November 2020

Image: Dr Tarun Weeramanthri.

New Research Assessment Committee Chair   

We are pleased to announce that Dr Tarun Weeramanthri has been appointed as Chair of Healthway’s Research Assessment Committee. Dr Weeramanthri is an eminent, highly experienced and respected public health professional. He will play a key role in supporting Healthway’s rigorous assessment process, and informing prevention and health promotion research investments over the coming years. Find out more.

New Act Belong Commit    

Act Belong Commit is supported by Healthway, and the Mental Health Commission, and delivered by the Mentally Healthy WA team at Curtin University. The Act Belong Commit campaign has a new look and resources to inspire and motivate Western Australians to prioritise their mental health and wellbeing. Jump on the campaign website and check them out. Find out more.

Image: New Act Belong Commit campaign. 

Image: Supporting Family Conversations.

Talk early and often  

Starting high school presents great opportunities for children, and possibly some new concerns for parents. Supporting Family Conversations is a Healthway funded project run by Telethon Kids Institute. The project has resources to support parents to use positive approaches to reduce the risk of harm to adolescents from alcohol use. Find out more. 

Western Australian vapers   

A new research paper 'Motivations for use, identity and the vaper subculture: a qualitative study of the experiences of Western Australian vapers', has been published in BMC Public Health. This research was supported by a Healthway Exploratory Research Grant. Understanding the complexities of vaping may have important implications for health communication, research and policy. Find out more.

Image: New research paper about the experiences of Western Australian vapers.

Image: Healthy eating partnership.

Perth Glory powering health  

Through our premium partnership with Perth Glory this season, the LiveLighter campaign will feature in game day activities and the community ambassador program. Children's activities will promote the Crunch&Sip message. Through the partnership Glory members and fans will be encouraged to lead healthier lifestyles, and make healthier food and drink choices on game day. Find out more.

Tennis for Everyone Program 

Tennis West has joined forces with Blind Sports WA to bring the game of tennis to the blind and low vision community of Western Australia. The Healthway funded program will help to make tennis more accessible and provide a fun environment for participants to be active and healthy. Find out more.

Image: Participants at Manning Tennis Club, Tennis for Everyone Program.

Image: Local Government Policy Awards 2020. Photo credit to Samuel Hesketh Photography.

Local health champions

Healthway is a proud supporter of the Local Government Policy Awards. Local governments play a valuable role in championing healthy communities for children and families to live, learn and play. This year's Regional Award was presented to the Shire of Laverton and the City of Cockburn was awarded Best in WA. Find out more. 

Alcohol and health cancer      

The Alcohol.Think Again ‘Spread’ campaign is a joint initiative between the Mental Health Commission and Cancer Council Western Australia. The campaign aims to reduce alcohol use by increasing awareness of the link between alcohol use and cancer. It shines a light on the fact alcohol is a cause of cancer in at least seven places in the body. Find out more. 

Image: Alcohol.Think Again Spread campaign 2020.

Image: Prof Juli Coffin Telethon Kids Institute.

Horse healing in the Kimberley    

A three-year Healthway intervention research grant will support the delivery of an Equine-Assisted Learning Program. The trail-blazing Aboriginal-led program aims to support better social and emotional wellbeing for Aboriginal young people living in Broome, Derby, and Fitzroy Crossing. Find out more. 

Healthy Club Award   

Nominations are now open for the SportWest Healthway Healthy Club Award. The award recognises a sporting club that is leading the way in delivering initiatives to improve the health of its members and the broader WA community. Nominations are due by Thursday 26 November 2020. Find out more.

Image: SportWest Healthy Club Award.

Image: Public Health Association Australia WA.

PHAA WA Branch Awards    

Each year, Public Health Association Australia (PHAA) WA acknowledges the achievements and contributions of WA’s active and inspiring public health workforce through its Awards Program. This year, PHAA WA invites and welcomes nominations for the Mentorship Award and Unsung Hero Award. Nominations close COB Friday 20 November 2020. To apply, download the nomination form here.