Maribyrnong Council’s Get Active! at home program nominated for award

By Molly Magennis

Maribyrnong council has been announced as a finalist in the 2021 health promotion awards.

Council has been nominated for its Get Active! at Home Series, a six week interactive online program they launched last year.

The program is a finalist under the category ‘Outstanding Health Promotion’, which recognises a health promotion organisation or program that was able to be flexible and innovative in supporting people across the state to improve their health and happiness in 2019-21.

Health Minister Martin Foley said the awards recognise groups and people across Victoria who made a big difference to communities over the course of the past two years.

“This year’s awards recognise a wide range of initiatives, many of which have supported communities to reconnect and rebuild following the impacts of the global pandemic and the 2020 bushfires,” he said.

VicHealth chief executive Dr Sandro Demaio said more than 150 organisations and individuals were nominated for awards this year.

“These awards are a chance to recognise and celebrate the inspiring individuals and dedicated organisations working tirelessly to make our communities happier and healthier,” he said.

“The 41 finalists include a vast range of people and projects, including those working to empower young people, deliver healthy food to communities doing it tough, and support people to take care of their mental wellbeing or get active.”

The Get Active! At home series featured a number of activities such as yoga, dance classes, gymnastics and taekwondo. The series built on the Councils also established Get Active! program that usually runs in person, but was adapted due to the pandemic.