The Golden Plains Shire Health and Wellbeing team is a partnership initiative between Golden Plains Shire Council, integrated living Australia and Barwon Health.
Funded by the Department of Health, the Health and Wellbeing Team has a commitment to working in partnership to enhance and promote the overall health and wellbeing of individuals and communities across Golden Plains Shire.
The key priorities for the Health and Wellbeing Team include:
- Improving mental wellbeing
- Increasing active living
- Preventing family violence and advancing gender equity
- Increasing healthy eating
- Tackling climate change and its impact on health
Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2025-2029
Our Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2025-2029 outlines our commitment to work in a collaborative and coordinated way to ensure supportive, inclusive and empowering environments that enable our community to achieve optimal health and wellbeing. Our Health and Wellbeing plan is integrated into the Council Plan reflecting our view that ‘Health and Wellbeing is everyone’s responsibility’.
The Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2025-2029 has been informed by extensive examination of health status and health determinant data at a local level, widespread community and stakeholder engagements, legislation requirements and strategic planning. Details of this examination can be found in our Community Profile Report and Community Profile Summary.
Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2021-2025
Our Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan and Wellbeing Action Plan 2021-2025 sets the overarching framework for all of the policies and partnerships that must be in place if people in the Shire are to enjoy good physical and mental health in great communities. For more information click here.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Monitoring and Evaluation Report - Year 4, 2024-2025
Each year Council reviews progress made towards achieving our health and wellbeing objectives outlined in the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan (MPWHP), under the priority areas:
Our year 4 evaluation has documented widespread partnerships and collaboration between Council and external partner organisations with a total of 19 partners delivering 189 health and wellbeing activities for the community. Across all four years 1,086 activities were delivered.
Communication, education and health promotion were strong themes, and efficient use of resources contributed to the success of activities.
The impacts to health and wellbeing spanned the broad areas of:
- Improving access
- Improved skills and knowledge
- Capacity building
- Improved social connection
- Strengthened partnerships, networks and relationships
Strong partnership work and impactful program delivery has contributed to better health and wellbeing for the community.
Our work continues as we move onto our new MPHWP and provide opportunities for networking between Council and our important health and wellbeing partners.
MPHWP Year 4 Evaluation Report
MPHWP Year 4 Report infographic
MPHWP 4 Year Summary Infographic
Golden Growers
Increasing Vegetable consumption is a priority area within Golden Plains Shire Councils Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan, as according to the Victorian Population Health Survey (2017) 60.6% of Golden Plains Shire residents do not meet fruit and vegetable consumption guidelines.
The Golden Growers project aims to engage community in sharing skills and local knowledge with other residents to increase local growing and vegetable consumption. The Golden Growers webpage will feature a series of ‘how to’ videos showcasing tips and tricks on growing, preparing and cooking with a range of vegetables, recipes, and content submitted by community members and Council’s partner organisations. To find out more go to Golden Growers
Community Walking Groups
There is a number of walking groups across the Shire led by community volunteers. To find out more and join your local walking group contact the walk leaders listed below.
| Township | Day | Time | Location | Contact |
| Bannockburn | Tuesday | 10.00am | Meet at Shire Hall | Cathy 0418 169 608 |
| Berringa | Tuesday | 9.30am | Meet at Community Hall | Dianne 5342 2250 |
| Inverleigh | Thursday | 10.00am | Meet at Sonny Cafe | Brooke 5267 1280 and Vanessa 0436 195 616 |
| Rokewood | Tuesday | 9.00am | Meet at Hesse Health | Brooke 5267 1280 and Vanessa 0436 195 616 |
| Smythesdale | Thursday | 10.00am | Meet at Smythesdale Gardens | Denny 0419 666 860 |
Connecting with Community
Our Community Centres offer a range of opportunities for community to connect and participate in health and wellbeing programs, cultural activities and further education.
Haddon Community Learning Centre
396 Sago Hill Rd, Haddon. Ph. 5342 7050
The Well - Smythesdale Business and Community Hub
19 Heales St, Smythesdale. Ph. 5321 1500
Dereel Community Centre
14 Swamp Rd, Dereel. Ph. 0487 948 959
Bannockburn Cultural Centre
27 High St, Bannockburn. Ph. 5220 7260
Meredith Community Centre
4 Russell Street, Meredith. Ph. 5286 0700
For information about the current activities and services offered at these community centres please contact using the phone numbers above.
Victorian Population Health Survey 2019 results
Results from the latest Victorian Population Health Survey 2019 were released recently. This survey, published by the Department of Health, provides an assessment of the health and wellbeing of Victorian adults. These results are reported against several health and wellbeing indicators including fruit and vegetable intake and physical activity. These indicators closely align with Council's MPHWP priority areas. A snapshot of the Shire's performance in VPHS 2019 can be found here.
Find out more
For additional information on any of the activities or services provided, please contact the Health and Wellbeing Team
Follow the links below to find out more about the agencies involved in the partnership:
