Northern Territory healthy lifestyle programs continue to receive funding

The Northern Territory Government’s investment of about $300,000 via Healthy Lifestyle Grants will allow 11 local organisations to deliver active lifestyle or healthy eating programs across the Territory.

This year marks the fourth round of the grants and are set to support a range of new projects, such as boxing mentoring and train-the-trainer workshops in six locations in Big Rivers Region; healthy food and active lifestyle projects in town camps in Central Australia, and a health education program for school-aged children in Darwin and Palmerston.

Programs will run in both urban and remote locations across the Territory, including in the Top End, East Arnhem, Big Rivers, Barkly and Central Australia regions.

Last year saw eight grants awarded, including $20,000 to the Mawurli and Wirriwangkuma Aboriginal Corporation in Borroloola.

The Mawurli and Wirriwangkuma Aboriginal Corporation is delivering bush camps and a community-driven mountain bike riding program for youth and school aged children in the Big Rivers Region. (The Big Rivers region begins south of Kakadu National Park encompassing Pine Creek, then extends over 500km south to Kalkarindji and stretches across the width of the Territory between the Western Australia and Queensland borders. The region is significant in scale, covering over 360,000 square kilometres.)

To date, 30 projects have received more than $630,000 to deliver locally led initiatives that support healthy lifestyles through creating environments and settings that support good health.

Other projects funded in previous rounds include:

• Community programs growing participation in walking, cycling, active recreation and sport;

• Projects improving access and availability of healthy food and drink options in community settings e.g, childcare centres, schools, shops, parks, food outlets, community centres, leisure centres and sporting clubs.

• Projects creating healthier environments e.g., minor infrastructure installations including water bubblers and exercise equipment.

The Healthy Lifestyle Grants are part of the Territory Government’s commitment to supporting healthy lifestyles and preventative health programs for Territorians.

For more information, visit: nt.gov.au/community/grants-and-volunteers/grants/healthy-lifestyle-grants-program