A healthier, more resilient Yarra Ranges community is at the heart of Council's newly adopted Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025-2029, which was endorsed at last night's Council Meeting.
The new strategy outlines Council's role in helping improve the health and wellbeing of its community, which includes planning, funding and partnering with service providers and community groups, delivering some health-related services, and advocating to other levels of government.
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Jim Child, said that the new strategy acknowledges the new and growing challenges facing the Yarra Ranges community, and Council's role in addressing them.
"This strategy is more than a document, it's a commitment to creating a community where everyone feels safe, supported and empowered to live well,' Cr Child said.
"Whether it's improving access to mental health services, designing inclusive public spaces, or preparing for climate-related health risks, every action in this strategy is about helping our community thrive.
"Health and wellbeing are the foundation of a strong, connected and vibrant community. When people feel mentally and physically well, they're more likely to participate in community life, support others, and contribute to a thriving local economy. This strategy recognises that wellbeing is shaped by many factors, from the environment we live in, to the services we can access, and the connections we share."
"Another big focus of this strategy is strengthening our partnerships with different levels of government, our community organisations and local businesses to help us achieve the best outcomes for our community.
"I'd like to thank every community member and our advisory groups who provided input into this strategy throughout the consultation phase, your feedback has helped shape practical, meaningful actions that respond to the real needs of our community and that we will be prioritising over the coming four years."
The new Health and Wellbeing Strategy is divided into four focus areas:
- Increasing community adaptation to climate-related health risks
- Improving mental wellbeing
- Supporting our community to lead healthy lives
- Creating safer and more inclusive communities
Each area then has goals and actions that Council will work towards over the next four years, some examples include:
- Identifying the people and places most vulnerable to climate-related health hazards (eg. Heat and poor air quality)
- Advocating for better community access to mental health and wellbeing services
- Planning and designing parks, play spaces and outdoor infrastructure which supports people of all ages and abilities to be active
- Using crime prevention through environmental design and gender inclusive principles, to promote safety, belonging and accessibility in parks and other Council-owned spaces
To learn more about how Council is working to support your health and wellbeing, and how you can get involved, visit Council's website to view the Health and Wellbeing Strategy, or read a copy in person at any of Council's Community Links.
