Community and stakeholder feedback during a second round of engagement has strengthened and improved our Draft Community Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025-29 .
We thank those who took the time to have their say on the strategy, as it sets the direction for how the City responds to community need and improves the health and wellbeing of residents.
Between 23 April and 25 May 2025, more than 500 people engaged with the City, with 268 downloads of the draft strategy, 1,135 page views and 27 submissions. Five overarching themes emerged from the survey responses:
- Health and Wellbeing Priorities, including equitable access to housing, nutritious food, and inclusive employment opportunities. Suggestions emphasised addressing homelessness, promoting local food production, and ensuring access to health services without financial barriers.
- Community Engagement and Inclusion through inclusive programs, accessible facilities and activities beyond sports. Suggestions included expanding library programs, supporting diverse community groups, and promoting social connections for marginalised populations.
- Environmental and Public Health Actions, such as banning waste incineration and improving air quality monitoring. Other actions included promoting smoke-free public spaces and greening neighbourhoods.
- Mental and Social Wellbeing, emphasising the importance of mental health, social connections and spiritual wellbeing. Suggestions included addressing loneliness, supporting mental health initiatives, and creating spaces for activities that foster community engagement.
- Strategy and Implementation, highlighting the need for the strategy to focus on achievable goals in areas where Council has direct control and influence, avoiding overlap with state and federal responsibilities.
During consultation with our Youth Council, made up of 11 young people aged 12-17, three priorities of importance for young people were highlighted, in line with the priorities for their term:
- Physical activity and active living – providing lighting, maintaining equipment and public facilities, and providing outdoor gyms.
- Gender equity and the prevention of violence – delivering lighting in public places, preventing violence in supermarkets and schools and encouraging girls' participation in sport.
- Harm minimisation – increasing education about substance abuse and domestic violence, delivering anti-vaping initiatives and resources and spaces for positive activities.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
The strength of Greater Geelong is in our people.Seeing such thoughtful contributions to our Draft Community Health and Wellbeing Strategy reaffirms how deeply our residents care about the wellbeing of our community.
Council looks forward to reading the final strategy and implementing a plan that reflects the community's voices and priorities.
Councillor Rowan Story AM, RFD
The contributions are instrumental in shaping a roadmap that address key health concerns.The Community Health and Wellbeing Strategy won't be just a document – it will be a commitment to meaningful action.
On behalf of Council, I thank everyone who has played a role in this important process.
The final strategy will be considered by Council for endorsement in July's council meeting.
Following this, the first-year annual action plan will be developed, detailing the projects and initiatives that will bring the strategic actions to life.
