The Southern Healthy Kids Mitchell (SHKM) network advocates for the health and wellness of children in the Mitchell Shire, and following the success of their initiatives in the north, they met for the first time in Wallan last week to promote opportunities to benefit the children in the rapidly expanding southern areas of Mitchell.
The meeting was facilitated by Nexus Primary Health Promotion Team Lucy Linton and Jack Barclay, and it follows the workshop held at the Beveridge Community Centre in April where an encouraging 25 community groups and associations registered their interest and workshopped their initiatives.
The feedback prioritised cooking classes and physical activities, and taking action, the facilitators have already initiated an after-school sports program to be held each Tuesday and Thursday at the Hadfield Park in Wallan, commencing August 6, between 3.30pm-5.00pm.
The meeting was well-attended in person and online, with at least six staff members from the Mitchell Shire Council’s Children and Families Services units attending.
Concerns around the negative impacts of social media were also raised at the meeting, and three additions were made to the summary of priorities created at the April workshop, which included advocating for more inclusive environments for all children, an introduction to budgeting, and the viability of art making a positive impact on mental health.
To get involved in the Southern Healthy Mitchell Kids group, call the Health Promotion Team at Nexus on 1300 77 33 52.
