Fitness Centre manager Narelle Kriz the 2015 Heart Foundation Award recognising council’s contribution to making Cobar a healthier community.
Cobar Shire Council has been recognised for its contribution to tackling heart disease at the 2015 Heart Foundation Local Government Awards.
Kerry Doyle, Chief Executive of the Heart Foundation NSW announced council as the New South Wales Winner in the ‘Councils with populations of 5,000 or less’ category on Thursday night in Sydney.
“Cobar Shire Council won this award due to initiatives such as a new skate park that is creating an exciting recreational precinct for the local youth, as well as increasing the programs available to underrepresented groups such as the elderly and disabled, promoting active transport and providing opportunities for council staff to lead active lifestyles,” Ms Doyle said.
“The Local Government Awards are an important staple on the Heart Foundation calendar because they provide the opportunity to recognise the outstanding achievements being made at a grassroots level to combat health issues.
“Local governments play a pivotal role in introducing structural change, implementing policies and creating supportive environments which allow people to be physically active, reduce smoking and improve their nutrition,” Ms Doyle said.
Council’s special projects officer Angela Shepherd said the construction of the Peak Skate Park to get kids to be active helped them to win the award however council was also recognised for the ‘added extras’ they were doing for other community groups.
“It was the underrepresented ones, i.e. disabled and oldies who are using the Youthie for wheelchair basketball, walking groups, oldies table tennis, and by working with other groups in town such as Cobar Community Health. We provide them infrastructure free of charge so they can provide the service,” Ms Shepherd said.
Now in their 23rd year, the Heart Foundation Local Government Awards provide an opportunity for local government to celebrate their achievements and receive recognition for their commitment to creating healthier communities.
Cobar Shire Council is one of four local government areas in New South Wales recognised with an award for initiatives that create a healthy community.
As one of the winners in New South Wales, Cobar Shire Council is in the running to be named as a national winner later this year.
As a contributor to the Peak Skate Park project, Chris Higgins from Peak Gold Mines said he was very pleased to hear of council’s win of the Heart Foundation award.
“It’s brilliant to have local infrastructure that provides benefits at different levels, like entertainment for the kids, more use of the Youthie, and happier and healthier families in town.”
