Investing in better health outcomes in community

Guy Barnett, Minister for Health

The health and wellbeing of Tasmanians will be boosted with 37 organisations receiving funding under the latest round of the Rockliff Liberal Government’s Healthy Tasmania Step Forward Grants program for 2023-24.

Step Forward grants provide up to $5000 for a wide range of activities and equipment that support health and wellbeing in the community, such as equipment and training.

Minister for Health, Guy Barnett said the grants are an important part of the Government’s long-term plan to improve the health and wellbeing of all Tasmanians.

“Preventive health initiatives such as this are vitally important as they not only help Tasmanians live healthy and active lives, but also reduce the pressure on our health system in the long term,” Minister Barnett said.

“This latest round invests $162,000 in a range of initiatives across the State that promote and maintain the health and wellbeing of individuals, while increasing community spirit and participation.”

Successful initiatives funded under this round include:

  • $5000 for Hobart Gymnastics Academy Incorporated to buy equipment and run promotional activities;
  • $5000 for New Story Company Inc. to work with local women to establish a women’s theatre group in Bridgewater;
  • $4773 for Cygnet Community Children’s Centre Inc to teach the children who attend the Centre about growing food and to be able to propagate our own ongoing supply of vegetable seedlings;
  • $5000 for Tasman (Nubeena) Neighbourhood House Community Fridge to promote healthy eating through cool storage of fresh produce for free collection or affordable purchase by users of Tasman Community House;
  • $5000 for JCP Youth Ltd for a basketball program designed to support at-risk and vulnerable young Tasmanians; and
  • $3000 for Ulverstone Pickleball Club for equipment and start-up costs for new club to promote sport to all but especially older and physically challenged members of the community.

The Step Forward Grants are one of four grant programs in the Healthy Tasmania Fund.

The Rockliff Liberal Government has committed $8 million over four years towards the fund, which is a key part of the Healthy Tasmania Five-Year Strategic Plan 2022-2026.

“We are making sure our investments are getting to the right places and ensuring our communities have the right tools and facilities to live healthy, active lives,” Minister Barnett said.

“Because that’s what matters.”

/Public Release. View in full here.