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“The Awards are the state’s highest accolade for health promotion. They’re a fantastic opportunity to have your health promotion work – from local projects to state-wide campaigns – recognised and celebrated by the health promotion sector, and beyond,” VicHealth CEO Jerril Rechter said.

Throughout Victoria, organisations are encouraged to enter – from high profile programs with a wide reach, to the most imaginative and effective health promotion ideas at a local level. Last year’s Awards received the highest number of nominations ever, ranging from local councils, sporting clubs and codes, water companies, not-for-profits, universities, community groups, health services and arts organisations to major events and charities.

Ms Rechter said the Awards recognise finding new ways to promote good health and wellbeing.

“2017 is a special year.  It’s 30 years since VicHealth was established as the world’s first health promotion foundation, so it’s an extra special occasion for us to acknowledge all of the outstanding health promotion work that’s taken place in Victoria over the last 12 months.

“Whether it’s a program in our emergency departments measuring alcohol consumption, a fitness football session or a free community service improving the health of gay and bisexual men. It’s inspiring work, which benefits Victorians every single day,” Ms Rechter said.

 “I’m always impressed by the diverse and innovative nominations we receive each year, and I can’t wait to hear about your efforts to ensure Victorians can live happy, healthy lives.”

All finalists will be invited guests at the 2017 VicHealth Awards Ceremony on Tuesday 5 December at the Melbourne Museum. It’s a rare opportunity to celebrate what’s been achieved during the last year in the health promotion sector with peers, international experts and leaders in government.

 Award categories for 2017 are:

• Promoting healthy eating
• Encouraging physical activity
• Preventing tobacco use
• Preventing harm from alcohol
• Improving mental wellbeing
• Communications in health promotion
• Building health through sports
• Building health through arts
• Improving health equity
• Research into action