The McGowan Government, through Lotterywest and Healthway, has provided $821,000 in funding to develop a new program to support young Aboriginal people living in the Gascoyne and Murchison regions to build healthier lives.
Funding provided to the Stephen Michael Foundation will deliver the Strong and Active Communities program to remote and isolated communities over the next three years.
The program will use sport, recreation, community and cultural activities to provide opportunities for children and young people to participate in healthy activities. Modified sporting activities will also be offered to provide opportunities for children and young people with a disability to participate.
As part of this program, Foodbank’s Superhero Foods healthy eating message will be integrated into culturally appropriate resources to promote good nutrition.
The Stephen Michael Foundation will also incorporate culturally respectful frameworks, smoke and alcohol-free environments and provide healthy eating options across all the program’s activities.
Lotterywest and Healthway are committed to investing in programs that build better and healthier communities for Western Australians.
For more information on grant programs, eligibility and recently approved grants, visit
https://www.lotterywest.wa.gov.au/grants and https://www.healthway.wa.gov.au/
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
“This is an innovative program that will help to deliver important social and health benefits for young people living in the Gascoyne and Murchison regions.
“Supporting young people in this way provides important pathways for them to participate and become valued members of their community.
“This grant is a strong example of Lotterywest and Healthway working together to offer complementary grants programs supporting young people living in regional and remote communities in Western Australia.”
As stated by Youth Minister Dave Kelly:
“This three-year program is creating a sustained pathway towards positive physical and mental health for young people across the Gascoyne and Murchison regions.
“We are committed to providing positive role models and avenues for young people to embrace their education, culture and self-worth.
“Joint funding from Lotterywest and Healthway is working to ensure key areas of this program are equipped to support Western Australians in need.”
As stated by Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Kyle McGinn:
“It’s exciting to see such an innovative program being delivered to young Aboriginal people in the Gascoyne and Murchison regions.
“Delivering the program in a culturally appropriate way will greatly enhance its effectiveness and contribute to healthy outcome for kids in remote and isolated communities.”
