Macedon Ranges Shire Council representatives took part in the Wellbeing in Every Decision – Planning for a Healthy and Liveable Region Conference at the Capital Theatre, Bendigo on Wednesday August 28.
The conference, hosted by the Healthy Heart of Victoria and Healthy Greater Bendigo initiatives, was attended by over 150 delegates from across regional Victoria including members of the Loddon Campaspe Regional Partnership, local government CEOs and directors, state government regional directors, planners, health professionals and a broad range of community representatives. The conference was also be live-streamed to the Macedon Ranges Shire Council chambers.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council's Director Community Wellbeing, Karen Stevens said the conference aimed to bring together planners and health professionals to explore how to work together for a more healthy and liveable Loddon Campaspe region. Healthy design principles support the development of safe, inclusive, accessible and active communities.
"This was an exciting opportunity to share ideas about how to put health and fairness at the centre of all decisions, whether about community, the economy, activities and the natural and built environment," Ms Stevens said.
"It is expected that this will be just the start of the conversation around creating a more healthy and liveable region, in the Loddon Campaspe area and beyond."
The conference was an opportunity to learn from other councils and organisations that have led work in healthy design. Speakers included Dr Anna Stevenson and Sandy Brinsdon from Christchurch-based Canterbury District Health Board, along with senior representatives from the Heart Foundation, RMIT University and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and Greater Shepparton City Council.
