A draft strategy detailing the City of Greater Geelong's health and wellbeing priorities for the next four years has received Council support.
Council during its April meeting endorsed the release of the draft Community Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025-2029 for a period of community consultation.
The strategy was previously part of Council's Community Plan, however from this year it will exist as a standalone document to ensure a long-term vision for overall health and wellbeing in Greater Geelong.
The strategy has been informed by data collected last year including the findings of the 2024 Geelong Preventative Health Survey, consultation with community health and wellbeing stakeholders, workshops with internal staff, and community engagement through the Have Your Say platform and Neighbourhood Houses.
It identifies six adopted health and wellbeing priorities:
- Mental wellbeing and social inclusion
- Equitable access to safe, healthy and sustainable food
- Physical activity and active living
- Gender equity and prevention of violence
- Climate change and health impacts
- Harm minimisation (associated with tobacco, vaping, alcohol misuse and gambling)
The City will implement the strategy through yearly action plans and annual reviews to track its progress toward key strategic objectives.
Council will work closely with community groups, organisations and other agencies to leverage their expertise and resources. Key partners include local health services, educational institutions and non-profit organisations.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
The priorities identified in the strategy align with our Council Plan 2025-29 and the Statewide Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2023-2027.They provide us with a clear direction for strategic partnerships to improve the health and wellbeing of our population.
The annual review of the action plans will enable us to meet the changing needs of our community while also moving toward to a healthier, happier Greater Geelong.
Councillor Rowan Story AM, RFD
This strategy aims to identify any areas of health disparity across the region, so community input is vital to ensure any areas of concern are heard from across all of Greater Geelong.
Community engagement is now open and will close at 5pm on Sunday 25 May.
Visit: yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/CHWS
The final version of the Strategy will be presented for adoption at Council's July 2025 ordinary meeting.
