McKinlay Shire Council has been recognised for its contribution to tackling heart disease in the 2014 Heart Foundation Local Government Awards. The Highly Commended Award for populations less than 15,
McKinlay Shire Council has been recognised for its contribution to tackling heart disease in the 2014 Heart Foundation Local Government Awards.
The Highly Commended Award for populations less than 15,000 people acknowledges the Council's innovative strategies that support their community to be healthy.
Heart Foundation Queensland CEO, Stephen Vines said the awards highlight the significant role of local governments in helping reduce the risk for serious disabling diseases, such as heart disease.
"These awards are important as they showcase the outstanding achievements of local governments in the continuing fight against heart disease – the single biggest killer of Australian men and women," Mr Vines said.
"Local governments play a pivotal role in introducing structural change, implementing policies and creating supportive environments which encourage people to be physically active, eat healthier and quit smoking.
"When healthy options are easy, and there are plenty of fun, affordable and safe opportunities, people are more likely to adopt healthier habits – that's a great health outcome," he said.
Mr Vines said he was impressed with McKinlay Shire Council, a rural outback region with a modest population of just 1000 people, as it had shown outstanding commitment to the health of their community.
"I congratulate McKinlay Shire Council for their efforts in the provision of cost effective activities and events to inspire the community to get involved," he said.
McKinlay Shire Council Mayor Belinda Murphy was delighted with the announcement and said the award recognises the dedication of their close knit community efforts to be healthy.
"I am so pleased for our community to be recognised with this award, like my colleagues and all our residents who live in this magnificent part of the world, I am passionate about the shire and the healthy lifestyles it provides," Cr Murphy said.
"It is important to us, to ensure our residents health is supported and encouraged and I thank everyone in the shire for their commitment to our healthy lifestyle programs."
The award will be presented at the local Town vs Country football game, on Friday 19th September.
The Heart Foundation acknowledged all the entrants and the high quality of submissions received.
"Each year, we receive an increasingly high standard of nominations and I applaud the dedicated well managed effort of all the councils, in helping Queenslanders live long healthy and productive lives," Mr Vines said.
McKinlay Shire Council initiatives include:
- Community Health Nurse: A joint initiative with Queensland Health, the Community Health Nurse works to support the provision of aged care services, acute care, in the home care and health promotion within the McKinlay Shire.
- McKinlay Cycle Way and Bike Hire: Free bike hire encourages locals and visitors onto popular cycle way tracks, to enjoy the country sights.
- Anyone can get active: Councillors in training for the local Julia Creek Dirt and Dust Triathlon organised to compete against neighbouring councils raising funds along the way for the winners. As a result, the council won, and donated significant funds to their local sports association to host fitness classes for the community.