The City of Armadale delivered the Eat Act Live program as part of the federally funded Healthy Communities Initiative, under the National Partnership Agreement on Preventative Health.
Eat Act Live provided the residents of Armadale and Gosnells with access to physical activity and nutrition education programs that increased their capacity to improve health and wellbeing, and reduce the impact of chronic disease. The programs delivered included the locally developed Healthy Around the House, Benchwarmers and Get Fresh and the national program, Lift for Life.
941 participants completed the programs at various locations throughout the City over the term of the funding, March 2012 to March 2014. The facilities included Armadale Arena, Champion Centre and local parks and reserves, exposing participants to the existing spaces and amenities available to support the Armadale community to lead healthy, active lifestyles.
Eat Act Live empowered selected participants to go on to complete certificates in Fitness, Community Development and/or Leadership Development and Nutrition.
Mayor Henry Zelones said the achievements of the Eat Act Live program have been formally recognised, with the program reaching the top four state finalists for the Australian Medical Association WA and Healthway Healthier WA Award 2014.
“The Healthier WA Award recognises excellence and innovation in primary prevention, through the delivery of initiatives that make a significant impact on the reduction of disease or injury in the WA community.
“City of Armadale representatives attended the Australian Medical Association WA 2014 Charity Gala Dinner and Awards Night held on Saturday 7 June, where the winner was announced.
“The four finalists included the Heart Foundation’s state funded Live Lighter campaign, Holyoake’s Drumbeat Program and the winner of the award for 2014, Alive and Kicking Goals!, a youth suicide prevention project based in the Kimberley.
“The local success of the Eat Act Live program has not only provided the community with opportunities to participate in healthy activities, but built the individual capacity of those participants to maintain their healthy habits and support their families and community to follow their example,” said Mayor Zelones.