VicHealth is partnering with community groups and organisations across Victoria to give 180 local ideas a JumpStart! in creating vibrant, active and connected communities of young people. JumpStart! is a VicHealth initiative focused on building healthier communities through community sport, active play, art and food programs. It’s part of VicHealth’s Future Healthy initiative – a $45 million investment over 3 years helping Victoria’s young people aged 0-25 and their families to build back better and fairer. As part of JumpStart! Round 2, local organisations across the state will share in more than $3.5 million to build communities that support the health of young people. Member for Werribee Tim Pallas was delighted to reveal four JumpStart! ideas in the electorate. “These fantastic programs have been created by local organisations across the Werribee District, specifically to help improve the health and wellbeing of young people in our community,” Tim Pallas said. “I encourage young people and their families to see what’s on offer near them – these projects are a great chance to try a new skill and make new friends along the way.” The new Jumpstart! ideas in Werribee are: • Western African Cultural Association – will run their Global Rising Starts program, delivering a different sport each school term to young people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities. • Australian Burundian Community in Victoria – will create regular group training for East African young people, and share health health information and build life skills. • Werribee All Abilities Basketball Club Incorporated – will provide more training and support for coaches, and will create more teams for new players to join the club, increasing opportunities for physical activity and connection. • Hamro Community Incorporated – will run weekly volleyball sessions to offer more people the opportunity to get active and healthy. VicHealth’s Executive Manager Future Healthy Group, Sarah Loh, said the exciting programs will support children, teens, young people and their families to reach their full health potential. “JumpStart! offers new activities for around 68,000 children and young people across Victoria. We’re reaching far and wide across the state – from monster-themed dance workshops in Castlemaine to circus skills in St Albans and cultural food tastings in West Heidelberg – there’s something here for everyone,” Ms Loh said. “We can’t wait to see these programs come to life over the next 12 months.”

About JumpStart! JumpStart! Is a major investment in VicHealth’s Future Healthy initiative. JumpStart! Round 1 and Round 2 is supporting a total of more than 300 projects with a share of just over $7.25million right across the state. To find JumpStart! activities near you, visit futurehealthy.vichealth.vic.gov.au/jumpstart-map