Leading Healthy Communities

Heat Lab was a twelve-month project that ran from July 2023 to July 2024.

The project implemented pilots across six intervention types:

• Cool Places
• Outreach and engagement
• HeatSens technology platform
• Collateral and communications
• Creative engagement, and
• Infrastructure.

Interventions were designed for people sleeping rough, elderly, public housing tenants, international students and young people, and aimed to:

• Raise awareness of heat risk
• Engage cohorts most vulnerable to heat
• Provide 'cool places' the public can access during heat events
• Retrofit infrastructure to boost shading and cooling.

An evaluation was completed to understand how effective interventions were in achieving the project goals.

A derelict, nameless alleyway has long been a popular informal route between Reservoir Primary School and Reservoir Activity Centre, as there is no direct and safe alternative for people walking and bike riding.

Through the Octopus Schools program for 2024/25, an opportunity arose in December 2024 to formalise the route as a Safe Route to School, combining placemaking and sustainable transport objectives and beautifying the space.

Delivery of the mural was led by a local artist and local mentee, who conducted workshops with school students to develop their ideas and bring them to life on the wall in June 2025.

Find out more:

• Legs Lane Short Video (YouTube)

Cardinia Shire Council’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Strategy 2017 outlines a long-term vision to create a connected, accessible walking and cycling network that links people to key daily destinations as well as the region’s scenic natural assets.

The strategy positions walking and cycling not only as modes of transport, but as foundational to creating inclusive, healthy communities.

More than just a transport plan, the strategy is a deliberate investment in community health, recognising the strong evidence base linking physical activity, access to green open space, and social connection with the prevention of mental ill health.

By making it easier for residents to walk, cycle, and gather in shared public spaces, the strategy aims to support healthier, more connected communities.

Find out more:

• Cardinia: Pedestrian and Bicycle Strategy (PDF - 7.9MB)

Yambla Pavilion is a longstanding sporting facility in Clifton Hill’s Quarries Park, originally constructed in the 1980s for men's soccer. That required significant upgrades to turn it into an inclusive and accessible sporting facility that could be utilised and enjoyed by the whole community.

Following sustained advocacy by Yarra City Council and local community sports groups, the Australian Government recently committed $2.25 million in funding via the Thriving Suburbs program to deliver this major upgrade.

The redevelopment will transform the outdated pavilion into a modern, inclusive space that meets community needs.

Planned upgrades include four player changerooms, referee and first aid facilities, improved carparking, a canteen-kitchen, and a new viewing deck overlooking the field.

The Victorian Government has also contributed $500,000 through its World Game Facilities Fund.

Participation in sport is widely recognised as a protective factor against mental ill health through social interaction, physical health, confidence, and resilience. It also fosters a sense of belonging and community connection, which are also essential for mental wellbeing.

Find out more:

• Member for Cooper visits Yambla Pavilion ahead of upgrade

The Program engages young riders through hands-on workshops and training focused on technique, equipment handling, and safety.

It also promotes environmental awareness by educating participants on the impacts of building jumps outside designated areas.

Planning and engagement began in February 2024, with community shaping sessions held in March 2025.

The program continues with riders maintaining the site alongside the Shire.

Since its launch, there has been consistent positive use of the dirt jumps and unauthorised jump building in the area has decreased.

Aiming to sustain this initiative at RW Stone Reserve and expand it across multiple sites throughout the Shire.

Find out more:

• Built by riders, for riders – Somers' dirt jumps are here! (YouTube)

The City of Whittlesea delivers the Family Nature Club, a free weekly outdoor playgroup for families with young children. Running during Term 2, the program encourages families to get outdoors, make new friends, and connect with their local community and green spaces.

Research shows that spending time in nature supports mental health by reducing stress, improving mood, and fostering a sense of calm and wellbeing.

The Family Nature Club combines these benefits with opportunities for social connection, which is vital for both parents and children.

By facilitating regular engagement with the natural environment and encouraging community interaction, the program helps strengthen social inclusion and promote positive mental health outcomes.

Find out more:

• South Morang Family Nature Club

In partnership with Central Highlands Rural Health’s puberty education sessions, the Program addresses the significant environmental impact of disposable period products.

It focuses on early intervention education, providing students who menstruate with the opportunity to begin their menstruation journey using reusable period products.

By eliminating barriers such as cost and accessibility, the Program not only supports equitable access to sustainable period care but also aims to reduce landfill waste and foster lifelong environmentally conscious habits among young people in Hepburn Shire.

Research indicates that individuals often continue using the type of period product they were first introduced to, highlighting the importance of this early access. As part of the initiative, each student in Hepburn Shire received two pairs of reusable period underwear and a wet bag during the puberty education sessions.

Find out more:

• CHRH and Hepburn Shire partner for primary school puberty education

In 2023, Maribyrnong City Council partnered with Coeliac Australia and Victoria University to develop an innovative gluten-free dining program, launched in January 2024.

The first of its kind in local government, the program aims to improve food business knowledge, boost consumer confidence, and reduce public health risks linked to gluten exposure.

Find out more:

• Gluten-free accreditation providing security and confidence for diners

Opened in 2023, the Bulaki Wuka Digital Hub provides reliable internet, professional workspaces, and meeting facilities to the Avoca community.

It aims to improve digital skills, support local businesses, and foster professional collaboration, particularly in geographically isolated areas.

Find out more:

• Bulaki Wuka Digital Hub

Ballarat participates in the Empowering Communities program to build safer communities.

Over $500,000 has been allocated to initiatives supporting First Nations youth, LGBTIQA+ media, inclusive gardening spaces, and gender/disability equity campaigns.

Bass Coast Shire Council’s Community Strengthening Team provides small, flexible grants to local groups for National Volunteer Week, enabling culturally relevant celebrations of volunteers.

The initiative strengthens social networks, trust, and belonging while supporting community capacity-building.

Find out more:

• Celebrate Your Volunteers with a $100 Micro-Grant!

This short film launched June 2025.

• It will be promoted and used widely as an ongoing tool supporting long-term cultural change within our organisation and community.
• It features diverse local women, sharing personal reflections on gender inequality and equality, power, privilege and action.
• It introduces concepts and terms related to gender equality to deepen understanding and community dialogue.
• It will be used in ongoing training, community events, and social media.
• It is screening publicly every evening at our community riverfront precinct, it’s also freely available online.
• It is the first initiative of its kind in our region and will be launched more widely during the 2025 16 Days of Activism.

Ongoing evaluation will measure reach through views and survey and qualitative feedback from viewers and organisations.

Find out more:

• Mallee Women: Sharing Stories, Shaping Equality

Podcasting is a great way to connect with the community. Wodonga Councils first Community Health Conversations podcast was produced and made live on 22 June 2025.

Council plans to cover topics that are relevant to community and councils municipal public health and wellbeing plan.

The first podcast on youth and alcohol is designed around the prevention of alcohol harm in the community, with a target audience of guardians and parents of teenagers aged 14 to 17 years of age.

The benefit of a podcast, is it can remain online for a long period of time increasing audience reach.

Find out more:

• Spotify Link

The Community MHFA Program was a 3.5-year initiative designed to build mental health literacy and crisis response capacity across the Yarra Ranges.

In response to the mental health impacts of COVID-19 lockdowns and severe storm events in 2021, the program delivered 17 free, accredited MHFA training to over 480 residents and volunteers across 37 townships.

The initiative empowered community members to support others experiencing mental health challenges, particularly during emergencies, and fostered a culture of openness, resilience, and social connection.

The MCH Sleep and Settling video series was developed in response to declining attendance at traditional in-person sleep information sessions.

In recognition of barriers to accessibility and inclusivity, this sleep video series was created to offer parents on-demand, flexible, self-paced learning in their preferred language and style.

Commencing early-2024 and launched mid-2025, the 18-month project has delivered a scalable, cost-effective alternative to in-person support - designed for high user engagement and sustainable, long-term impact.

Value is measured through parent feedback, view counts, professional uptake, and reduced demand for sleep-related health consultations; demonstrating strong engagement, accessibility, and impact on family health and wellbeing.

Find out more:

• Sleep and Settling Program for babies and toddlers

Cardinia Shire Council is addressing the unique social and emotional needs of young parents through its Young Parents Group, a weekly initiative that fosters community, skill-building, and wellbeing.

Hosted at Living and Learning Pakenham, the group welcomes parents aged up to 25, offering a free and inclusive space for social connection and support. With activities ranging from cooking and jewellery-making to yoga and mums-and-bubs fitness classes, the program is designed to build confidence, reduce isolation, and encourage positive parenting.

Crucially, the group also facilitates access to a Maternal Child and Health nurse, providing a soft entry point to early intervention and support services in a relaxed, community-based setting. By combining peer connection with practical supports, the initiative supports the mental health of young parents and their children during a period of significant transition and vulnerability.

Delivering targeted, low-barrier programs that build social connection and foster early engagement with support services show how council services provide a first point of call for many families, with early detection and opportunities for a friendly council care worker to establish contact and refer on to other services if these seem needed.

The Cardinia Food Circles Collective Impact Project aims to establish a healthy, delicious, sustainable and fair food system for all Cardinia Shire residents.

The project began in November 2016 as a partnership between Cardinia Shire Council and backbone partners Sustain Australia to facilitate the implementation of the Cardinia Community Food Strategy.

The strategy is guided by a steering committee, and key partners from local and regional health organisations, education and research institutions, food industry, community members, not-for-profit organisations and local government staff.

Through this initiative they advocate and promote the shared Community Food Strategy vision and common agenda, and lead and support key actions and activities across the wider project.

Find out more:

• Cardinia Community Food Strategy and Action Plan 2018–2026 (PDF - 4.8MB)

Back Your Neighbour is a multi-Council advocacy initiative led by the Mayoral and Councillor Taskforce Supporting People Seeking Asylum.

It was established by Greater Dandenong Council in 2018 in response to devastating Federal cuts and is now a national movement across five states.

Since 2023, the Taskforce has advocated for people in 10,000 individuals and families who have lived in Australia for up to 15 years in immigration limbo, many denied access to essential services like healthcare and financial aid. This prolonged uncertainty has damaged families and trapped people in poverty, leaving them surviving on local government and community support.

The Taskforce influences change by engaging policymakers, mobilising communities, and highlighting the financial burden on local governments—urging fair, compassionate reforms for people seeking asylum.

Ararat Council participates in the CALD Outreach Initiative, which is designed to support children and families from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds to engage fully with early childhood education programs such as kindergarten and Pre-Prep.

This initiative is funded by the Department of Education and delivered in partnership with the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV).

Key objectives of the initiative include:

• Supporting the successful registration and enrolment of CALD children in kindergarten and Pre-Prep programs
• Maximising attendance and ongoing participation of CALD children in early education
• Engaging CALD families with other local early childhood supports, including community playgroups and Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services
• Assisting CALD children to transition smoothly from kindergarten to primary school.

To achieve these goals, CALD Outreach Workers provide tailored, direct support to families, helping to overcome barriers related to language, culture, or access. They also work closely with early childhood education and care services to foster inclusive environments, improve communication, and support families in maintaining consistent participation and successful transitions.

Merri-bek City Council’s Connectors Program exemplifies how local government can build social inclusion and prevent mental ill health by strengthening communication and trust with diverse communities. In a municipality where over one-third of residents speak a language other than English at home, and where many older adults have limited English proficiency, the need for culturally responsive communication is critical.

The Merri-bek Connectors Program recruits and trains trusted community members to act as communication bridges between Council and the community. These volunteers—known as Connectors—play a vital two-way role: they relay Council messages in culturally relevant ways, and provide feedback to Council on how messages can be better translated, delivered, and understood.

The program specifically targets multicultural residents, older adults, isolated individuals, and people with disabilities—groups often at greater risk of social exclusion and poorer mental health outcomes. Topics shared by Connectors range from local services and programs to policy consultations, safety information, and community events.

Beyond communication, the program has a preventative health impact. Connectors participate in training such as mental health first aid, public speaking, and community translation reviewing, equipping them to offer peer-level support and increase mental health literacy in their communities.

The City of Melbourne's Neighbourhood Volunteer Program is a 20-month long, council-led program launched in 2024.

The program stemmed from the City of Melbourne's Neighbourhood Model, strengthening how council understands and works with different communities across the municipality. It engaged 24 residents from underrepresented groups to explore council services, build civic skills and lead local projects across four neighbourhoods in the City of Melbourne.

The program is designed in a three-phase model known as Learning, Doing and Ongoing.

During the first phase, Volunteers participated in tailored capacity building sessions learning about council wide-ranging facilities, teams and services.

In the second phase, they were granted funding to deliver various projects in their neighbourhoods addressing local priorities and practice skills gained.

The third phase offers opportunities to volunteer in council run activities, creating long-term ripple effects in participation and inclusion. The impact of the program is measured through longitudinal surveys, engagement data, staff evaluation, and project delivery outcomes.

As part of Refugee Week 2025, Yarra City Council hosted a community event that brought together performance, storytelling, and dialogue to promote social inclusion and mental wellbeing. The event, facilitated by Nicky Chung, CEO of the Australian Vietnamese Women's Association, created a welcoming space for shared cultural expression and cross-community connection.

The panel featured key voices including Vivienne Nguyen AM, Victorian Multicultural Commissioner; artist Viet-My Bui, who explores Vietnamese migration through her work; and visual artist Christopher Austin. The evening also included vibrant African drumming, community performances, and shared food, providing multiple entry points for engagement and connection.

This year’s event held particular significance, commemorating 50 years of Vietnamese migration to Australia - a powerful reminder of resilience, identity, and belonging for many who’ve made Yarra their home.

By celebrating diverse cultural narratives and fostering opportunities for dialogue, Yarra City Council demonstrated how local government can provide the setting for people from a broad range of communities with a safe and supportive environment to come together, meet people from their local community and share and celebrate stories.

Wyndham City Council has launched the Community Connections and Care service, a free and confidential initiative designed to assist residents experiencing a wide range of challenges, from mental health concerns to food insecurity and social isolation. This program exemplifies the critical role councils play on the ground, as the level of government closest to their communities.

The Community Connections and Care team acts as a vital link between residents and the many services available locally, offering personalised support through multiple channels including phone, email, in-person meetings, and COVID-safe home visits. The flexibility of these access points ensures residents receive help in a manner that suits their circumstances and comfort levels.

Since its inception, the Community Connections and Care service has provided vital assistance to approximately 25 residents per week, demonstrating strong community demand and the council’s capacity to respond effectively to local needs.

Frankston City Council is leading a place-based, trauma-informed approach to mental health and community safety through its Community Connectors initiative, launched in early 2025 in partnership with Metro Trains and South East Community Links (SECL).

Located at Frankston Station and the surrounding Young Street precinct, the program places trained mental health and social support practitioners directly into the heart of the community. This proactive outreach model responds to challenges identified in the Council’s Young Street Action Plan and is based on a successful pilot delivered at Dandenong Station.

Operating weekday afternoons, SECL’s Community Connectors provide immediate, on-the-spot assistance, information, and referrals for a range of complex issues including mental health, substance use, homelessness, and family violence. The program complements traditional law enforcement through a supportive and non-punitive approach, addressing root causes of distress and disengagement.

MAV insight:
By embedding trusted support in a highly visible, public space, the initiative builds social connection, increases access to services, and improves perceptions of safety for both vulnerable individuals and the broader community. As Frankston Mayor Kris Bolam noted, this model recognises that “many comprehensive underlying factors such as mental health and social disadvantage…require a specialist and empathetic approach.”

In September 2024, Mornington Peninsula Shire launched its Community Connector Program, a new initiative designed to ensure residents can safely and confidently access the support services they need from familiar, trusted locations such as libraries, community houses, and Local Connection Points.

Community Connectors are skilled local professionals with a deep understanding of available services, systems, and local networks.

They offer tailored, one-on-one support to residents, including:

• Providing education on My Aged Care: Community Connectors can explain how the My Aged Care system works and help residents understand their eligibility and options.
• Supporting with My Aged Care registration and re-assessment: They can assist in registering for My Aged Care services and help residents seek re-assessment if their care needs change.
• Linking with local service providers: Connect with local organisations such as community legal services, community support centres and financial counsellors
• Advocacy for vulnerable clients: Community Connectors advocate for vulnerable individuals, ensuring their needs are heard and addressed within the community.
• Resources for carers: Community Connectors offer helpful resources and information for carers supporting family and friends.
• Up-to-date information on local CHSP and HCP service provision: They provide information on local Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) and Home Care Packages (HCP) services available to residents.
• Helping find social supports and activities: Connectors assist residents in finding social activities and networks to foster a sense of community.
• Pop-up education sessions: Community Connectors run regular educational sessions on topics related to aged care and support services.

Central Goldfields Shire Council has been a valued partner in delivering the Engage! Program (2018–2020), funded by the Victorian State Government.

This program offers young people aged 12 to 25 opportunities to participate in activities such as community engagement, mentoring, volunteering, and leadership development.

Councils like Central Goldfields are well placed to deliver these kinds of programs because of their close connection to local communities and understanding of local needs. Their trusted role helps ensure government-funded initiatives are accessible and relevant to young people in the area.

The program included:

• Engage! Teenage School Holiday Program – providing positive and supportive activities during school breaks.
• Engage! Youth Leadership Group – helping young people build skills and confidence to engage with their community.

Becoming a parent for the first time can be both exciting and overwhelming. To support new families, Monash City Council offers First-Time Parent Groups at its Maternal and Child Health (MCH) centres, providing a welcoming space for parents and babies to connect, learn, and share experiences.

Facilitated by qualified MCH nurses, these groups cover important topics like baby sleep, feeding, safety, and parental wellbeing. Parents gain both expert advice and peer support, often forming lasting friendships.

Through the delivery of the universal MCH service, the MCH nurses have an ongoing, trusted relationships with families from pregnancy through early childhood, conducting health and developmental assessments at key stages.

Kingston’s Men’s Health Matters program ran during Men’s Health Week (9-13 June), with the flagship event held on 11 June at Mentone Life Saving Club.

The initiative was informed by consultation and evaluation from the 2024 Men, Mates and Mental Health event, along with research including The Man Box, Engaging Men, and Respect Victoria’s Willing, Capable and Confident reports.

A Think Tank held in late 2024 also shaped the approach via further consultation across Council and with community partners.

The program is designed for men of all ages, with value measured through attendance, evaluation surveys, qualitative feedback, and the continued uptake of related community initiatives.

During the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, Whitehorse City Council facilitated the Connecting Generations project in partnership with local organisations to foster meaningful connections between young children and older residents.

Primary school-aged children across Whitehorse were invited to write letters to older community members, resulting in over 300 letters distributed. This simple but impactful initiative helped to reduce social isolation and build community solidarity during a time of heightened vulnerability.

Beyond this, Whitehorse Council supports ongoing intergenerational connection through its annual Intergenerational Grants program, offering funding of up to $1000 to local schools, early years services, and kindergartens. These grants enable the expansion or development of intergenerational activities, supporting social inclusion and wellbeing across age groups.

The City of Melton facilitates The Space, a social support group providing a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ young people aged 12 to 25. Supported by a dedicated youth worker, the program offers opportunities for same-sex attracted, transgender, gender diverse, and intersex youth to connect, share experiences, and support one another in a welcoming environment.

Supporting LGBTQIA+ communities is crucial for mental health, as these young people often face higher risks of discrimination, stigma, and social isolation-factors linked to increased anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The presence of a youth worker ensures participants receive professional support and guidance, helping to foster resilience and wellbeing.

The stARTalking Creative Workshops, hosted by the Intercultural Centre (IC) in partnership with Darebin Council, demonstrate how councils can collaborate with community organisations to deliver place-based mental health prevention through creative engagement and social connection.

This free weekly program, running during La Trobe University semesters, brings together local residents for relaxed, inclusive craft and art activities. From March to May, the focus is on fostering connection through painting, scrapbooking, and card-making. From June to July, supervised nursing students from La Trobe University join the sessions, integrating creative activities with health checks, wellbeing resources, and informal conversations about mental and physical health.

This initiative reflects councils' capacity to act as enablers of local collaboration, leveraging their relationships, spaces, and insight into community needs. The program builds emotional resilience, reduces social isolation, and improves health literacy in an accessible, non-clinical environment.

Mornington Peninsula Shire delivered a $13 million youth facility in Rosebud: the Tounnin Wominjeka Youth Hub. Developed in close partnership with young people and local service providers, the two-storey, purpose-built facility creates a central, accessible space for people aged 10 to 25 to connect, learn, create, and access early support.

Reflecting the No-Wrong-Door model, the hub includes drop-in spaces, clinical and mental health services, art and recreation areas, classrooms, workspaces, and IT access. It offers programs supporting Indigenous young people, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, leadership development, education and employment, and personal development. The facility was officially opened in September following practical completion in July and is already in active use by young people across the region.

The project was brought to life through a wide network of partners including Headspace, Youth Support + Advocacy Service (YSAS), Anglicare Victoria, Peninsula Health, Alfred Health, Monash Health, Mind Australia, and many more. Local young people played a direct role in shaping the project, particularly through the MPS Youth Services Youth Advisory Group and partner schools like Oakwood School and Advance College.

Knox City Council provides funding through its Community Development Grant program to support the Different Journeys ASD Swim Nights at Knox Leisureworks in 2024. These specially designed swim sessions are hosted by individuals living with Autism, along with their families and carers, creating a welcoming and supportive environment.

The program offers four swim nights aimed at helping participants transition from a protected recreational setting toward independently accessing mainstream community recreation services. The events, held on selected Sundays, are open to families of all ages and provide a safe space for social connection and physical activity.

This initiative demonstrates how councils can facilitate inclusive community programs that promote social participation, wellbeing, and independence for people with disabilities, contributing to the prevention of mental ill health through social inclusion and supportive environments.