Healthy Loddon Campaspe (previously known as Healthy Heart of Victoria) aims to improve health in the region – the heart of Victoria.
It is a response to higher than average rates of obesity, chronic disease and high-risk health behaviours in the region.
Our projects focus on encouraging healthy eating and getting more people, more active, more often.
There are six Councils involved:
- Campaspe Shire
- Central Goldfields Shire
- City of Greater Bendigo
- Loddon Shire
- Macedon Ranges Shire
- Mount Alexander Shire
In 2016, the community told the Loddon Campaspe Regional Partnership it was concerned about people's health. They also believed that health is everyone’s business, not only health professionals.
To address these concerns, a series of design workshops were conducted. Over 100 stakeholders from local government, health services, primary care partnerships, universities and state government departments contributed.
They developed what was the 'Healthy Heart of Victoria'; now known as the Healthy Loddon Campaspe framework.
In 2018, stage 1 of the initiative received $5 million in funding.
Since then, we have delivered several projects in Mount Alexander Shire.
Infrastructure and activation projects:
- Walking and cycling trail linkages in Castlemaine
- A pedestrian crossing on Forest Street near Camp Reserve in Castlemaine
- Seating, drinking fountains and wayfinding signs.
- A pedestrian crossing, accessible ramp and footpath at Hargraves Street. This links the upgraded Forest Creek trail, Western Reserve, and other trails in Castlemaine.
To support people walking, riding and scootering in the Shire we have installed:
- Hoops for bike storage,
- Bike maintenance stations
- Water fountains
- An e-bike/ scooter charge point in central Castlemaine
We've established healthy eating and physical activity projects across the shire. These local projects focus on equity, targeting people who don't often get the support to get active they'd like.
We encourage healthy eating and get more people, more active, more often.
Following the success of stage 1, the Victorian Government has extended funding for four more years.
The initiative will continue to work within the region by:
- Implementing place-based activations focusing on physical activity and healthy eating. We will continue to focus on community members that are the least supported to access healthy alternatives. We will encourage healthy eating and get more people, more active, more often.
- A workforce of local Health Brokers in each Local Government Area. This group develops relationships which build community knowledge about health and wellbeing.
- Applying the findings from the Healthy Loddon Campaspe Active Living Census. This information ensures investment, infrastructure, programs and services across the region deliver results.
The ALC is a region-wide survey conducted by Healthy Loddon Campaspe that asks residents in our region about their health, wellbeing and daily activities.
Almost 25,000 people took part in the 2019 ALC, providing the region with detailed data about our communities' health and wellbeing, and we're looking forward to hearing from you again.
The survey looks at things like:
- How often people play sport or are physically active
- What they eat and drink (like fruit, vegetables, water, and sugary drinks)
- Smoking and gambling habits
- How happy people feel about their live, and
- What stops people from being healthy and active.
This information helps schools, sporting clubs, community groups, government, and local leaders make better decisions about health programs, new recreation spaces, and services. It also helps the community get funding to make the region a healthier place for everyone.
The 2025 Active Living Census is now open. For more information visit www.healthyloddoncampaspe.au.
To view the 2019 Active Living Census reports for our Shire visit www.healthyloddoncampaspe.au/2019.