Plan to maximise healthy behaviour
COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, FEBRUARY 2, 2023 5
THE Health Plan adopted by the Collie Shire Council aims to maximise healthy behaviours among residents, including physical activity, healthy eating and giving attention to mental health. Preventing injuries, providing a safer community and maintaining the long-term aim to reduce smoking, alcohol consumption and drug use are also highlighted in the plan, which has been aligned with both council’s recently adopted strategic plan and the Just Transition plan. Collie has an acknowledged socio-economic rating which is lower than the State average, placing it at a disadvantage when it comes to health outcomes. Lower income, housing, education and early developmental limitations can lead to poorer health outcomes. Research suggests that 20 percent of Australians living in the lowest socio-economic areas were 1.6 times as likely as
the highest 20 percent to have at least two chronic health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. However, the natural environment, with its abundance of natural trails, waterways and recreational facilities, provides clean water and air, and many opportunities for both exercise and recreation. While Collie residents were better than the state average for risks associated with cholesterol, and similar for high blood pressure, mental health problems were much worse. With the town transitioning away from power generation and coal mining, the Just Transition process has been aiming to support the community through this period. The health plan acknowledges the need to press for better resources and facilities to deal with mental health matters. It makes clear that a strong economy
is needed to provide services for all residents. The changing demographic shows that males slightly outnumber females; the younger group is increasing; with empty nesters, retirees, seniors and the elderly making up numbers slightly higher than the rest of the state. The number of aboriginals (4.2 percent) is also higher than the state average (3.1 percent). This adds up to a higher than average number of vulnerable people in the community, whose needs for health services and a safe community need to be catered for. The Health Plan has set eight health objectives: physical activity, healthy eating, mental health, health protection (emergency management), preventing injuries (a safer community), aboriginal health, accessible health, and reducing smoking, alcohol and drug use.
FOUR of Collie’s swimming spots were ranked in the RAC’s list of top swimming holes outside of Perth last week. The list details the nine best swimming holes within two hours of the city. Honeymoon Pool came in at number six, Black Diamond lake at number sev-
en, Minningup Pool at number eight and Long Pool at number nine. Collie Visitor Centre tourism and administration officer Jenny Sewell said the town had experienced an influx of tourists during the summer holidays. “The beautiful colours of our two blue
lakes attract people, plus our proximity to Perth so people can get out of the city and back into nature,” she said. “People can come and enjoy the fresh air and beautiful areas around Collie. “We are fortunate to have a such beautiful swimming spots at our fingertips.”
Local swimming spots featured in top list
FIRST DAY FEELS: Deputy principal Adele Paino and kindergarten student Isla Hodder celebrated their first day at St Brigid’s School yesterday.
School’s back
STUDENTS celebrated the first day of school yesterday. There were mixed emotions - from students and parents - as the six weeks of holidays came to an end. Yesterday was also the first day for St Brigids School’s new deputy principal Adele Paino, who recently moved from Perth. She said she has been in Collie for a few weeks. “I am excited to get to know families and children, and immerse myself in the community,” she said. “I’m glad the first day is over as I was nervous about it,” she said. Ms Paino spent the morning greeting students and parents.
