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A host of organisations and individuals striving to improve the health and wellbeing of communities across Victoria have been unveiled today as finalists in the 2022 Victorian Health Promotion Awards.
VicHealth CEO, Dr Sandro Demaio, said the awards celebrate the amazing work of groups and individuals making a difference through health promotion initiatives across the state.
“The 36 finalists unveiled today have shown incredible commitment to the health and wellbeing of communities across Victoria in the past year,” Dr Demaio said.
“The 2022 Victorian Health Promotion Awards are the perfect platform to showcase the great work happening in health promotion, and to inspire others to do the same.”
There are 9 award categories in the 2022 Victorian Health Promotion Awards – including inaugural Future Changemaker Award, proudly supported by the Australian Health Promotion Association (Vic/Tas).
“All of our finalists deserve this recognition for their extraordinary work,” Dr Demaio said.
“They have all played a big part in enhancing the health and wellbeing of their respective communities across Victoria.”
“We’re looking forward to celebrating our impressive finalists at an awards ceremony on Monday 13 February 2023. It’s a chance for us to say an enormous thank you for the work they do to improve the health of our communities.”
2022 Victorian Health Promotion Awards finalists by category
Outstanding Health Promotion Award: There are many incredible organisations and programs working hard to improve community health and wellbeing. This category recognises a health promotion organisation or program that was able to be flexible, innovative and successful in supporting Victorians to improve their health and quality of life.
The finalists are:
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healthAbility – Baby Makes 3
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enliven Victoria – Grow Together
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Inspiro Community Health Service – Morning Move for Mind
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Merri Health – Hello, Fawkner!
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Monash University – Hospo Drinking Cultures
Driving Health Equity Award: All Victorians deserve to live healthy happy lives. This category recognises a health promotion organisation or program that works to support Victorians facing greater barriers to health and wellbeing, including, but not limited to, people with disability, people on low incomes, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, people living in regional/rural areas and LGBTIQ+ Victorians.
The finalists are:
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Arts Gen – Transomatics
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Barwon Child, Youth & Family – Feed Me Right
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Cinespace Inc. – Smartphone Stories
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enliven Victoria – Joey and the Heatwave
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Hawks Community Foundation – Hawks for All
Building Back Better Award: We have been challenged like never before by the global pandemic and extreme weather events, but the resilience of Victorians has shone through. This category recognises a health promotion organisation or program that has been creative and impactful in supporting recovery and improving the health and wellbeing of their community following the impact of recent global or local challenges.
The finalists are:
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Brophy Family and Youth Services – STOKED Surf Therapy
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Leisure Networks – Mini Movers in Schools
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Smiling Mind – Feeling It 2.0
Future Healthy Award: Supporting young people’s health and wellbeing now sets them up for a healthy future. This category recognises a health promotion organisation or program working with Victoria’s young people facing greater barriers to improve their health and wellbeing.
The finalists are:
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Bellarine Community Health – Youth Guerrilla Garden
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Melbourne City Football Club – City in the Community
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Kids Thrive – The Bridge (Kids Power Up)
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Minus18 – Young Leaders Program
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Surfing Victoria – Victorian Indigenous Surfing Program
Community Legend Award: Volunteers are the heart and soul of our communities. This category recognises the individuals and groups who dedicate their time, passion and energy to improve the health and wellbeing of their community.
The finalists are:
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Women on Walks – Annie Vickers-Willis
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St Mary's Sporting Club – Kevin McMahon
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Merri Health – Ready, Set, Prep! Community Champions
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Victoria Walks – Sean Mathews
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Seed Lakeside Community Garden – Shae Wilson
Leading Health Promotion Research Award: Research changes lives. This category recognises a Victorian researcher/team that has conducted invaluable health promotion research, contributing significantly to our knowledge about what works to prevent chronic disease and improve health and wellbeing of Victorians.
The finalists are:
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Bendigo Health – Making every consultation count
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Cardinia Shire Council – Reimagining for a Food Secure Future in Cardinia Shire
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Monash University – Heealth4Her
Outstanding Media Reporting Award: A powerful media story can be the catalyst for real change. This category recognises a Victorian journalist that has delivered accurate, impactful and/or compelling health promotion reporting, helping people to increase control over their health and wellbeing.
The finalists are:
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Archer Magazine – Disabilities issue
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Geelong Advertiser – Tamara McDonald
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SBS News – Zain Nabi
Stephen Walter Excellence in Health Promotion Marketing Award: The way we communicate about health and wellbeing matters. This category acknowledges an effective and innovative health promotion campaign and/or communications activity.
The finalists are:
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Cancer Council Victoria – Food Fight
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DPV Health – Let’s Bring Change Together
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Thorne Harbour Health – Safe Always
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Youth Affairs Council Victoria – COVID-19 Youth Ambassadors
Future Changemaker Award: Proudly supported by the Australian Health Promotion Association (AHPA) (Vic/Tas), this category recognises a young emerging health promotion student (or recent graduate) or volunteer aged 18-25 who demonstrates passion and energy in improving the health and wellbeing of members of their local community or organisation.
The finalists are:
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Emily Unity
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Krushnadevsinh (Kano) Ravalji
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Zoe Nikakis.
Media contacts:
Shannon Crane 0432 157 270 [email protected]
James Lindsey 0400 714 187 [email protected]
