The Member for Shepparton, Jeanette Powell is encouraging residents in the Shepparton district to nominate health promotion champions for the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation Awards.

Building upon the VicHealth Awards in recognition of inspiring health promotion work throughout Victoria, applications for the awards are now open to the general public, as well as health, sports, education, not-for-profit organisations and governments.

Mrs Powell said this is an excellent opportunity to recognise and reward those in the community who are promoting a healthy lifestyle.

“It might be a football trainer, a teacher, a cook, a local employer who is providing positive inspiration for others in our community to lead a healthier lifestyle,” Mrs Powell said.

“Health, sport and active recreation groups are important as they are focal points which keep the community together,” Mrs Powell said.

“The awards are also open to the Greater Shepparton City Council for its efforts in promoting healthier lifestyles in our community.

“I strongly encourage everyone to think of a person or organisation helping promote healthy living in our community,” Mrs Powell said.

There are nine categories to enter:
• Knowledge and understanding
• Tackling health inequalities
• Building health through arts
• Building health through sports
• Building health through education
• Building health through community and local governments
• Building health through workplaces
• Communications in health promotion
• Outstanding individual contribution to health promotion practice.

Nominations close Friday 14 September and can be submitted at: www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/awards

The awards recognise the most outstanding research projects, individual champions, community programs and initiatives designed to improve the health of Victorians.

The initiative, project or individual nominated must have been active in Victoria from the period of 1 July 2011 to 1 July 2012. Entry is free. Winners will be announced at VicHealth’s Annual General Meeting on 5 December 2012.

Self-nominations are accepted, as are nominations on another person or organisation’s behalf. Nominations will be judged by a panel drawn from key health promotion and public health experts.

Alternatively, email awards@vichealth.vic.gov.au or call 03 9667 1323 for more information.