| The Hepburn Healthy Communities Project commenced in May 2004 when Council resolved to develop an integrated social/health planning strategy, which involved a 10 Year Social Plan, Municipal Health Plan and detailed Daylesford/Hepburn Springs Needs Assessment.
Consultants Clark Phillips Pty Ltd was engaged to develop the plans. This involved researching demographics and conducting a range of consultations with community groups and individuals and other key stakeholders. A Steering Committee of representatives from a broad range of local organisations and government departments was formed to provide input to the project.
Hepburn Shire Council adopted the completed plans in March 2005. A submission was then developed and lodged with the Department of Victorian Communities to implement the Hepburn Healthy Communities strategies.
Council was advised of its successful application in November 2005 with $300,000 being provided by the Community Support Fund for the three year project.
By providing this grant the State Government acknowledged the tremendous value of the project which will allow for many short and long term actions.
The project relied heavily on input from the community and an Advisory Committee including residents appointed to assist with the project. Community members are Ally Parnaby, Di Parsons, Fiona Robson, Janet McKay, Janine Booth, Jo Kidd, Kathleen Brannigan, Mary-Faeth Chenery, Max Watson, Michelle Leishman, Pauline Fay, Sussan Smith and Sylvia Stevens.
The committee worked together on the project with Hepburn Shire Council Community Strengthening Coordinator Brian Dunn, Manager Community Services Martin Walmsley, Communications Officer Sue Moses and Youth Development Officer Jane Barclay and Senior Environmental Health Officer Andrew Jalanski.
The committee worked together on the project with Hepburn Shire Council Community Strengthening Coordinator Brian Dunn, Manager Community Services Martin Walmsley, Communications Officer Sue Moses and Youth Development Coordinator Jane Barclay.
The project was designed to consider the many and varied needs and requirements of those living in the Hepburn Shire including affordability of housing, transport, employment, community buildings and meeting places, youth and childhood services.
The project also placed great importance on the less tangible requirements for a healthy community, the things that create a ‘sense of community.
Research has shown that communities that are closely connected, where people can rely on each other for support, are healthier and happier.
Hepburn Healthy Communities Project goals included promoting ways for people to get involved in their communities so they could make towns and areas better places to live, learn and work.
The Hepburn Shire Council through its Hepburn Healthy Communities Project is committed to building stronger and more capable organisations and networks for people, developing skills for local leaders and community participants and building more inclusive and sustainable networks.
The project was completed January 2009. The final report is included below.
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