Hamilton Indoor Leisure and Aquatic Centre nominated for VIC Kids Eat Well Awards

Changes implemented at the Hamilton Indoor Leisure and Aquatic Centre cafe to support healthier food options has seen HILAC nominated in the first Vic Kids Eat Well awards and is one of the top five State Finalists.

Vic Kids Eat Well is a new state-wide movement  focused on transforming the food and drink environments where children spend their time – in schools, Outside School Hours Care and a wide range of community organisations – such as aquatic centres, sports clubs and community facilities. Vic Kids Eat Well is supported by the Victorian Government, and is delivered by Cancer Council Victoria’s Achievement Program, in partnership with Nutrition Australia’s Healthy Eating Advisory Service.

Southern Grampians Shire Council Coordinator Leisure Services Di Dixon said the Council facility signed up as a Vic Kids Eat Well (VKEW) partner last year to introduce new foods and physical changes making healthier choices easier.

Dixon notes “the program has been something we are really proud of as we knew there were better food options we could offer patrons, especially kids to contribute to better health and wellbeing outcomes.

“We started with small changes like moving the placement of lollies behind the counter and drinks in the fridge and also cooking fried items in an air fryer.

“Some of the newer additions have been sweet potato chips, fruit cups, yoghurt and granola cups, and yoghurt pouches. In just making these small adjustments, we have made an incredible difference to our offerings.

“We have also rejuvenated the kitchen to include a juicer and food processor which has allowed us to offer zucchini muffins, mini pizzas, pasta salad and 100% fruit pops.

“We are really excited by the changes we have been able to make to align with our service values. We are now in the planning stages to work with the community to see what items they would like to see added to our new and improved menu.”

Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor David Robertson said the changes made at HILAC align with Council’s Community Public Health and Wellbeing Plan.

Mayor Robertson adds “It’s really great to see these successful changes now in place to support a healthy community that promotes and supports healthy lifestyles which is a major focus of our Health and Wellbeing Plan.

“We know that contributing to better health outcomes is a whole-of-community responsibility and as a Council it is our role to provide opportunities and work alongside partners and community members to combine our efforts into producing better health outcomes.

“With these small changes, the HILAC team have been able to make a big impact and are well-deserved of their nomination.”

HILAC will also host a community information session on Tuesday 28th March 2023 between 6:00pm – 7:30pm to Create Healthy Canteens where clubs and recreation groups will have the opportunity to brainstorm on practical changes their clubs can make to provide healthier canteen options.

The information session is a free event where residents will hear from other clubs who have been able to make successful changes.

Learn more or join Vic Kids Eat Well at vickidseatwell.health.vic.gov.au