Welcome to our monthly newsletter. This newsletter is intended for our Pillar partners, and provides updates on the Pillars current projects and health & wellbeing news from across the region. Your feedback on the content and format are always welcomed and appreciated.
G21 is delighted to announce the launch of our new look website. This includes the merging of the G21 Health and Wellbeing Pillar website with the G21 website. This is an exciting opportunity to simplify the way our online resource work, make it far more user friendly and strengthen our connection with other G21 Pillars. This will enable a strengthening of greater cross Pillar collaboration, and contribute to future outcomes for the G21 Region.
The annual G21 Stakeholder Forum is set for Friday 4 December from 9.30am to 11.30am. You can find details on how to register above. This year’s Forum is being live streamed and is free of charge for all registered participants. When registering, in lieu of charging a fee, participants have the opportunity to donate to several local respected charities that support the community in the G21 Region.
Work with the Social and Affordable Housing Steering Committee is progressing, exploring options as to how social housing can be a part of the G21 Region economic recovery and the new COVID normal. This also includes building a vision and longer term plan for social housing within the G21 Region. The G21 Health and Wellbeing Pillar Healthy Eating and Active Living (HEAL) Initiative has commenced the final year actions as part of the 4 year G21 Regional HEAL plan. This includes ensuring the impacts and implications of the pandemic have been taken into account, and the capacity of partners to achieve meaningful outcomes over the next 12 months. The comprehensive plan, which will form the basis of DHHS plans for IHP funded organisations, as well as providing summaries of activity for the five LGAs MPHWB Plans, are available on the G21 website.
The three part series of workshops to progress the “towards a new model of HWB planning” with Lenny Jenner was completed and next steps currently being completed. The series was an exploration of roles and responsibilities, expectations and accountability across LGAs, health services and NGOs. A summary of the workshops and approaches can be found under projects on the G21 HWB Pillar page of the website. These workshops were incredibly well attended, and will be brought back to the G21 HWB Pillar Executive for further expansion.
Work has begun on the refresh of the 10-year anniversary of the “Growing up in G21” project, and capturing a 2020 update. The “Growing up in G21” document is anticipated to form that basis of LGAs Early Years Plans which are due for renewal in 2021. This work will also include known impacts of the pandemic on 0-8 year old's in the G21 region. Further information around engagement and consultation will be available in the coming weeks.
This month, G21 HWB Pillar was pleased to be supporting the “Local and Vocal” Youth Summit. The Summit, as part of the ‘Connected Community’ project was attended by over 100 young people in the G21 region. G21 Region youth designed the forum, and led the sessions to explore social isolation, and design and brainstorm activities and ways to reduce, minimise and resolve disconnection in youth in the G21 Region. Guest speakers included Jason Trethowan, CEO of Headspace and Irene Verins, Manger of Mental Health and Wellbeing at VicHealth.
Our website is updated daily with links around the latest COVID-19 advice and updates from DHHS, as well as comprehensive links around mental health and wellbeing, how to prevent infection and spread, and emergency relief and links to support for those experiencing financial distress.
The Barwon Month of Action provides an opportunity for individuals, groups and organisations in the Geelong and Barwon region to unite in their commitment to ending male violence against women.
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that kicks off on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day.
Social Inclusion Week aims to help all Australians feel included and valued, giving everyone the opportunity to participate fully in society.
To find out more click here
NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The November dates follow the decision by the National NAIDOC Committee (NNC) to postpone NAIDOC Week from the original July dates due to the impacts and uncertainty from the escalating Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Black Dog Institute have developed an evidence-informed workplace mental health toolkit, to assist in the understanding of common mental health issues in the workplace, and provides strategies and resources to support those who may be experiencing a mental health condition.
Providing your staff with an asset like our mental health toolkit supports their individual wellbeing and the overall wellbeing of your business.
This online Forum is designed for people who work with community. It would be of interest to both implementers and decision makers. Our speakers will showcase evidence-based strategies to help you promote mental wellbeing and prevent a rise in mental health conditions in your communities. The forum will include keynote presentations, panel discussions, and interactive Q & A sessions with online attendees.
The Barwon Month of Action & 16 Days Campaign youth working group are inviting young people in Greater Geelong, to submit artwork to raise awareness and educate the community about men’s violence against women and children.
This year we are asking you to again support Run 4 Geelong by signing up and completing your chosen distance on Sunday November 15 in an area close to home.
By signing up 100% of your registration fee will directly support an area of your choice within Barwon Health and you will receive your iconic Run 4 Geelong t-shirt that we know you all love.
The powerful potential of food and physical activity to calm the mind and restore mental well-being will be tested in a new study looking for a sustainable treatment for depression among people feeling distressed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Golden Plains Shire Council Community Awards 2020 are an opportunity to formally acknowledge extraordinary individuals and community groups who make an outstanding contribution to Golden Plains Shire.
The City of Greater Geelong have announced indoor gyms and pools are reopening for limited gym, group exercise and lap swimming from Friday 6 November.
Council has updated its Community Engagement Policy to comply with the new Local Government Act 2020 and is now seeking your feedback on a draft policy.
Congratulations to Colac Area Health Dietitian Megan Green on winning the 2020 Victorian Rural Health Award ‘Outstanding Contribution by a Rural Health Professional’ award.
The Colac Otway Shire community is set to catch dreams, create a 1000-piece origami installation, host a mini music festival and celebrate street theatre, among an exciting list of Council-supported art projects to revive our post-COVID spirit.
Sadly, yet understandably, the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race has been cancelled this summer due to the impacts of the pandemic. This is a major event for our region that draws large crowds every year and delivers a significant economic benefit.
The SAFV Centre will be delivering a number of activities throughout the 16 Days, including daily posts on our social media of evidence-based information about preventing gender-based violence against women in the workplace, in the home and on the streets.
Over two days, participants will attend a panel discussion, keynote presentation, lightning talks and breakout sessions. Together we will tackle some of the challenges facing Victoria’s prevention sector.
IDPwD is a United Nations observed day celebrated internationally. It aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate their achievements and contributions. For more information click here
