NSW Senator Ursula Stephens congratulated the Griffith City Council on their Healthy Communities grant totalling more than $566,000, which will deliver new programs to encourage and support the local community to adopt and sustain healthier lifestyles.

“We want to keep Australians healthy and out of hospital and programs like Healthy Communities make it easier for families looking to make a healthy change,” Senator Stephens said.

“The Griffith community will step confidently into summer with new healthy habits by getting involved in local walking groups, cycling to work or getting their hands dirty in a community garden.

“With over 60 per cent of adults and 25 per cent of kids either overweight or obese there’s never been a more important time to act and we know prevention works so we’re targeting this funding where it’s needed most.

“Making healthier choices doesn’t need to be difficult and this program is going to provide families with practical advice to make sure school lunch boxes or summer dinners are tasty and healthy.

“This is just another example of the Gillard Government delivering services that support families,” she said.

Senator Stephens said that the Griffith City Council will receive a grant of $566,042 as part of the third round of the Gillard Government’s $72 million Healthy Communities Initiative.