Central Victorian residents are encouraged to go online at www.srcentre.com.au/ALC from today until June 16 to complete the Healthy Heart of Victoria 2019 Active Living Census.
The census is aiming to find out what people living in the Loddon Campaspe region do to keep active, what stops them from being active and what would it take for them to become more active.
The Loddon Campaspe region includes all residents living in the City of Greater Bendigo and the Shires of Campaspe, Loddon, Mount Alexander, Macedon Ranges and Central Goldfields.
Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Margaret O’Rourke said the aim of the census is to seek local and regional data on the community’s health behaviours, activity levels, preferences and needs.
“No other region in Australia will have this type of data, so it will put the Loddon Campaspe region in a powerful position to advocate for the region’s needs. It will also be a great tool for obtaining funding to support projects that provide better outcomes in the future and help drive ongoing change in our region,” Cr O’Rourke.
“Our region currently has high levels of heart disease, obesity and cancers, which could be prevented by living a healthier lifestyle.
“People can be active in lots of different ways. The census is not just about those who participate in organised sport we really want everyone to tell us what they already do to be active, if there is anything that stops them from being active or what they think can be done to encourage them to become more active.
“The findings from the census will be used to produce an overarching report for the Loddon Campaspe Region and individual reports that are unique to each of the six local government areas.
“It’s an exciting initiative for our region because it will help local Councils, health agencies, sporting clubs and government departments to better plan, develop and enhance recreational facilities and health promotion services to improve the future health and wellbeing of our local communities.
“I encourage all residents to take a few minutes out of their day, visit www.srcentre.com.au/ALC and fill out the census to have a chance of winning some great prizes.”
A prize pool of $12,000 is available with 84 chances to win, including a $4,000 Early Prize Draw for online entries between May 20 and 26. The remaining draws for both online and hard copy entries will be open from May 27 to June 16.
The census is supported by the Victorian Government and is a part of Healthy Heart of Victoria, an initiative of the Loddon Campaspe Regional Partnership that aims to improve health outcomes for residents living in central Victoria. The census will also be delivered to more than 117,000 homes in the Loddon Campaspe region in coming weeks.
