National Healthy Community Award winners announced

The Heart Foundation's 2011 National Healthy Community Awards Winners have been announced, rewarding councils for their commitment to creating healthy communities at a national and state level with cash awards, plaques and certificates.
Bellingen Shire Council in New South Wales was awarded for best practice in creating a healthy community, winning the category for populations of 15,000 or less. The Council's incorporation of healthy planning principles within standard local government planning policies and instruments has resulted in environmental changes which will have a positive health impact in the region.
The Hobart City Council took out the category for populations greater than 15,000 with their investment in community facilities and various communication and engagement strategies to encourage awareness and participation in healthy activities, community programs and events in the city.
One of its initiatives - the 'Smoke Free Strategy' - has banned smoking in all council owned buildings, children's playgrounds and the three pedestrian malls within the CBD.