The recent NEPHN – Population Health meeting had a focus on Increasing active living in north east Melbourne, which included three key presentations and an in-depth panel discussion.
Dave Czerniakowski, a Health Promotion and Prevention Officer, presented NEPHU’s approach to its new Increasing active living priority area, outlining low physical activity levels in the catchment, barriers in the built environment, and early actions to support collaboration that included a proposed community of practice for active living.
Sarah Dubé, Strategy and Engagement Lead from Diabetes Victoria presented the Life! program, detailing its group and coaching models, strong outcomes in the NEPHU region, and partnership opportunities.
Chris Enright, General Manager Vic from the Heart Foundation followed with recent research from the ‘What Australia Wants – Neighbourhood design’ report. The report demonstrates the strong links between neighbourhood design, walkability and heart health, outlines community expectations for active environments, and provides practical tools to support advocacy and planning.
The session concluded with a panel discussion facilitated by Mel Chisholm, Senior Manager Population Health at NEPHU, and presenters were joined by expert guest Dr Simone Verswijveren from Deakin University (IPAN). The discussion explored program evaluation, ways to better engage priority populations, opportunities for cross-sector collaboration, and discussed the significance of the emerging “Goldilocks approach” for physical activity guidelines, which balances physical activity, sedentary time, and sleep across 24 hours.
