Groups or individuals interested in health and wellbeing have the opportunity to join a promotional initiative in the City of Onkaparinga.

Healthy Cities Onkaparinga is a coalition of associations and individuals who address community health issues using the World Health Organisation’s Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion.

It is currently looking for people and community groups who are passionate about promoting health and wellbeing in the district.

Healthy Cities Onkaparinga was established in 1987 as Healthy Cities Noarlunga – one of three pilot cities in Australia to adopt the model.

Since then it has worked closely with state and local government, private business and the general community to stimulate community action about issues that affect general health, and to develop possible solutions.

Most recently, the coalition has developed such initiatives as the Onkaparinga Food Security Collaborative and the Compassionate Communities Collaborative.

Healthy Cities Onkaparinga realises that the social determinants of a healthy city - where people live, work, learn and play - are equally as important as clinical or medical care.

Thanks to a small grant from the City of Onkaparinga, it is now seeking to expand the Healthy Cities approach locally.

It is looking for people and community groups who want to know more about social health promotion, or who see an issue in their community they would like to tackle.

Interested community groups will be offered a free, mini workshop to help increase their understanding of community health and wellbeing, and be given the opportunity to network and collaborate with like-minded groups in Onkaparinga.

If that sounds like you, or if you know of a community group who may benefit, you are encouraged to contact Healthy Cities Onkaparinga via email for further information.