Victorian Nationals: VicHealth initiatives promoting participation in the east

Two local East Gippsland projects have been successful in attracting funding through VicHealth’s Jumpstart! Program, to deliver exciting new programs for young people (aged 0- 25) with the focus being all about building vibrant communities through food, art and play.

Nationals State Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, a former Vic Health Board Member, congratulated Yoowinna Wurnalung Aboriginal Healing Service and Metung Yacht Club for being successfully selected through the Jumpstart! initiative.

Mr Bull said with the support of VicHealth funding, the Metung Yacht club will expand its Junior Sailing Program to be inclusive for all young sailors, through the purchase of all abilities sailing equipment.

The Yoowinna Wurnalung Aboriginal Healing Service will deliver an after-school program for Aboriginal grade 5-6 students that will provide an inclusive space for connecting with culture through art, getting on country, cultural games and sharing stories and food and will develop a bush tucker garden.

“It is easy to see why these two local initiatives have been successfully funded, and it is fantastic these opportunities exist for young people to take part in locally,” Mr Bull said.

“Never before has it been more important to find ways to encourage young people to engage in healthy activities that support connection and inclusion. It is pleasing to see so many community activities finally return to normal participation levels post lockdown.

“Instilling life-long healthy habits is a simple way we can invest in the future of our young people.

“Personally, I would like to thank those in our region who run the countless community-lead programs in my electorate. It takes a power of work and commitment to ensure these activities can be enjoyed by others, which are often run by volunteers and families of participants,” Mr Bull said.