A preventative health program aimed at tackling Wyndham’s obesity epidemic is destined for the scrap-heap come December 31.
State and federal governments failed to continue funding in the 2015-16 budgets for the Healthy Together program, which was set up to tackle problems in 12 communities across Victoria, including Wyndham.
The program is funded until the end of this year but the decision by the state and federal governments means it won’t be able to continue.
Wyndham mayor Peter Maynard slammed both levels of government for their decision.
“The loss of Healthy Together Wyndham means local community members won’t get the support they need to make small changes for a healthier lifestyle,” he said, calling the decision “short-sighted”.
“We are calling on the state and federal governments to make a long-term commitment to working alongside local governments, including Wyndham, to tackle the obesity epidemic and chronic, preventable diseases like Type 2 diabetes,” Cr Maynard said.
Latest health statistics reveal only five per cent of adults living in Wyndham eat enough vegetables, while about 53 per cent of residents are overweight or obese.
Almost 25 per cent of women in Wyndham smoke, compared with 17 per cent across Victoria.
More than 40 per cent of adults and more than 85 per cent of 13 to 17-year-olds do not get enough daily exercise.
In the two-and-a-half years that Healthy Together Wyndham has operated, the program has reached about 54,500 residents.
Cr Maynard said two-thirds of Wyndham schools, kindergartens and childcare centres are involved in the program, along with 39 businesses.
“With estimates that, for every $1 invested in health prevention programs, $5 is saved in healthcare costs, it makes good economic sense to continue Healthy Together,” he said.
“Healthy Together Wyndham has run cooking and vegetable growing courses and established exercise programs, walking and cycling groups.”
