Healthy Communities Mid North Coast Coordinator Amy Sawyer said the quality of applications and the obvious interest by local groups to improve the health of their communities was very impressive.

“The aim of the Innovation Fund is to support community-led projects that look to improve the health and well-being of our region. The 39 successful projects in round one ranged from supporting pre-schoolers’ access to healthy food right through to a senior’s dancing program” Ms Sawyer said.

In the Macleay region, seven projects were funded through the grant program.

Lower Macleay Preschool has used its grant to start a project called “Exercise is Fun with my Family”. This project involves a personal trainer running regular exercise classes for children and families to participate in together.

Educator Debbie Dillon said the Healthy Communities Mid North Coast Innovation Fund enabled the project to get off the ground, allowing children to enjoy being physically active with their families as well as supporting families to learn ways that they can encourage their children to be physically active.

“Families and educators have the capacity to be effective role models for children, showing them that exercise is fun and enjoyable. Exercising together builds relationships while maintaining a healthy lifestyle,” Ms Dillon said.

“This project will continue throughout 2019 and all Lower Macleay Preschool families are welcome to join in.”

Round two of the Healthy Communities Mid North Coast Innovation Fund will open in May 2019. For further information, including application process and eligibility, visit the Healthy Communities Mid North Coast website www.healthycommunitiesmnc.com.au/Innovation-funds/​ 

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