Young Shire Council has just become one of three councils in the state recognised for their efforts to foster a healthy community.
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Cancer Council NSW announced Young Shire Council was the recipient of the Alive and Well Partnership Award at the Local Government Awards evening in Chatswood on Wednesday, August 15, for their outstanding efforts to reduce the impact of cancer in the community.
Last year council adopted a comprehensive smoke-free outdoor area policy that covers areas such as local parks, recreational facilities and alfresco dining areas.
Together with funding from the Cancer Council and the Heart Foundation, council invested in a project coordinated by council’s health and community services officer Sally Atkinson to have no smoking signage put up around town.
“It was a $5000 initiative between council, the Cancer Council and the Heart Foundation and putting up no smoking signage in play, recreational and outdoor dining areas were our highest focus,” council’s planning, environment and strategic services director Craig Filmer said.
“The measures that have been put in place is just common sense to protect our kids from the perils of smoking,” he said.
Council were also recognised for several other initiatives such as undertaking activities to increase physical activity, healthy eating, and reducing sun and smoking exposure to both residents and workers.
They have supported Young’s community garden and held a range of human service and health expos, as well as playing an active role in calling for improved access to health services in the area and participating in several health-related networks.
Cancer Council NSW’s southern regional manager Toby Dawson travelled to Young on Thursday to personally present the award and congratulate council.
“The award is to recognise the great work Young Shire Council have put in for the development of their community,” Mr Dawson said.
“Grant funding is only as good as the partnership that drives it,” he added.
“It’s a symbol of recognition that council have demonstrated to see cancer defeated in the Young community,” Mr Dawson said.
He also said the program was done well in advance of the state government’s announcement this year to introduce smoke free areas through legislation.
“Council’s like the one here in Young are the absolute backbone of our society, and I am delighted that it has stepped up to play a leadership role in creating a community that is alive and well,” Mr Dawson said.
For more information about how Cancer Council is working together with local councils visit www.cancercouncil.com.au/localgovernment.
