We’ve started work towards implementing projects and initiatives that will improve the community’s mental physical and social wellbeing to help create a healthier and happier Greater Geelong.

Following Council’s adoption of the Community Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025-29 an annual action plan is being developed to advance the strategic actions objectives and priority areas identified by the community.

The four-year strategy is shaped by priorities that focus on mental wellbeing and social inclusion equitable access to safe healthy and sustainable food (particularly for those who face additional barriers or challenges in our community) physical activity and active living gender equity and prevention of violence climate change and health impacts and harm minimisation associated with tobacco vaping alcohol misuse and gambling.

Key initiatives and actions in the strategy include:

• Work with neighbourhood houses libraries and community centres to provide opportunities for social connection.
• Support community-led initiatives that address food insecurity and build food literacy.
• Promote and encourage safe active travel
• Increase participation in sport and recreation especially for groups who face barriers.
• Partner with businesses training providers and social enterprises to create inclusive job opportunities for First Nations community members young people older people and people with disabilities.

A quarter of our community reported feeling lonely in our recent Geelong Preventative Health Survey with much higher levels for people with disability young people LGBTIQA+ individuals and single parents.

Establishing and facilitating the Social Inclusion Action Group is one of the strategic actions already underway to combat loneliness with Expressions of Interest open for participants until Thursday 31 July.

More than 500 people our Youth Council and stakeholder organisations engaged with us during consultation on the draft strategy highlighting their desire for all voices in the community to be listened to in a deliberate manner.

Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM

The Community Health and Wellbeing Strategy sets the direction for how the City responds to community need and improves the health and wellbeing of residents.

The City is working closely with community groups organisations and other agencies including local health services and educational institutions to bring important initiatives and actions to life.

We’ll be keeping an eye on the progress of the strategy through annual reviews to ensure it reflects emerging community needs.

Councillor Rowan Story AM RFD

The Community Health and Wellbeing Strategy is now a stand-alone plan having previously been embedded in the overall Council Plan and now has more impact and visibility going forward.

Detailed community feedback has ensured the strategy identifies areas of health disparity across the region and a roadmap forward to address these key concerns.

Thank you for caring about the health and wellbeing of our diverse community by raising issues such as loneliness social inclusion green neighbourhoods and homelessness.