry. kit has been made available to all $200,000.00 medical services in the country The VicHealth Centre for Tobacco that see Indigenous clients. Copies Control, which has a national of the kit are available via CEITC’s and international profile, website at www.ceitc.org.au contributes to the decline in smoking levels by carrying out research and development to identify and promote innovative ways of reducing exposure to tobacco, thus reducing the adverse health and social effects of tobacco use.

38 Victorian Health Promotion Foundation REDUCING HARM Alcohol Coalition Good Sports FROM ALCOHOL VicHealth is facilitating the VicHealth funds the Australian development of a new coalition Drug Foundation’s Good Sports VicHealth has continued to of health agencies who share a program. The program enhances contribute to debates on alcohol concern about the level of alcohol the critical role community misuse and supported programs misuse and the health and social sporting clubs can play in their which promote responsible consequences in the community. communities and helps to create drinking. Changing the culture Members of the new coalition, a safe and healthy culture more of hazardous drinking requires which include VicHealth, the focused on young people and an innovative approach tackling Australian Drug Foundation, families and less on the the broader social, cultural, Turning Point Alcohol and Drug consumption of alcohol at environmental and economic Centre, and The Cancer Council high-risk levels. The program aspects of alcohol consumption. Victoria, have a strong track helps to create sustainable To this end, we strengthened our record in tackling major health change by enabling sporting clubs investments in key programs. issues in the community, and have to change their systems and come together to develop and practices towards the responsible management of alcohol. There are Activity Snapshot promote responses that are evidence-based and known to be 1286 community sporting clubs Local Government and effective in preventing and reducing participating in Good Sports Alcohol Licences alcohol-related problems. across Victoria. VicHealth has been active in the The impetus for the coalition is debate about the extent to which Community Alcohol Action the need for a consolidated and local communities should have a Network (CAAN) coordinated approach by key voice in the liquor licences issued agencies in preventing and VicHealth is a major supporter in their area. reducing alcohol-related problems. of the Community Alcohol Action Network (CAAN), an initiative of Following changes to Victorian The Coalition believes that finding the Australian Drug Foundation planning laws, local councils now a solution for alcohol misuse in response to growing concerns have a greater say when assessing requires governments, the about alcohol misuse, particularly new applications for planning community, individuals and the binge and underage drinking. permits for on-premises liquor alcohol industry to all play a part. VicHealth has provided CAAN with outlets. These increased powers The Coalition‘s long-term goal is funding to undertake monitoring were announced in the State to promote safer drinking cultures of alcohol issues, media advocacy, Government’s Victorian Alcohol in the community. policy development, community Action Plan in May 2008 and were mobilisation activities and to a welcome addition to recent Guidelines for parents on dealing produce and disseminate the Grog initiatives aimed at addressing the with underage drinking Watch e-newsletter, which has state’s growing alcohol problem. VicHealth is funding Professor more than 1500 subscribers. Anthony Jorm from the Orygen Working through their local Research Centre to develop councils, Victorian communities guidelines for parents, which can have more input on the can be widely promoted in the location and operation of licensed community, on how to prevent premises. The amendment to the and deal with underage drinking. Victorian Planning Provisions Parents are important role models means councils can develop new for their children’s behaviour and guidelines which will consider are often the first to detect that both the cumulative impact of a young person is drinking. existing and proposed licensed However, parents may not know premises, as well as amenity how to behave or respond and factors such as hours of operation feel overwhelmed, due to a lack and patron numbers. of knowledge of appropriate Alcohol misuse is a complex messages, fear of potential problem requiring a suite of estrangement from the young measures to achieve long-term person, or their own personal change. Giving local communities alcohol/drug problems. Providing a stronger voice on this important suitable information to parents is issue is a positive step forward. a key public health strategy, as it teaches them how to respond to common alcohol use situations. Indeed, a key point of intervention is with early users, because early initiation is a strong predictor of later misuse.

Annual Report 2007–2008 39 PROGRAM Guidelines for parents on PROGRAM dealing with underage drinking: INVESTMENTS TO A Delphi consensus study INVESTMENTS REDUCE HARM ORYGEN Research Centre SUPPORTING OTHER FROM ALCOHOL $37,500.00 HEALTH ISSUES This is a grant to develop guidelines for parents on how to prevent and Sunsmart Program Reducing alcohol- deal with underage drinking that The Cancer Council Victoria related harm can be widely promoted in the $460,000.00 Major statewide skin cancer Community Alcohol Action community. This will be done prevention program using media Network (CAAN) through conducting a content and community-based strategies Australian Drug Foundation analysis of suggestions made to promote behaviour change and $80,000.00 in the literature for how parents to influence structural barriers The Network aims to raise can reduce the risk of underage and social factors which affect awareness of harmful alcohol drinking and how they should skin cancer risk. consumption as an issue of public respond when it occurs. The study also aims to produce a set health and safety in Victoria and Common Solutions Project – of guidelines for parents which to mobilise the community to Stage 1A will contain messages that can be take action against inappropriate Shire of Melton promoted at the population level. alcohol marketing and supply. $61,249.00 An innovative project that aims Good Sports Program 2008-2009 to support and collaborate with Australian Drug Foundation other sectors to develop policies, $200,000.00 research and projects that will This program assists clubs and/or enhance the health and wellbeing sports and communities to develop of young Victorians in their and implement policies, to promote family, school and community the responsible use of alcohol environments. The project is and serving practices. being funded in partnership with the Royal Automobile Club of Research to address alcohol- Victoria (RACV) and the Transport related harm Accident Commission (TAC). Discovery Grants An evaluation of a community mobilisation intervention that aims to reduce alcohol-related harm associated with licensed premises Australian Drug Foundation $31,500.00 This project is an evaluation of a community mobilisation intervention that aims to reduce alcohol-related harm associated with licensed premises in Geelong. The intervention will consist of a formalised accreditation program that will systematically implement demand, supply, and harm- reduction strategies within licensed venues. Moreover, it will mobilise communities through the media, social marketing and targeted enforcement.

40 Victorian Health Promotion Foundation Shelley Maher (Senior Project Officer); Mark Boyd (Senior Project Officer) and Cassie Nicholls (Short Course Manager); Lee Choon Siauw (Senior Project Officer), Kellie-Ann Jolly (Director, Active Communities and Healthy Eating) and Jane Potter (Senior Project Officer); Xa Dinh (Information Systems Network Manager) and Eromi Paiva (Team Leader, Operational Support); Robyn Thompson (Media and PR Coordinator); Rashmi Baijnath (Chief Finance and Accounting Officer) and Iromi Kodikara (Finance Officer); Shirley Pandolfo (Librarian), Kerry Haynes (Senior Project Officer) and Monica O’Dwyer (Project Officer).

Annual Report 2007–2008 41 The importance of where you live: A recent study found that people living in disadvantaged areas weighed 3kg more on average than those in wealthier neighbourhoods.

TACKLING HEALTH Over the past twelve months, Research Summaries INEQUALITIES action has included enhancement To support the health promotion of internal processes to build sector in tackling health Health inequalities are the stronger equity-based approaches inequalities, VicHealth produced differences in health status (such across VicHealth, contributions two Research Summaries that as rates of illness and death or to key policy initiatives, the provide recent data demonstrating self-rated health) that result from development of resources to the burden of illness and the lack social, economic and geographic assist the health promotion sector of health resources that create influences that are avoidable, tackle health inequalities, and unequal health. These have unfair and unnecessary. investments in specific projects begun to be used by community to reduce health inequalities. organisations, public speakers, VicHealth has identified tackling Activities within each VicHealth universities and government health inequalities as an action area that focus on health departments in describing key overarching theme of our Strategic inequalities are detailed priorities to reduce health Priorities 2006-2009. To do this, throughout this Annual Report. inequalities. The summaries were we focused on three objectives: Following are some projects that sent to every Victorian Member of are expressly focused on the issue Parliament, as well as distributed 1. Reduce health inequalities of health inequalities, not tied to widely across the health experienced by those most any particular program. promotion workforce. There have affected by social and also been significant numbers of economic inequality; Activity Snapshot online downloads since publication. 2. Improve knowledge in order to understand and respond Economic cost of People Places Processes to health inequalities; and workplace stress People Places Processes: Reducing 3. Influence social and economic VicHealth, through the McCaughey health inequalities through policy that has an effect on Centre: VicHealth Centre for the balanced health promotion health inequalities. Promotion of Mental Health and Wellbeing, School of Population approaches is a new resource for VicHealth seeks to improve the Health, University of Melbourne, the health promotion workforce health of all Victorians but targets has provided $50,000 of funding released in April 2008. This activities towards: disadvantaged for Assoc. Prof. Anthony resource – which has been highly areas, lower socioeconomic Lamontagne for his project commended by the sector – groups, Indigenous and refugee Estimating the Economic Benefits includes the trial equity tool communities, people with of Eliminating Job Strain as a Risk currently under development and disabilities, and disadvantaged Factor for Depression. a review of different approaches to children and young people. tackling health inequalities. It is This project will build on previous envisaged that it will be used by evidence in quantifying the program planners and health economic benefits of addressing promotion workers when designing job strain as a risk factor for new interventions aimed at depression using epidemiologic reducing inequalities in Victoria. and economic modelling. The quantification of the impacts of health promotion interventions is now of major importance in health promotion and illness prevention and this report will contribute to a strong body of evidence in this area.

42 Victorian Health Promotion Foundation PROGRAM program aims to build capacity reform. This research project will in multidisciplinary population improve ethical, relevant and INVESTMENTS health research by: increasing sustainable research practice in SPECIFICALLY understanding of the complex Aboriginal health, build research ADDRESSING social, economic and environmental capacity and ultimately lead to HEALTH factors that contribute to health improved health outcomes for inequities, and improving policy, Aboriginal people. INEQUALITIES program and practice designed to reduce these inequities. Health inequalities, governance All of our health promotion and participation programs look to reduce health Monash University inequalities and this influences Discovery Grants $130,000.00 our funding patterns. A substantial Our Space: A pilot holiday Dr Bebe Loff. This research amount of work has been undertaken program for disadvantaged project aims to promote health to assist program staff in adolescent females and wellbeing from a health understanding the levers that cause Australian Catholic University inequalities and human rights health inequalities, and to design $4,555.00 perspective, by examining the programs that most effectively Funding to implement and evaluate legal and broader regulatory addresses health inequalities. a customised four-day school environment to determine holiday program for adolescent strategies for future policy Centre of Excellence in girls from disadvantaged and law reform. Research and Practice backgrounds. The project aims to Intervening early: Young people, Onemda VicHealth Koori change physical activity, nutrition, families and community Health Unit social relationships, self esteem The University of Melbourne The University of Melbourne or coping with stress outcomes. $7,692.00 $365,000.00 A six-week sustainability study will Dr Shelley Mallett. Early The Onemda VicHealth Koori also be conducted with this group. intervention programs for Health Unit is one of the Centres vulnerable young people and of Excellence in Research and Research Fellowships their families are currently divided Practice supported by VicHealth. Contribution and interactions between governments and across It is an integrated academic of individual, community and service sectors, resulting in program in Aboriginal Health environmental characteristics replicated services and significant focusing on research, community on health service gaps. This research development and the Teaching The University of Melbourne provides an evidence base to and Learning Program. $13,200.00 support the development of Dr Margaret Kelaher. This research cross-sector, early intervention Research projects to reduce aims to build bridges between policies and services. health inequalities the body of evidence concerning Promoting mental health ARC Linkage: Auditing the individual risk factors, community of children living in low Victorian Charter: Australian level intervention research and income families and international perspectives population health research. The University of Melbourne on applied human rights The determinants of health in $38,365.00 RMIT University Australia: An economic framework Dr Elise Davis. The overall aim of $25,000.00 with public health implications this fellowship is to build a cutting This project allows VicHealth to Monash University edge, innovative research program become a project partner with $80,000.00 in the field of mental health RMIT, Human Rights Law Dr Bruce Hollingsworth. The promotion, with a focus on child Resource Centre, Victorian focus of this research is on the health inequalities. Council of Social Service, determinants of lifestyle, activities Helen Macpherson Smith Trust, and the impact on individuals’ Australian Bureau of Statistics, Health inequalities related health. The aim is to inform public Victorian Equal Opportunity conference support health policy so disadvantaged and Human Rights Commission, Consumer Roundtable Conference groups can be supported to and the Department of Justice on Health Inequalities achieve health and wellbeing. to undertake a community Monash University survey on attitudes, values Developing sustainable Aboriginal $5,000.00 and levels of support for policy health research practice This conference provided a forum and program development to The University of Melbourne for individuals, organisations and tackle health inequalities. $100,000.00 services involved in working with Dr Priscilla Pyett. Support for a low income, vulnerable and Australian Health researcher to work in partnership marginalised groups to discuss Inequities Program with Aboriginal communities to and share information about The University of Melbourne implement and evaluate an reducing health inequalities and $15,000.00 innovative program of research increase health and wellbeing. Dr Anne Kavanagh. This research

Annual Report 2007–2008 43 New technologies, predominantly mobile phone SMS and email, have the potential to play an important role in health promotion, especially among young people.

FOSTERING and guidelines for parents on • Dr Carolyn Whitzman (University dealing with underage drinking. of Melbourne) – Gender, local INNOVATION AND governance and community BUILDING EVIDENCE Despite the differences between safety: making the links between IN HEALTH the projects, they all have a violence in public and private space common link in that they have PROMOTION a new approach to improving • Professor Mike Salvaris (RMIT) the health of Victorians. – Auditing the Victorian Charter: The importance of building Australian and international evidence and supporting perspectives on applied innovation for best practice in ARC Linkage Grants human rights public health is an emphasis of all The Australian Research Council • Professor Sandy Gifford VicHealth’s program work. This (ARC) Linkage Project Funding (LaTrobe University) – Good means all of our health promotion Scheme supports collaborative Starts project: an audio-visual programs look to foster innovative, research projects between arts and health research project evidence-based practice. higher education, researchers with newly arrived young people and industry. Following are research projects from refugee backgrounds. that are focused on supporting VicHealth helps Victorian public innovation and the building of health researchers to secure Research Leader Program evidence for health promotion, national research funding by VicHealth has developed a new but are not tied to any major collaborating as an industry approach to supporting public program area: partner with researchers seeking health research. The Mental Health grants from the ARC. Promotion Research Leader Activity Snapshot Program complements and builds Industry partnership grants on our existing research programs. Discovery Grants ensure that research is relevant It involves establishing research to current health policy VicHealth’s Discovery Grants are positions in partnership with challenges and can be readily specifically designed to support university departments, applied. They also create early exploration of novel research with the university providing opportunities for researchers to that has the potential for senior academic support to the work in new areas and encourage improving population health in researcher and sharing the private-public sector innovation. Victoria. Through the scheme, research outputs with VicHealth. VicHealth has offered one-year This year, five projects received These positions have an emphasis grants to 14 innovative Victorian funding from VicHealth as their on applied research and research projects to promote collaboration industry partner (three other translation, and the researcher’s across disciplines, sectors and researchers were approved this work is explicitly tied to programs areas of expertise. year but will commence funding of work supported by VicHealth next year): and its partners. The researchers The projects selected cover a are co-located between VicHealth range of areas and include: • Dr Angela Taft (La Trobe and the partner university. It is listening to citizens’ views about University) – Model of anticipated that through this chronic disease prevention and intervention to stop violence model VicHealth, and its health promotion; using text against women government and non-government messaging to promote health partners, will have access to issues to young people; • Professor Doreen Rosenthal high-quality research and independent mobility of children (University of Melbourne) – evaluation expertise, which can be living in high-rise buildings; Understanding Victorian women’s utilised in ongoing program and obesity and its risk factors among experiences of unplanned policy development and practice. African migrant adolescents; pregnancy and abortion health promotion in the workplace

44 Victorian Health Promotion Foundation So far, three positions have VicHealth is supporting FOSTERING been established and linked to partnerships with The Campbell VicHealth’s priorities in mental Collaboration, which will also INNOVATION AND health promotion: strengthen public health and BUILDING EVIDENCE health promotion’s evidence base. IN HEALTH • Dr Michael Flood is focusing on the primary prevention PROMOTION Conference Support Scheme of violence against women All VicHealth’s program work VicHealth provided support to six (a partnership with LaTrobe looks to foster innovative, conferences conducted by other University) evidence-based practice. providers through the Conference • Dr Natascha Klocker is looking Support Scheme. VicHealth at combating ethnic and The following are research provides biannual funding race-based discrimination projects that are focused on this opportunities to allow other (Melbourne University) overarching theme but are not organisations to inform, debate tied to any major program area. • Dr Therese Riley is exploring and educate in the field of health ways of increasing social promotion and public health. Australian Institute of Health participation (Melbourne Policy Studies University). La Trobe University $45,000.00 Cochrane Public Health Funding to improve Australia’s Review Group capacity for health policy research; The Cochrane Public Health Review and to improve interaction between Group was launched in May this the relevant government, year at the annual Australasian non-government and health Cochrane Symposium in Hobart. industry partners. This group replaces the Cochrane Cochrane Health Promotion Health Promotion and Public and Public Health Field: Health Field, which acted more Transition to Review Group as an advocate for evidence. As The University of Melbourne a review group, it has a stronger $364,102.00 capacity to influence the quality Funding to support the Cochrane and relevance of systematic reviews Health Promotion and Public for public health decision-making. Health Field to move from a VicHealth has supported the Field to a Review Group, and to incorporate the Campbell Cochrane Health Promotion and Collaboration. This transition, Public Health Field since its move over five years, will improve the from Canada to Melbourne in standard of health promotion and 2000, and funded its transition public health systematic reviews to a review group. as Review Groups have stronger The new group is responsible capacity to influence the quality for recruiting author teams and relevance of reviews. and managing the editorial Economic benefits of reducing process through to publication disease risk factors of Cochrane protocols and Deakin University reviews on The Cochrane Library $31,075.00 (www.thecochranelibrary.org). The purpose of this project is to The scope includes reviews of the identify the economic benefits of effects of population-level public health promotion and disease health interventions, primarily prevention strategies, which lie those that address the wider both within and outside the health determinants of health, with sector. Parameters for the analysis topics covering education, public include reductions in the cost of safety, housing, work environment, healthcare and hospital admissions, employment, social networks, increased labour force participation food supply, transport and the and reduced absenteeism, natural and built environments. increased healthy time for non- work related activities and increased quality of life.

Annual Report 2007–2008 45 Discovery Grants program related to measurement of sitting research and practice activity and behaviour in working adults. The contribute to national and state VicHealth has offered one-year specific aim is to determine the health policy objectives. grants to promote collaboration most feasible ways to measure across disciplines, sectors and sitting behaviour objectively and VicHealth currently supports, areas of expertise. These grants accurately, in a typical sample at varying levels, four Centres are specifically designed to support of working adults. of Excellence in Research and early exploration of novel research Practice, listed here and under the that has the potential for improving Talking it up: Aboriginal voices major program areas of mental population health in Victoria. in the formulation of health health and wellbeing, tobacco policy that works control and health inequalities. This list should be cross-referenced Wesley Mission Melbourne with Discovery Grants listed under $4,745.00 Centre for the Study of Mother specific health action areas Funding to conduct five community and Child Health of mental health and wellbeing, forums which will contribute to La Trobe University active communities, healthy the development of a literature $100,000.00 eating, tobacco control and review and research report Prof. Judith Lumley. Funding to health inequalities. regarding Aboriginal health. The support a professorial position in this multidisciplinary research Health promotion in the project is also expected to identify centre. The centre aims to workplace at Southern Health policy needs and areas for further undertake, study and interpret Southern Health research and development in research on mothers’ and $5,000.00 relation to the reduction of chronic children’s health; contribute This is a program to identify and ill health, among Aboriginal and to policy development; provide work with a high-risk section of Torres Strait Islander people living advice and resources to the organisation to improve the in metropolitan communities. researchers in related fields; workplace environment and Understanding the whole and be involved in postgraduate increase skills of participants. picture: Enhancing knowledge and continuing education. Information Communication and skills of the Victorian health Technology (ICT) use and access workforce to embody population Research Fellowships in CALD communities for health approaches VicHealth supports outstanding communicating on health Victorian Healthcare Association public health/health promotion and community wellbeing $5,000.00 research by awarding Senior Victoria University Project to provide data and and Public Health Research $37,500.00 evidence to strengthen and Fellowships. Each Fellow is Funding to conduct a comparative prepare the healthcare workforce funded for five years. study of the Sudanese, Vietnamese for the paradigm shift required to reduce chronic disease rates and Pacific Island communities Currently there are 24 Fellowships into the future. in metropolitan and regional funded by VicHealth, listed here communities, in order to identify Using text messaging to promote and others under the major potential uses of information health issues to young people: program areas. technology to communicate a randomised controlled trial and engage people in health Breaking generational cycles Burnet Institute promotion messages. of mental disorder: A prospective $34,296.50 study of the offspring of the Funding to conduct a randomised, Listening to citizens’ views Victorian Adolescent Health controlled trial in which young about chronic disease prevention Cohort Study people will receive a series of and health promotion Royal Children’s Hospital text messages about either safer Monash University $105,000.00 sex or sun protection. The study $37,217.00 Dr Craig Olsson. This longitudinal aims to establish high-level Funding for the conduct of study aims to identify modifiable evidence about the effectiveness two deliberative forums in a causes of perpetuating cycles of SMS to increase knowledge and metropolitan and regional centre of depression, alcoholism and promote behavioural change in of Victoria in order to evaluate an violence across generations of a general population of young innovative method for identifying around 2,000 Victorians aged people aged 16-29. citizens’ detailed views in relation 14 to 26-years old. to chronic disease prevention and health promotion. Centres of Excellence in Is it possible to prevent harmful Research and Practice youth substance use and enhance Stand up Australia to improve mental health by encouraging health and productivity A prime goal of VicHealth centres is to translate public health prosocial behaviour in children International Diabetes Institute and young people? $5,000.00 research knowledge into health promotion practice. Deakin University This pilot research project $125,000.00 focuses on gathering a better Centres carry out research that Assoc. Prof. John Toumbourou. understanding of the issues fills an identified gap in current This fellowship explores prosocial

46 Victorian Health Promotion Foundation behaviour in children and young Using innovative Epi methods Conference Support people, and the role this behaviour to understand and reduce the Through the Conference Support plays in substance abuse, transmission of blood-borne scheme, VicHealth provides limited prevention and mental viruses and sexually transmitted support to conferences conducted health promotion. infections in marginalised by other providers to facilitate population groups knowledge transfer in the field Measurement of benefits for Burnet Institute the reallocation of resources of health promotion. This $16,500.00 program aims to ensure these in the Australian health sector Dr Margaret Hellard. This research Monash University conferences are accessible to aims to accurately measure the a range of delegates and to $29,250.00 prevalence and risk factors leading Prof. Jeff Richardson. Research increase information exchange to the transmission of blood-borne across sectors. project to identify and measure viruses and sexually transmitted individual and social economic infections in the community using This list should be cross-referenced benefits from health promotion innovative epidemiological with conferences listed under specific activities, leading to improved sampling techniques and health action areas of mental health evidence for future health mathematical modelling. and wellbeing, active communities, promotion programs and health healthy eating, tobacco control, systems. Areas will include Scholarships and health inequalities. obesity, mental health, child/ adolescent health and tobacco. VicHealth supports young 9th Behavioural research in researchers by providing cancer control conference Men, sexuality and health: Public Health PhD Research The Cancer Council New issues, new directions Scholarships, and other $10,000.00 La Trobe University scholarships. Conference to promote the $165,000.00 exchange of ideas and expertise Assoc. Prof. Gary Dowsett. This This list should be cross-referenced in the area of behavourial research fellowship investigates men’s with PhD Scholarships listed under in cancer; minimise duplication sexual health in Victoria by specific health action areas of of research efforts; provide the looking at the connections mental health and wellbeing, opportunity to increase relevance between masculinity, sexuality active communities, healthy of research and evidence base for and health through the analyses eating, tobacco control and Cancer Council programs. of men’s body transformations, health inequalities. changes in their sexual Asia Pacific Ecohealth Conference: relationships, and the use Australian women’s childbearing Sustaining people and places decisions: The role of gender of sexual technologies. Deakin University beliefs, psychosocial and $10,000.00 health factors Muslim youth, social The focus of this conference is connectedness and reproductive/ The University of Melbourne on the interdependence between sex education $4,332.00 human health, ecology and La Trobe University Ms Sara Holton. Funding to sustainability, with a view $116,312.00 investigate the contributions to increase intersectoral Dr Linda Bennett. This research of gender beliefs, psychosocial collaboration in research and explores how religion, ethnic factors and health variables to practice in the area of human identity, and Islamic education, the childbearing decisions of health, ecology and sustainability. impact upon the social contemporary Australian women. connectedness of Muslim youth The path to health and wellbeing Carole Bailey Scholarship in Melbourne. Reproductive/sex Collective of Self Help Groups education in Islamic schools Australian Health Promotion (COSHG) provides a specific case study Association $9,393.00 for examining the values and $1,000.00 This conference offers the behavioural expectations of This award is conferred on two opportunity for self help groups young Muslims, and how these students of health promotion – to exchange information, ideas, compare with non-Muslim youth. undergraduate and mature- knowledge and experience and aged – for the purposes of explore their distinctive Social and health outcomes professional development. contribution to the promotion of the Australian Needle of health and wellbeing. and Syringe Program Masters of Public Health The University of Melbourne Consortium: Top Student Prizes $125,000.00 University of Melbourne Assoc. Prof. John Fitzgerald. $2,000.00 A study to document how An award to the top health Australia’s Needle and Syringe promotion students, as an Program works, to foster an encouragement to those evidence-based culture of students who excel. service provision in Victoria.

Annual Report 2007–2008 47 Celebrating their partnership on White Ribbon Day are Todd Harper (CEO, VicHealth), Andrew O’Keefe (Chairman, White Ribbon Foundation) and Andrew Demetriou (CEO, Australian Football League). To your health? VicHealth explored what was safe, sensible and social alcohol consumption in the VicHealth Letter Summer 2007. The VicHealth Walking School Bus program released a new report, It’s more than just walking. All types of sports participated in VicHealth’s PICSAR program.

RAISING The alcohol debate Profiling prevention AWARENESS Our unhealthy drinking culture In April, the National Prevention has been a recurring theme Summit garnered significant The media is an essential tool in throughout the year with interest from national media. disseminating health promotion VicHealth working with scores Articles appeared in most daily initiatives and messages across of media outlets to facilitate the newspapers, including The Age, the community. alcohol debate. Because alcohol Canberra Times, Australian misuse is so pervasive in our Financial Review and Herald Sun, MEDIA ACTIVITIES society, media reports covered with an opinion piece by Todd a wide range of issues including: Harper on illness prevention This year VicHealth was mentioned published in the Adelaide in 540 published articles, with • binge drinking Advertiser. The summit was the majority of coverage in the • alcohol and violence covered by television news outlets Victorian metropolitan, suburban and the story ran nationally on a • the rise of ‘alcopop’ misuse and regional press. Articles cross-section of ABC radio news amongst young people highlighting VicHealth-funded and current affairs programs, as research and positions on issues • alcohol and sport well as commercial radio. At least including alcohol misuse and • alcohol marketing. 68 online publications around violence against women also the country ran news items appeared in major metropolitan Seen by the media as a ‘go to mentioning the Summit. papers across Australia. for comment’ organisation on this complex issue, VicHealth Respect and diversity In addition, VicHealth was acknowledges the media as a mentioned in 184 radio broadcasts powerful vehicle through which The launch of VicHealth’s Respect, and 29 news and current affairs to advocate for change. Responsibility and Equality: television programs. Several Preventing Violence against initiatives attracted strong Women program was covered media interest during the year. by 18 metropolitan and regional These included: newspapers and 17 radio news and talk back programs. The program launch also featured in 17 metropolitan and regional TV news bulletins. The Herald Sun published an opinion piece by CEO Todd Harper.

48 Victorian Health Promotion Foundation The launch of the VicHealth report, OPINION PIECES ONLINE ACCESS More than Tolerance: Embracing Diversity for Health, was covered VicHealth Chief Executive Officer The VicHealth website Resource extensively, including ABC 2 and Todd Harper continued to raise Centre pages continued to be ABC TV International. News and public health issues through the reviewed and updated. Several of current affairs stories were run placement of opinion pieces in the Todd Harper’s opinion pieces were by more than 20 media outlets. following metropolitan dailies: posted on an e-journal promoting Articles appeared in the Herald social and political debate Cave men walk the earth Sun, AAP and The Bendigo (www.onlineopinion.com.au) Herald Sun, 11 July 2007, Advertiser, with the Herald generating considerable addressed issues associated Sun also running an opinion online discussion. with violence against women. piece by Todd Harper. In July 2007 VicHealth absorbed Racism causes tears and taxes the Victorian Public Health McCaughey Centre launch Herald Sun, 17 September 2007, Research and Education Council highlighted the link between July 2007 saw the launch of the (VPHREC) Events Diary into our discrimination and its impact on McCaughey Centre: the VicHealth own website Calendar of Events. our mental health and wellbeing. Centre for the Promotion of Mental This has significantly increased our reach to wider audiences Health and Community Wellbeing, What lessons do we teach? including other partners in together with the release of Herald Sun, 6 November 2007, health promotion and member Community Indicators data for all examined underage smoking. Victorian Local Government areas. organisations of VPHREC. The data was widely reported with How to beat the binge bogey more than 40 articles appearing Herald Sun, 20 November 2007, in regional and suburban press. focused on the need to turn back the tide on preventable disease.

Getting more Victorians active Why kids are drowning in an With the Active Clubs grants and ocean of booze the Participation in Community Herald Sun, 29 November 2007, Sport and Active Recreation looked at the urgency required to (PICSAR) program, VicHealth’s address our binge-drinking culture. ongoing efforts to raise active Sad habit dying out (co-authored participation levels across the with Fiona Sharkie, Quit Victoria) state were profiled extensively. Herald Sun, 8 December 2007, The Active Club grants, which reviewed the successes in provided funds to more than tobacco control. 620 sporting clubs and organisations across the state, Nation’s future health goes were widely reported, particularly on life support in regional newspapers. The Adelaide Advertiser, 8 April 2008, PICSAR program, launched in looked at the issues to be December 2006 by the Premier, addressed at the National John Brumby, has been attracting Prevention Summit. media coverage as peak sporting bodies start to roll out their Gobsmacked by selfish clubs programs to engage more people Herald Sun, 3 June 3008, called who would not previously have for the State Government’s been involved in physical activity. 2am lockout trial to be given a chance to work.

Annual Report 2007–2008 49 MAJOR PUBLICATIONS Evaluating the Mental Health Health Inequalities and Wellbeing Impacts of People, Places, Processes: Building and sharing health Community-Based Festivals: promotion knowledge is an Reducing health inequalities Awakenings Festival and essential aim of VicHealth’s work. through balanced health Braybrook’s Big Day Out Developing and appropriately promotion approaches disseminating publications is one Barraket J & Kaiser A, Centre Victorian Health Promotion way to get credible and accessible for Public Policy, University of Foundation, April 2008 information to our target Melbourne and Victorian Health audiences. This year VicHealth Promotion Foundation, August 2007 Research Summary: Burden of introduced an e-bulletin tailored disease due to health inequalities More than tolerance: specifically to Ministers and Victorian Health Promotion Embracing diversity for health their Advisors, MPs, Mayors Foundation, May 2008 and CEOs of local councils. Discrimination affecting migrant and refugee communities in Research Summary: Key VicHealth Letter Victoria, its health consequences, influences on health inequalities community attitudes and solutions Victorian Health Promotion Making the link between cultural – A summary report Foundation, May 2008 discrimination and health Victorian Health Promotion Victorian Health Promotion Foundation, September 2007 Foundation, Winter 2007 OTHER PUBLICATIONS Paper 1 of the Discrimination To your health? VicHealth staff also submit Community Attitudes Project articles, edit and contribute Exploring what’s safe, A review of communication to publications in the area sensible and social components of anti-racism of health promotion. Victorian Health Promotion and prodiversity social marketing/ Foundation, Summer 2007 public education campaigns A new approach to Donovan RJ & Vlais R, Report to improving nutrition Using research to create VicHealth by RJD Consulting Pty Barr A, Potter J & Siauw LC, healthy communities Ltd, Victorian Health Promotion FOODChain, December 2007, pp 7-9 Victorian Health Promotion Foundation, September 2007 Foundation, Winter 2008 Spotlight on Discrimination Preventing violence before Balmain A, Multicultural Victoria, State of Health E-Bulletin it occurs: A framework and Issue 24, Autumn 2007 background paper to guide the Smoke free from July 1 Interview with Dianna Orlando primary prevention of violence Victorian Health Promotion Family Men Don’t Do Violence against women in Victoria Foundation, July 2007 Speak Out Victorian Health Promotion Balmain A, Multicultural Victoria, 20th birthday for health Foundation, December 2007 Issue 22, Spring 2007 promotion in Victoria Refugee Resettlement in Victorian Health Promotion New Report Finds – Discrimination Regional and Rural Victoria: Foundation, October 2007 is Bad for Your Health Impacts and Policy Issues Balmain A, Northern Division of National prevention Dr Brooke McDonald, Prof. Sandy General Practice – Division News, Summit wrap-up Gifford, Ms Kim Webster, Prof. Summer 2007 Victorian Health Promotion John Wiseman & Ms Sue Casey: Foundation, April 2008 A collaborative initiative of the A Window of Opportunity: Victorian Health Promotion Background paper on the Foundation; La Trobe Refugee Active Communities prevention of alcohol misuse and Healthy Eating Health Research Centre, La Trobe and related harm University; The McCaughey Centre, Hamilton M, Room R, Livingston It’s more than just walking: The VicHealth Centre for the Promotion M & Vandenberg B, Paper value-adding impact of the Walking of Mental Health and Community prepared for the National School Bus program on local Wellbeing, University of Melbourne; Preventative Health Taskforce, environments and communities and the Victorian Foundation for University of Melbourne, Turning Victorian Health Promotion Survivors of Torture; Victorian Point Alcohol and Drug Centre Foundation, August 2007 Health Promotion Foundation, and VicHealth, June 2008 May 2008 Mental Health and Wellbeing Playing on the Same Team Research Summary 1: Burden Thompson R, Northern Division of Bridging the Digital Divide of disease due to mental illness General Practice – Division News, Report 2007 and mental health problems 2007 Spring 2007 Inspire Foundation. A Phase one Victorian Health Promotion project report. Foundation, December 2007

50 Victorian Health Promotion Foundation Health Promotion Journal of CONFERENCE PAPERS Harper T, Constructing Health: Australia, December 2007, AND PRESENTATIONS Working Together for Health vol. 18, no. 3 and Industry, October 2007 Raising awareness of health Guest editors: Lyn Walker, issues is one of VicHealth’s core Director of the Mental Health Harper T, Speech to Victoria responsibilities and staff ensure and Wellbeing Unit at VicHealth; Police Symposium, Organisational that the latest health promotion Behaviour in Policing and the Louise Rowling, Faculty of evidence and thinking is made Public Sector, October 2007 Education and Social Work, available by speaking at seminars University of Sydney, New South and conferences. Following is a Harper T, More than tolerance: Wales. The focus for the issue list of papers and presentations Implications for Australian was on mental health promotion. made over this year. workplaces, presentation to Strategies for bridging sectors Basinski D, Reflections from Exploring the dividends: Diversity and silos: a training model in Canadian Study Tour, Indigenous Council Australia Annual mental health promotion Leadership Fellowship Forum, Conference, Diversity Council Verins I, Marshall B & Keating C, October 2007 of Australia, November 2007 Health Promotion Journal of Harper T, More than tolerance; Australia, vol. 18, no. 3, Boyd M (VicHealth), Blau G Implications for local governments December 2007 (VCOSS) Addressing health inequalities: Lessons from and their communities, Mental health takes central role an advocacy agenda, VCOSS presentation to local councils in in health promotion activities Congress August 2007 multicultural Victoria: vision and Walker L & Rowling L, Health growth, Victorian Multicultural Promotion Journal of Australia, Boyd M, Getting policy over the Commission and the Municipal vol. 18, no. 3, December 2007 line: Encouraging whole-of-local- Association of Victoria, government action to reduce 22 November 2007 Measuring and addressing the alcohol harms, DrugInfo Seminar burden of disease associated – Local government responses to Harper T, Refugee resettlement with intimate partner violence preventing alcohol-related harm, in rural and regional areas: in Victoria, Australia September 2007 A healthy start to life in Australia Vos T, Astbury J, Piers LS, Magnus presentation to the annual A, Heenan M, Walker L & Webster Boyd M (VicHealth), Trudinger D conference of the Ethnic K, Health Care Costs of Intimate (DHS), State Policies to address Communities Council of Victoria, Partner Violence. Family Violence health inequalities: Towards good Ethnic Communities Council of Prevention and Health Practice, practice?, Australia & New Zealand Victoria, 30 May 2008 e-journal of the Family Violence Public Health Association Annual Harper T & Vandenberg B, Prevention Fund, Issue 5, Conference, September 2007 Presentation to Public Hearing – June 2007 Boyd M, Place-based approaches Inquiry into The Alcohol Toll Sounds in the City to public health: Can they reduce Reduction Bill, Community Affairs Webb G, New Paradigm, health inequalities?, Australia Committee, Commonwealth the Journal on Psychosocial & New Zealand Public Health Senate, Melbourne, 6 May 2008 Rehabilitation, Autumn 2008 Association Annual Conference, September 2007 Jolly K, Kids in the City – A Child Friendly Melbourne, presentation Boyd M, Health Equity Tool, at the Melbourne Forum, three presentations to the Banyule July 2007 Nillumbik Primary Care Alliance, March-June 2008 Jolly K, Are there other ways to skin a cat?, keynote presentation at the Boyd M, Health Equity Tool, Australian Study for the Society of VicHealth People Places Obesity Conference, Canberra, Processes Forum, April 2008 August 2007

Boyd M, Health Inequalities agenda Jolly K, Get involved: it’s good for and current action: An update for your health, keynote presentation the Statewide PCP Chairs and EOs, at City of Boroondara Community Presentation to the PCP Statewide Forum, October 2007 Network, June 2008 Jolly K, Advocacy in Health Boyd M, Health Inequalities agenda Promotion – the VicHealth and current action, Presentation to experience, presentation the Loddon Mallee Primary Care and workshop at Australian Partnership, June 2008 Health Promotion Association, Victorian Branch, June 2008

Annual Report 2007–2008 51 McLean P (VicHealth), Murray R Webster K, A framework for the INTERNATIONAL DELEGATIONS (CMYI) & Vecellio L (SEMRC), primary prevention of violence Discrimination – A Determinant against women: Implications Australia is not the only country facing rapidly increasing rates of of Mental Health and Wellbeing?, for working with young people, chronic illness linked to unhealthy Unpacking the Suitcase Partners in Prevention: Working lifestyles. Over this year, the Conference, South Eastern with young people to prevent long-standing international focus Region Migrant Resource Centre, violence against women, of VicHealth’s work has continued 12 July 2007 Domestic Violence and Incest with the hosting of delegations Resource Centre, 26 July 2007 to share information about Siauw LC, A Climate for Change: is the VicHealth model and to planning for sustainable food supply Webster K, The primary prevention internationally advocate for the on your radar?, presentation at of violence against women, use of dedicated taxes to gather Planning Institute of Australia presentation to the Second funds for tobacco control. National Congress, Sydney, Australasian Police Conference 13-16 April 2008 on Family Violence, Victoria Police Ministry of Health and New South Wales Police, Thailand Siauw, LC, Program – Future Food Airlie Leadership Development September 2007 for Future Health, VicHealth Centre, Melbourne, Raeburn House conference 2007 22-24 August 2007 Auckland, New Zealand Umesh R, Leading and Navigating Webster K, More than Tolerance: September 2007 Policy and Practice to Value Implications for Young People, Department of Public Health Walking, paper and presentation presentation to ‘I’m not a racist, Malaysia at Walk21 Conference, Toronto, but … Are we effectively tackling September 2007 Canada, October 2007 racism and discrimination in schools?’, Centre for Multicultural Umesh R, Walking School Bus Department of Health Youth Issues, Melbourne, Successes and Challenges, Jiangsu Province, China 25 October 2007 presentation at Active Safe Routes November 2007 to School Workshop, Toronto, Webster K & Berman G, ThaiHealth Promotion Foundation Canada, October 2007 Addressing Discrimination Thailand and Promoting Diversity: Umesh R, Streets Ahead: May 2008 Experiences from Quebec and Supporting children to get active in Victoria, Presentation to the their neighbourhoods, presentation 12th International Metropolis at Traffic Safety Education Group, Conference, Melbourne, Department of Education and Australia, 25 October 2007 Early Childhood Development, Melbourne, March 2008 Webster K, A public health approach to addressing racism Vandenberg B, Alcohol Policy and discrimination: A case example, Development Process, guest presented to the Racism and lecture for ‘Drug Use in Society: Indigenous Health symposium, The Public Health Response’, University of Melbourne, School Turning Point Alcohol and Drug of Public Health, November 2007 Centre, Melbourne, 6 August 2007 Webster K, More than Tolerance: Vandenberg B, Establishing Implications for Young People’s Successful Partnerships for Health, Youth Identity and Migration: Program Success, National Culture, Values and Social Program Manager’s Conference, Connectedness, Symposium, Canberra, 14-15 May 2008 Deakin University, Institute for Webster K, A Framework to guide Citizenship and Globalisation, implementation and evaluation of Deakin University and the Centre primary prevention of violence for Multicultural Youth Issues, against women, The Women’s 21-22 February 2008 Safety Forum: Measuring Women’s Safety, Department of Victorian Communities, 23 July 2007

52 Victorian Health Promotion Foundation Off the drawing board and into our streets: Planning Institute Australia (PIA) is assisting planners to influence local urban design so health is ‘planned in’. There is growing evidence of the links between the built environment and physical, mental and social health.

CONTRIBUTING Submission to Australian Submission to Community Communications and Media Affairs Committee, Australian TO POLICY Authority on Food Marketing Senate Inquiry into the Alcohol Directed to Children Toll Reduction Bill 2007 Policy submissions 29 August 2007 20 March 2008 and consultations Submission to Department Submission to the A key component of VicHealth’s of Sustainability and Victorian Government role in health promotion is Environment on Melbourne Equal Opportunity Review advocacy. An important part of 2030 Implementation Audit April 2008 this advocacy role is responding 24 September 2007 to proposed government Submission to Federal Obesity programs, policy and legislation Submission to National Health Inquiry, VicHealth response that have the potential to impact and Medical Research Council Obesity in Australia under Review on health. Over the 2007-08 on draft revised Australian alcohol June 2008 financial year, VicHealth has guidelines for low-risk drinking made numerous submissions 11 December 2007 Submission to National Health on a range of issues. and Hospitals Reform Commission Submission to Department of in response to the key theme of Submission to Department Transport on Towards an A greater focus on prevention to of Planning and Community integrated and sustainable future: the health system Development on Stronger a new legislative framework for 2 June 2008 Community Organisations Project transport in Victoria July 2007 14 December 2007 Submission to Senate Community Affairs Committee Inquiry into Submission to Department of Submission to Commonwealth ready to drink alcoholic beverages Sustainability and Environment Department of the Treasury 3 June 2008 in response to the Consultation on the Federal Budget 2008-09, Paper Land and Biodiversity at The Case for Increased Investment a Time of Climate Change in Health Promotion 2 July 2007 16 January 2008 Submission to Australian Submission to Food Standards Competition and Consumer Australia New Zealand on Comment Commission in relation to on labelling of alcoholic beverages applications for authorisation with a pregnancy health advisory A91054 and A91055 lodged by the February 2008 Distilled Spirits Industry Council of Australia Inc and others Submission to Equal Opportunity 17 July 2007 and Human Rights Victoria on response to the consultation on Submission to Department of Victoria’s Equal Opportunity Act 1995 Human Services on draft Victorian February 2008 Tobacco Regulations 2007 (co-signed with The Cancer Submission to Australian Council Victoria, Quit Victoria Competition and Consumer and Heart Foundation Victoria) Commission on Inquiry into 24 August 2007 Food Prices 11 March 2008

Annual Report 2007–2008 53 COMMITTEES AND State Local/Project Specific WORKING GROUPS • AFL Violence Against Women • Bicycle Victoria, Ride2School Chief Executive Officer Working Group Steering Committee – Todd Harper • Cancer Council Victoria, • Consultative Committee for the • Centre for Health Policy, Kids Go For Your Life Local Healthy Active Brimbank Strategy Programs and Economics – Government Advisory Committee • Growth Areas Authority, A School of Population Health, • Cancer Council Victoria, Strategic Framework for Creating University of Melbourne Kids Go For Your Life Program Liveable New Communities (Member) Advisory Committee • Planning Institute of Australia • Go For Your Life Leadership • Deakin University, Academic (Vic) Steering Committee Group (Member) Advisory Board for Master of • Heart Foundation National Planning Course Awards/Grant Assessment Marketing Advisory Committee • Deakin University, C-PAN • DPCD* – Sport and Recreation (Member) (Centre for Physical Activity Industry Awards Assessment • International Network of Health and Nutrition) Reference Group Panel Promotion Foundations (INHPF) • Deakin University, Mental Health and Wellbeing (Deputy Chair) Post-graduate Nutrition • Liquor Control Advisory Council Advisory Committee International (LCAC) (Member) • Department of Education and • Global Consortium for • LCAC Licensing Criteria Early Childhood Development, Advancement of Promotion Sub-committee (Member) Victorian School Sport Council and Prevention • DHS# ‘Equal Footing’ • Quit Victoria Steering National Committee (Member) Advisory Group • AFL Violence Against Women • DHS# ‘Go For Your Life’ • Tobacco Control Unit Steering Respect and Responsibility Strategy Group Committee, The Cancer Council Committee Victoria (Member) • DHS# Nutrition Action Plan • National Anti-Racism Project Working Group • VicHealth Alcohol Coalition Advisory Group (Chair) • DHS# Physical Activity Action • National Coalition Against Plan Working Group • Victorian Alcohol Action Plan Bullying Executive Committee Taskforce (Member) • DPCD–SRV* Interagency • National Council for Reducing Walking and Cycling • Victorian Alcohol and Drug Violence Against Women Prevention Council (Member) Coordination Committee • Victoria Police Drug and Alcohol • DPCD–SRV* Smartplay State Steering Committee Strategy Steering Committee • Adult Multicultural Education (Member; rep: Brian Vandenberg) • DPCD–SRV* Spectator Service (Board Member) Behaviour in Sport Working Party • WorkHealth Advisory Group • African Youth Issues (Member) • LaTrobe University, Bachelor Sub-committee of Health Sciences Course • Centre for Ethnicity and Health, Active Communities and Advisory Committee Healthy Eating Stakeholders Group • Maribyrnong Secondary College, • DHS# Mental Health Promotion International Sporting Excellence Curriculum Working Group • Walk21 Walk to School Reference Group • Ethnic Communities Council of International Network • VicRoads Victorian Bicycle Victoria Health Sub-committee Advisory Council National • McCaughey Centre: The • Victoria University’s Exercise VicHealth Centre for the • Active After School Science, Human Movement and Promotion of Mental Health Communities Victorian Advisory Physical Education Industry and Community Wellbeing Committee Advisory Committee Advisory Committee • Child Friendly Cities Executive Committee • Onemda VicHealth Koori Health Unit Committee • Statewide Committee for the Prevention of Sexual Assault • Statewide Violence Against Women Steering Committee

# Department of Human Services * Department of Planning and Community Development through Sport and Recreation Victoria

54 Victorian Health Promotion Foundation • Victorian Federation Tobacco Control and Alcohol Communications and Marketing Secondary Teachers Harm Reduction State Refugee Health Network State • Risk Awareness and Reduction • Victorian Settlement • Australian Research Centre Working Group – Responsible Planning Committee in Sex, Health and Society Gambling Ministerial Advisory • White Ribbon Day, Advisory Committee Council Victorian Steering Committee • Community Alcohol Action • LIFE! Taking Action on Diabetes Network (CAAN) Advisory Social Marketing Committee Local/Project Specific Committee • Community Indicators Victoria • Good Sports Program (Victoria) Local/Project Specific Project Partners Group Advisory Committee • Medianet Communications Group (McCaughey Centre) • Tobacco Control Unit (TCU) • Community Indicators Victoria Steering Committee Project Reference Group (Cancer Council Victoria) (McCaughey Centre) • Victoria Police Drug and Alcohol • Fellowship for Indigenous Strategy Steering Committee Leaders Project Committee (Brotherhood) Research, Strategy and Policy • Good Start Arts Project Advisory International Group (Foundation House) • International Network of Health • Local Government Violence Promotion Foundations Prevention Project Advisory Group (University of Melbourne) National • Mothers’ Advocates in the • Australian Institute of Community Project Reference Health Policy Studies Group (LaTrobe) Consumer Engagement • Refugee Education Partnership Project Steering Group Project Reference Group (Foundation House) State • Schools as Core Social Centres • Centre for Health and Society Project Advisory Group Advisory Committee (Catholic Education) • Common Solutions Project • Train Stations as Creative Steering Committee Community Hubs Project • Dental Health Service Research Committee (Department Advisory Panel of Transport) • DHS# Health Promotion • Understanding Women’s Framework Project Experience of Unplanned Advisory Group Pregnancy and Abortion Project • DHS# Health Promotion Advisory Group (University Priorities Management Group of Melbourne) • DHS# HIV/AIDS Prevention • Violence Against Women Taskforce Working Group (Victorian AFL) • DHS# Men’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy Advisory Committee • DHS# Public Health Research Advisory Group • Victorian Cancer Agency, Research Prevention Working Group • Victorian Consortium of Public Health Consultative Committee • Victorian Health Care Association Population Health and Area- based Planning Working Group • Victorian Public Health Training Scheme Review

Steering Committee # Department of Human Services

Annual Report 2007–2008 55 References Acknowledgements

1. Mathers C & Stevenson C, Photography Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 1999, Burden of Mark Farrelly disease and injury in Australia, markfarrellyphotography.com.au AIHW Catalogue PHE 17, All images unless marked otherwise Canberra, November 1999. Image on Vision/Mission page: 2. Infant Feeding Activity and Supplied by Surfing Victoria Nutrition Trial (InFANT) – www.surfingaustralia.com see www.biomedcentral.com /1471-2458/8/103 for recent Image on page 28: Supplied by publication. the Tarerer Indigenous Festival www.tarerer.com.au

Image on page 38: Supplied by Quit Victoria www.quit.org.au

Image on page 42: Supplied by the University of Melbourne VicLANES study www.kcwh.unimelb.edu.au/ research/programs/viclanes

Image on page 44: Supplied by the Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health Research, Burnet Institute www.burnet.edu. au/home/cephr

Image on page 48: Supplied by the White Ribbon Foundation www.whiteribbonday.org.au

Image on page 53: Supplied by Planning Institute Australia, Victoria Division www.planning.org.au/vic/

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