April 7th, 2023A jump start for healthy younger locals

VicHealth is partnering with community groups and organisations across Victoria to give 180 local
ideas a “jump start” in creating vibrant, active and connected communities of young people.
JumpStart! is a VicHealth initiative focused on building healthier communities through community
sport, active play, art and food programs. It’s part of VicHealth’s Future Healthy initiative – a $45
million investment over 3 years helping Victoria’s young people aged 0-25 and their families to build
back better and fairer.
As part of JumpStart! Round 2, local organisations across the state will share in more than $3.5
million to build communities that support the health of young people. Member for Macedon, Mary-
Anne Thomas was delighted to reveal a successful JumpStart! idea in the region.
“This fantastic program has been created by a local organisation in Macedon, specifically to help
improve the health and wellbeing of young people in our community, this project is a great chance
to try a new skill and make new friends along the way.” Ms Thomas said.
In Macedon, Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health will work with Kyneton High School to connect
students to their local food system. Students will meet local growers, understand the environmental,
health and social impacts of the food we grow, purchase and eat. They’ll also have the chance to plant and harvest their own veggies, learning practical skills they can share with their families. VicHealth’s Executive Manager Future Healthy Group, Sarah Loh, said the exciting programs will
support children, teens, young people and their families to reach their full health potential.
“JumpStart! offers new activities for around 68,000 children and young people across Victoria. We’re
reaching far and wide across the state – from monster-themed dance workshops in Castlemaine to
circus skills in St Albans and cultural food tastings in West Heidelberg – there’s something here for
everyone,” Ms Loh said.“We can’t wait to see these programs come to life over the next 12 months.”