MEDIA RELEASE #1
17 February 2021
COMMUNITY INVITATION TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE NARACOORTE LUCINDALE WELLBEING PROGRAM
A partnership has been forged between Naracoorte Lucindale Council, Wellbeing SA, the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Department of Human Services and other State Government agencies for the development of the Naracoorte Lucindale Wellbeing Program. All members of the community are invited to provide feedback as the program continues to be designed.
Under the program, a range of activities and initiatives will be delivered in the coming months to support physical, social, mental and community wellbeing. The initiatives will include a focus on supporting young people, families and older residents to stay connected and physically active, after a challenging year with COVID-19 restrictions and more recently bushfires.
Activities will include an 8-week wellbeing program for older adults, a school holiday program in April at the Naracoorte & District Sports Centre, come-and-try activities, community events, art projects, and a new collection of sports equipment which will be made available for community members to borrow from the Naracoorte Library.
Naracoorte Lucindale Council Mayor Erika Vickery said: “We welcome this new partnership that will create additional opportunities for our community to participate in programs that support wellbeing.
“This work aligns well with Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting community wellbeing through our parks and playgrounds, cycling and walking paths, community garden and library services.
“We welcome input from everyone in the community on the proposed range of programs for implementation.”
The pilot program also aligns with Council’s commitment to the recently endorsed Draft Regional Health Plan for the Limestone Coast.
Wellbeing SA Chief Executive Lyn Dean said: “Wellbeing SA is excited to be working in partnership with Naracoorte Lucindale Council, our State Government partners and community members to implement new initiatives to support wellbeing.
“Through the Open Your World website we have provided resources, tools and information to support the wellbeing of all South Australians and these new initiatives complement this, providing programs and activities that encourage the community to stay healthy, active and connected.”
The Naracoorte Lucindale Wellbeing Program is a partnership project between Naracoorte Lucindale Council and the South Australian Government under the Wellbeing SA Statewide Wellbeing Strategy.
Community members can view the proposed programs for implementation and provide feedback by visiting https://yoursay.naracoortelucindale.sa.gov.au/naracoorte-lucindale- wellbeing-program
To find out more contact the Naracoorte Lucindale Council on 8760 1100 or email council@nlc.sa.gov.au
MEDIA RELEASE #2
24 March 2021
NARACOORTE LUCINDALE WELLBEING PROGRAM GATHERS MOMENTUM
Following positive community feedback in response to consultation on the Naracoorte Lucindale Wellbeing Program, the program will include over 15 community-based wellbeing programs and initiatives over the coming months, supporting physical, social, mental and community wellbeing.
The Naracoorte Lucindale Wellbeing Program is a partnership project between Naracoorte Lucindale Council and the South Australian Government under the Statewide Wellbeing Strategy, led by Wellbeing SA. Under the partnership, just over $110,000 funding has been provided to Naracoorte Lucindale Council. Other key State Government agencies involved in the partnership project include the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing and Department of Human Services. All partners are providing co-investments to support the program roll-out to the community.
The two focus areas of the Naracoorte Lucindale Wellbeing Program are increasing opportunities for unstructured physical activity; and improving social connection, community participation and inclusion. The target audiences for the initiatives will include children and families, young people, people from CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) backgrounds and older residents over 65 years.
The first stage of the Naracoorte Lucindale Wellbeing Program, which kicked off earlier this year, has already seen the implementation of the key initiative run by Good Country Physiotherapy, “The Good Life Project”, which is a series of free workshops to help improve the health and wellbeing of over 65s.
Recently, the “Naracoorte Drama Collective” led by Naracoorte’s very own TV star Luke Patrick, kicked off and is running for six weeks.
Also coming up is “Carpe Diem”, a live theatre performance at the Naracoorte Town Hall on Wednesday 31st March addressing mental health care in rural communities.
Keep an eye out on Council’s Facebook page for regular updates on future initiatives as they’re rolled out under the Naracoorte Wellbeing Program or email wellbeing@nlc.sa.gov.au
MEDIA RELEASE #3
18 August 2021
NARACOORTE LUCINDALE WELLBEING PROGRAM TO CONTINUE FOR A FURTHER TWO YEARS
Following positive community feedback and engagement over the last 6 months, implementation of the Naracoorte Lucindale Wellbeing Program has been extended for a further two years until June 2023.
The Naracoorte Lucindale Wellbeing Program is a partnership between Naracoorte Lucindale Council and Wellbeing SA, supporting physical, mental and community wellbeing through the implementation of a range of wellbeing initiatives.
The first stage of implementation commenced in March 2021 and since then 12 separate initiatives have been implemented, involving 25 local partner agencies and engaging over 800 community members.
Popular activities delivered under the Program to date include the Carpe Diem theatre performance by Centre Stage Scripts, school holiday sports sessions, outdoor cinema at the Town Hall and come and try open days with the Naracoorte Singers, the Art Gallery and Men’s Shed.
Under the extended Program, a new Project Coordinator role will be created, several successful initiatives will be continued and a range of new activities included.
Naracoorte Lucindale Council Mayor Erika Vickery OAM said: “We welcome the extended partnership with Wellbeing SA that will create additional opportunities to support wellbeing in our community.
“This work aligns well with Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting community wellbeing through our parks and playgrounds, cycling and walking paths, community garden and library services.
“It has been pleasing to see so many community members involved in the Program to date and the positive feedback that Council has received about the programs and events.”
Wellbeing SA Chief Executive Lyn Dean said: “Wellbeing SA is excited to continue the partnership with Naracoorte Lucindale Council and the community to implement local wellbeing initiatives.
“These initiatives complement the work of Wellbeing SA in supporting communities to stay healthy, active and connected.”
Regular updates on future initiatives and opportunities to participate in the Naracoorte Lucindale Wellbeing Program will be posted on Council’s Facebook page at @naracoortelucindalecouncil or email wellbeing@nlc.sa.gov.au
MEDIA RELEASE #4
7 October 2021
NEW WELLBEING COORDINATOR APPOINTED TO CONTINUE WORK OF NARACOORTE LUCINDALE WELLBEING PROGRAM
In partnership with Naracoorte Lucindale Council and Wellbeing SA, a new Wellbeing Coordinator has been appointed to continue the work of the Naracoorte Lucindale Wellbeing Program.
Uana Jericho will start work in the role on 18 October. She has been engaged in a part-time capacity for two years and is relocating from Adelaide to the Naracoorte area.
Uana has a Medical Science degree, majoring in Public Health, and has recent experience with Kidsafe SA in a prevention and engagement role for the Playground Advisory Unit.
Following positive community feedback and engagement over the past 6 months, implementation of the Naracoorte Lucindale Wellbeing Program was recently extended for a further two years until October 2023.
The Naracoorte Lucindale Wellbeing Program supports physical, mental and community wellbeing through the implementation of a range of wellbeing initiatives.
The first stage of implementation commenced in March this year, and the list of initiatives being delivered under the program is continuing to grow and engage more and more community members.
Among the many popular initiatives delivered so far is the Good Life Project, which is now into its third round.
The Good Life Project, coordinated by Good Country Physiotherapy, is a series of free workshops to help improve the health and wellbeing of older members of the community.
Another initiative that has gained real momentum is a weekly community walking group in Naracoorte, which is now attracting up to 20 walkers every Wednesday morning.
Other popular initiatives delivered under the program to date include the ‘Carpe Diem’ theatre performance with a focus on men’s mental health in rural communities, school holiday sports sessions, an outdoor cinema, Yoga in the Hall, and come and try open days with community groups.
Regular updates on future initiatives and opportunities to participate in the Naracoorte Lucindale Wellbeing Program will be posted on Council’s Facebook page or email wellbeing@nlc.sa.gov.au.
Pictured: Uana Jericho
MEDIA RELEASE #5
25 March 2022
NARACOORTE LUCINDALE WELLBEING PLAN 2021-2023
Naracoorte Lucindale Council has endorsed the Naracoorte Lucindale Wellbeing Plan 2021-2023 which outlines how it can contribute to a safe, healthy and resilient community.
The newly-adopted Naracoorte Lucindale Wellbeing Plan is a framework of priorities and actions to improve the wellbeing of the local community, and recognises that everyone is entitled to good health and wellbeing regardless of their circumstances, which is a key outcome in Council’s Strategic Plan 2016-2026.
One of the key initiatives implemented to achieve the objectives of the Naracoorte Lucindale Wellbeing Plan is the establishment of the Naracoorte Lucindale Wellbeing Program - a joint project between the Naracoorte Lucindale Council and Wellbeing SA.
The four key focus areas of the Naracoorte Lucindale Wellbeing Program are:
- Increasing opportunities to be active
- Improving wellbeing through food
- Strengthening community engagement and social connectedness
- Supporting positive mental health and wellbeing
Target audiences for the program are children, young people and families; older residents (over 60s); and our migrant population.
Significantly, the plan also recognises that the true impact of COVID-19 on the community’s social and mental wellbeing will continue to evolve in the coming months and years, so it is crucial to keep wellbeing front of mind.
The importance of the new Naracoorte Library in providing a space for health and wellbeing programs and initiatives is also highlighted in the plan, promoting it as an ‘inclusive, open space and an opportunity to strengthen community engagement and social connectedness’.
To view the Naracoorte Lucindale Wellbeing Plan, click HERE.
MEDIA RELEASE #6
31 August 2022
POSITIVE OUTCOMES FOR LOCAL WELLBEING PROGRAM
The Naracoorte Lucindale Wellbeing Program has evolved from a pilot program into a successful model, according to its 2021-2022 Evaluation Report.
The Evaluation Report, which was presented to Naracoorte Lucindale Council’s August meeting, reflects on a year of successes, key achievements and significant community impact in the 2021-2022 financial year.
The Naracoorte Lucindale Wellbeing Program was established in January 2021 when Council secured funding through Wellbeing SA to co-design and implement the Program and funding is now secured until October 2023.
Throughout 2021-2022, extensive data was gathered to measure the success of the Program’s initiatives and impact in the community.
Focus areas for the Program were: increasing opportunities to be active, improving wellbeing through food, strengthening community engagement and social connectedness, and supporting positive mental health and wellbeing. The Program is predominantly targeted at children, young people and their families; older adults; and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Key findings from the Evaluation Report include:
*The program delivered 22 initiatives with the help of 38 delivery partners, reaching more than 1,650 people.
*The average score given by participants regarding the impact of initiatives on their immediate wellbeing was 4.46 out of 5, indicating that participants felt the initiative had a high and positive impact on their immediate health and wellbeing.
*The initiatives were found to achieve increased physical activity, inspired people to become healthier, increased knowledge about health and wellbeing, supported positive impacts on mental health, reduced social isolation and increased sense of belonging in community.
Notable achievements of the Wellbeing Program in 2021-2022 highlighted in the report include:
*Demonstrated immediate and medium-term impacts on participant health and wellbeing.
*The appointment of a Project Officer.
*Establishment of a Community Reference Group.
*Development of a Wellbeing Plan to align the direction of the Program with the overall regional and State level approach to health and wellbeing.
Through Wellbeing SA, the Evaluation Report will be tabled with the Minister for Health and Wellbeing and the Chief Executive and Executive Directors at Wellbeing SA.
Over the next 12 months, the Naracoorte Lucindale Wellbeing Program will have a strong focus on new initiatives with a particular focus on improving wellbeing through food and supporting positive mental health and wellbeing.
Some of the new initiatives include:
*Development of a mental health resource to support children, young people, and their families in identifying and accessing local mental health services.
*Integration of health promotion messages, in particular healthy eating, into programming at the Naracoorte Library.
*Working with local youth to increase the accessibility of activities.
To read the 2021-2022 Evaluation Report in its entirety and find out more about the upcoming initiatives of the Naracoorte Lucindale Wellbeing Program, go to Council’s website at https://bit.ly/nlcwellbeing or to see more about what our partner Wellbeing SA is doing to support wellbeing visit wellbeingsa.sa.gov.au
‘This is a joint project between the Naracoorte Lucindale Council and Wellbeing SA’