GLEN EIRA CITY COUNCIL
MUNICIPAL PUBLIC HEALTH AND
WELLBEING PLAN
2013–2017
Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 3
1
Background to the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan ....................................... 4
1.1
What is a Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan? ............................................ 4
1.2
What are the public health and wellbeing priorities of the Federal Government? ..... 5
1.3
What are the public health and wellbeing priorities of the State Government? ......... 6
1.4 What are the public health and wellbeing responsibilities of the Glen Eira City
Council? ............................................................................................................................... 7
2
3
4
Planning approach.......................................................................................................... 11
2.1
The Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan development process .................. 11
2.2
Planning framework for the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan ................ 12
2.3
Municipal scan and consultation ............................................................................. 12
Council's role in public health and wellbeing .................................................................. 17
3.1
Planning and service provision ................................................................................ 17
3.2
Partnerships with local health providers.................................................................. 18
3.3
Advocacy ................................................................................................................. 19
3.4
Key achievements of the Municipal Public Health Plan 2009-2012 .......................... 19
Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2013 2017 ................................................ 22
4.1
Objectives and actions ............................................................................................ 24
References ............................................................................................................................ 39
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Introduction
Glen Eira City Co
’s Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2013-2017 identifies the
health and wellbeing needs of the Glen Eira community
o
s Co
’s o
s
strategies for the next four years.
The 2013-2017 Plan builds on the work of the previous 2008-2012 Plan and meets the
legislative responsibilities of the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008.
While the Federal and State Governments have the primary responsibility for the provision
and funding of health services, local governments in partnership with local health organisations
can make a significant contribution within the realm of their responsibility.
Glen Eira City Council has identified the following priorities to focus on over the next four
years:
 promote healthier eating and a physically active community;
 promote community wellbeing and connectedness;
 improve mental health;
 reduce harm from tobacco, alcohol and drugs;
 deliver public health protection; and
 deliver public health leadership.
The priorities and strategies included in the Plan have been identified through analysis of
health and other relevant data from various sources and through consultation with local
health agencies and community members.
The Plan presents the health planning approach adopted by Council, an environmental scan of
the local community and a detailed list of actions that Council will undertake to address the
health and wellbeing needs of the Glen Eira community.
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1 Background to the Municipal Public Health and
Wellbeing Plan
While Federal and State Governments have the primary responsibility for the funding and
delivery of health services, Local Government is in a unique position to create positive change
in the health and wellbeing of local people as it is the closest level of Government to the
community it serves. Councils have an important role in leadership, advocacy, regulation,
funding and service delivery.
Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plans were introduced into Victorian public health
legislation in 1988 as part of world-wide recognition of the importance to plan for health and
wellbeing at the local level. An important understanding underpinning the legislation was that
s “ … a complete state of physical, mental and social wellbeing, and not merely the
s
of s s o f m y” (Co s
o of
o
O
s o ,
6).
Eira City Council was one of the first councils in Victoria to develop and implement a
Municipal Public Health Plan.
1.1 What is a Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan?
The Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan is a strategic approach to local public health
planning. It aims to protect and improve the public health and wellbeing of the Glen Eira
community, by informing and integrating with other public health planning processes, and
avoiding the duplication of planning effort at the local level.
The Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 describes the legislative responsibilities of councils to
prepare a Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan and the planning processes that need to
be included in its development. A plan must be prepared within the period of 12 months after
each general election of Council.
A Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan must:

include an examination of data about health status and health determinants in the municipal
district;

identify goals and strategies based on available evidence for creating a local community in which
people can achieve maximum health and wellbeing;

provide for the involvement of people in the local community in the development, implementation
and evaluation of the public health and wellbeing plan;

specify how Council will work in partnership with the department and other agencies undertaking
public health initiatives, projects and programs to accomplish the goals and strategies identified in
the Public Health and Wellbeing Plan;
 be consistent with —
(i)
the Council Plan prepared under section 125 of the Local Government Act 1989; and
(ii)
the Municipal Strategic Statement prepared under section 12A of the Planning and
Environment Act 1987.
In preparing a Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, a Council must have regard to the State
Public Health and Wellbeing Plan prepared under section 49.
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1.2 What are the public health and wellbeing priorities of the
Federal Government?
The National Health Priority Areas initiative is collaborative action between Commonwealth,
State and Territory Governments, non-government organisations, health experts, clinicians
and consumers. The initiative is based on recognising that the strategies for reducing the
burden of illness should encompass the continuum of care. That is, from prevention through
to treatment, management and maintenance and should be based on appropriate research and
data sources. By targeting specific areas that impose high social and financial costs on
Australian society and through collaborative action, significant and cost-effective advances can
be achieved in improving the health status of Australians.
The nine National Health Priority areas that have been selected are:
 cancer control;
 cardiovascular health;
 injury prevention and control;
 mental health;
 diabetes mellitus;
 asthma;
 arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions;
 obesity; and
 dementia.
(Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2013)
In 2008, a National Preventative Health Taskforce was established to provide evidence-based
advice to governments and health providers on preventative health programs and strategies,
focusing on the burden of chronic disease currently caused by obesity, tobacco and the
excessive consumption of alcohol. According to the taskforce:
“ ... obesity, tobacco and alcohol feature in the top seven preventable risk factors that
influence the burden of disease, with over 7% of the total burden being attributed to each of
obesity and smoking, and more than 3% attributed to the harmful effects of alcohol. Along
with a range of other risk factors and accounting for their interactions, approximately 32% of
Australia’s total burden of disease can be attributed to modifiable risk factors” (Australian
Government Preventive Health Task Force, 2009).
The National Preventative Health Taskforce Strategy was seen to be needed for three reasons:
 To prevent hundreds of thousands of Australians dying prematurely, or falling ill
and suffering, between now and 2020.
 To minimise the impending overload of the health and hospital systems.
 To
s
o
v y
fo
om
v ss of A s
’s
workforce.
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The Strategy has also set the following targets:
 Halt and reverse the rise in obesity.
 Reduce the prevalence of daily smoking to 10 per cent or less.
 Reduce the proportion of Australians who drink at short-term risky/high-risk
levels to 14 per cent, and the proportion of Australians who drink at long-term
risky/high-risk levels to seven per cent.
 Contribute to the Close the Gap target for Indigenous people, reducing the life
expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
(Australian Government Preventive Health Task Force, 2009)
1.3 What are the public health and wellbeing priorities of the
State Government?
The goal of the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2011–2015 s “ ... to improve the
health and wellbeing of all Victorians by engaging communities in prevention, and by
strengthening systems for health protection, health promotion and preventive healthcare
across al s o s
v s of ov m ” (V o
D
m
of
,
).
The Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan contains four priority settings as the major focus
for action over the life of the Plan:
1. Local communities — building on the strong tradition of community participation in
Victoria, with a major focus on the role of local councils in Municipal Public Health and
Wellbeing planning, as well as the Prevention Community Model developed under the
Council of Australian Governments, National Partnership Agreement on Preventive
Health.
2. Workplaces — building on investment to date in workplace health promotion, and the
contribution of agencies such as VicHealth, and programs such as WorkHealth and the
National Partnership Agreement on Preventive Health Healthy Workers Initiative.
3. Early childhood and education settings — building on the recommendations of the
parliamentary inquiry into the potential for schools to become a focus for promoting
healthy community living, and new initiatives under the National Partnership
Agreement on Preventive Health Healthy Children Initiative.
4. Health services —
o V o ’s s o
omm
y
sys m,
s
opportunities for health promotion across the continuum of care, and the wider
contribution of health services beyond direct service delivery — such as through
health promoting hospital initiatives.
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1.4 What are the public health and wellbeing responsibilities
of the Glen Eira City Council?
Local Government plays an important role in controlling public health threats by enforcing
up-to-date public health standards and through fulfilling its statutory obligations such as those
contained in the Victorian Health, Food and Environment Protection Acts, associated regulations
and standards.
State and Federal Governments are responsible for the provision of services to treat these
chronic and acute illnesses. Local Government can assist in addressing these health needs by
assisting other local health organisations to implement and promote strategies that meet the
o
omm
y’s
s.
The public health priorities of Council are:
1. statutory public health functions of Council;
2. initiatives that support improved rates of compliance with public health standards and
legislation; and
3. to partner with local health organisations to improve wellbeing and address chronic
health needs of the local community.
1. Statutory public health functions of Council
Food safety
The Food Act 1984 requires Council to register and inspect food premises annually,
investigate complaints relating to food safety and undertake food sampling to monitor the
safety of food sold within the municipality.
In 2012 public health:
 conducted 1,702 inspections of food businesses;
 obtained 379 samples from food businesses; and
 investigated 149 food safety related complaints.
Immunisation
The Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 requires Council to co-ordinate and provide
immunisation services to children living or being educated within the municipal district.
In 2012 :
 5,643 early years immunisations were conducted; and
 2,917 school immunisations were completed.
Tobacco control
The Tobacco Act 1987 requires Council to enforce tobacco related laws regarding sale of
cigarettes to minors, tobacco displays, advertising, smoke free areas and smoke free areas
such as food establishments.
In 2012, public health investigated nine tobacco complaints relating to matters such as
tobacco sales to minors, smoke free workplaces and smoke free dining.
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Control of infectious disease
The Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 requires Council to register and inspect all:
hairdressers, beauty therapists, tattooists, colonic irrigation, businesses performing body
piercing and public swimming and spa pools.
In 2012 Public Health:
 conducted 214 inspections of registered public health and wellbeing businesses
such as hairdressers, beauty therapists, tattooists and body piercing premises;
 investigated seven complaints relating to hairdressers and beauty therapist
businesses;
 conducted 66 inspections of public swimming and spa pools; and
 obtained 107 water samples from public swimming and spa pools.
Prescribed accommodation
The Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 requires Council to register and inspect all
accommodation premises where six or more residents are living. Rooming or boarding
houses must also be registered with Council under the provisions of the Act where four
or more residents are living. Council must inspect these premises to ensure compliance
with public health standards contained in the Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations
2009.
In 2012 Public Health:
 conducted 35 inspections of registered prescribed accommodation businesses; and
 investigated 39 complaints relating to the suspected operation of illegal prescribed
accommodation businesses.
Public health nuisances
The Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 requires Council to investigate all complaints
that are liable to impact upon the health of the community. Council investigates
approximately 200 complaints each year concerning safe asbestos removal, sewage,
odour and residential noise.
Public health emergencies
The Emergency Management Act 1986 requires Council to respond to supress public
health emergencies and to assist community recovery after an emergency event. Council
is also required to develop and implement a Pandemic Flu Plan to control disease
outbreaks and a Heatwave Plan to protect the community during extreme weather
conditions.
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2. Initiatives that support improved rates of compliance with public health
standards and legislation.
Five-Star Safe Food program
Co
’s Five-Star Safe Food program provides incentives for high performing businesses
that actively manage food safety risks and continuously improve practices to make food
production safer, premises cleaner and improve staff food handling practises. Poor
performing b s ss s
o o s o
o Co
’s
o
v
strategies are subject to sanctions to ensure public safety is not compromised. Incentives
for Five-Star Food businesses include: Five-Star Food safety certificates reduced Council
registration fees and free publicity in the Council produced Glen Eira Safe Food Guide.
In 2012 Public Health:
 conducted 648 Five-Star Food safety assessments; and
 awarded 215 food businesses with a Five-Star rating.
Education about Victorian tobacco laws
Council delivers education about Victorian tobacco laws to food proprietors, tobacco
retailers, tobacconists and licensed premises. These services are delivered in accordance
with the Department of Human Services funding agreements administered by the
Municipal Association of Victoria.
In 2012 Public Health conducted 24 educational visits to tobacco retailers, specialist
tobacconists and food premises (smoke free dining).
Nutrition
Council's Taste 4 Health nutrition program educates local food establishments on how to
improve the nutritional value of the food they serve. Nutrition criteria for the program
were developed in partnership with dieticians from the International Diabetes Institute,
Caulfield Community Health Service and Bentleigh-B ys Comm
y
. Co
’s
Taste 4 Health Kids program encourages food establishments to implement healthy
initiatives to reduce fat, salt and refined sugar and increase dietary fibre in children's
menu choices.
In 2012 Public Health conducted 50 nutrition inspections of food businesses in relation to
Co
’s Taste 4 Health and Taste 4 Health Kids programs.
Immunisation
Council actively markets and promotes the importance of children and adults maintaining
their immunisation status in accordance with the Australian Standard Vaccination
Schedule. If enough people in the community are immunised, the general level of
immunity is increased and the spread of infection is minimised.
Council provides community immunisation each month, a secondary school vaccination
program, opportunistic immunisation at Maternal and Child Health Centres and delivers
special immunisation sessions for four-year-old children that include free show bags, face
,
oo s
’s
s.
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3. Partner with local health organisations to improve wellbeing and address
chronic health needs of the local community.
Council partners with local hospitals, community health centres and other local service
providers to implement initiatives and deliver community education in relation to mental
health, cardiovascular health, cancer control, diabetes, obesity, dementia and injury
prevention.
Council also actively participates in national, state and local health and wellbeing
campaigns that promote healthy lifestyles such as active living and healthy eating. Council
also promotes community awareness in relation to cancer screening, gambling awareness,
sun smart, White Ribbon Day (Stop Violence Against Women), Dementia Awareness Week
and Pink Ribbon Day (breast cancer awareness).
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2 Planning approach
The organisational planning context for this Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan can be
fo
Co
’s Community Plan. The Community Plan sets out the strategic direction of
Council. The Plan also guides Council's decision-making, resource allocation and
organisational focus, and details the priorities that Council will pursue to meet the needs of
the Glen Eira community.
2.1 The Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan
development process
The aim of the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan is to develop an ongoing strategic
public health planning process to identify and address current and emerging public health
issues and concerns. The development process for the Plan consisted of six major phases as
depicted below.
Pre-Planning
Consider legislative requirements, state and
federal health priorities & processes
Identify key strategic planning objectives
(Community Plan & Municipal Strategic
Statement)
Refer Sections 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3
Key Achievements & Health Priorities
Achievements identified and goals and
strategies developed to address areas requiring
Change as identified in the municipal scan and
consultation.
Refer to Sections 3.3 and 4.1
Actions
Development of actions to address identified
areas, community health needs and the
legislative obligations of Council
Municipal scan
Data collection and analysis to:
develop preliminary understanding of
community health and wellbeing status and
determinants
identify the context of other local, state and
national health policy & issues
Refer to Section 2.3
Consultation
The process included:
a forum with key organisations which
influence health and wellbeing
an online survey and community forum
analysis of previous consultation carried out
for other Council plans
Refer to Section 2.3
Implementation & Review
The Plan and its priorities will be reviewed
annually to ensure implementation in
accordance with the Action Plan and to
identify changing needs and issues
Refer to Section 4.2
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2.2 Planning framework for the Municipal Public Health and
Wellbeing Plan
The Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan has a number of legislative, policy and planning
links. Importantly, there are several planning and policy links across Council that influence the
development and content of the Plan and, in turn, are influenced by the Plan. The diagram
below outlines these legislative, policy and planning links which inform the Municipal Public
Health and Wellbeing Plan.
Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan planning and legislation links
Ageing Strategy
Community Plan
Municipal Early Years
Plan
Public Health and
Wellbeing Act 2008
Disability Action Plan
Environmental
Sustainability Strategy
Municipal Public Health
and Wellbeing Plan
Sustainable Transport
Strategy
Victorian Public Health
and Wellbeing Plan
2011-2015
Climate Change
Act 2010
Road Safety Strategy
Bicycle Strategy
Municipal Strategic
Statement
Municipal Emergency
Management Plan
2.3 Municipal scan and consultation
Municipal scan
During the municipal scan phase, a variety of the standard measures often used by
government and researchers to measure health and illness in a population were examined and
the resulting implications for the development of this Plan assessed.
Information used includes:





Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 Census data;
The Community Indicators Victoria 2013 survey data;
Victorian Population Health Survey 2008;
Department of Health Statistical Profile: Glen Eira 2013; and
Victorian Health Information Surveillance System data.
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Glen Eira demographics/who are we?
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census of Population and Housing 2011, there
are 137,566 residents living within Glen Eira. This figure is predicted to increase to 156,334
by 2031 according to the future population predictions developed by the Department of
Planning and Community Development.
The population is ageing, with 14 per cent of the population expected to be aged over 70 by
2031. There will also be an increase in the number of lone households, with around one third
of all households expected to be occupied by people living alone (Department of Planning and
Community Development, 2012).
There is a high level of cultural diversity, with 28.3 per cent of Glen Eira residents born in a
non-English speaking country, and 30.7 per cent speaking a language other than English at
home. The most common overseas country of birth is India (3.8 per cent), and most
commonly spoken languages other than English are Greek (4.5 per cent), Russian (3.8 per
cent) and Mandarin (3.3 per cent) (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2013).
Median household incomes are above average, and levels of educational attainment are high,
with performance of Year Nine students among the highest in the state, a low percentage of
persons without Year 12, and high percentages of persons with a higher education
qualification (Department of Health, 2013a).
The tables below highlight a range of statistics used as indicators for health and their
implications for the development of this plan.
Illness and disease
Avoidable mortality in Glen Eira 2002 2006
Top 5 causes
Total deaths
1. Ischemic heart disease
147
2. Lung cancer
130
3. Colorectal cancer
70
4. Suicide
54
5. Breast cancer
54
Avoidable hospitalisations in Glen Eira 2011
Top 5 causes
Hospital
admissions
1. Diabetes complications
1,071
2. Kidney/urinary tract inflammation
449
3. Dental conditions
354
4. Congestive cardiac failure
372
5. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
315
Chronic disease in Glen Eira 2007 2008
Chronic disease
% of population
Respiratory system disease
16.2%
Circulatory system disease
16.2%
Hypertensive diseases
8.8%
High cholesterol
5.4%
Type 2 diabetes
4.1%
Planning implications
Collectively, cancers contribute significantly
to the avoidable deaths in Glen Eira. Early
detection can reduce the severity of
cancers. Therefore, cancer screening
promotion could be used to reduce
mortality rates.
Poor diet, smoking, alcohol consumption
and low levels of physical activity
contribute to many of the top causes of
avoidable hospitalisations in Glen Eira.
Chronic diseases are serious health issues
that may require ongoing medication for
life. However, most chronic diseases are
preventable for most people through
healthy lifestyle choices.
An emphasis on promoting healthy
lifestyles in this Plan can decrease the
impact of chronic disease on the
community.
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Source: Department of Health (2012) Victorian Health Information Surveillance System
Public Health Information Development Unit 2011
Lifestyle behaviours
Health risk factor
Persons who are obese or
overweight
- Males
- Females
Persons aged 18 plus who
are current smokers
- Males
- Females
Persons at risk of shortterm harm from alcohol
consumption
Persons who purchased
alcohol in the past seven
days
Persons who do not meet
fruit and vegetable
guidelines
- Males
- Females
Persons who do not meet
physical activity guidelines
- Males
- Females
Glen Eira
43.7%
Victoria
48.6%
54.7%
33.4%
14.9%
57.2%
40.3%
19.1%
18.3%
11.5%
6.9%
21.4%
16.9%
10.2%
38.4%
36.3%
47.0%
48.2%
38.1%
57.6%
27.7%
41.9%
54.8%
27.4%
Planning implications
Obesity is a major risk factor in many of the
diseases which affect Glen Eira residents such as
heart disease, cancer, stroke and respiratory
diseases.
The prevalence of tobacco smoking among adults in
Victoria has been steadily declining for many years.
This continuing fall has the potential to contribute
to a reduction in chronic disease over time.
Therefore, programs should focus on continuing to
decrease smoking rates.
Glen Eira has a lower percentage of people at risk
of short-term harm from alcohol consumption than
Victoria however, it is of concern that over a third
of adults purchased alcohol in the past seven days
and half (50.4 per cent) of 15 to 17-year-olds
consumed alcohol in the previous month. This
emphasises the need to promote safe consumption
of alcohol, particularly to young people.
Almost a third of the Glen Eira population does not
meet the Federal ov m ’s
o
ys
26.2%
27.5%
activity
guidelines.
Physical
activity,
as
well
as
having
29.6%
27.2%
important
health
and
social
benefits,
plays
a
vital
Gaming machine losses
$669
$602
role in the prevention of mortality and morbidity
per head of adult
from cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, some
population
forms of cancer and morbidity from some injuries
Drug usage and
1.8
3.4
and mental health conditions. Therefore,
possession offences per
encouraging and providing opportunities to be
1,000
physically active will have an impact on a range of
population
health conditions.
Source: Department of Health (2013a) Statistical Profile: Glen Eira
Protective health behaviours
Health risk factors
Glen Eira
Victoria
Planning implications
Infants fully breastfed at
64.1%
51.8%
Glen Eira rates positively on most health status
three months
indicators however, screening participation rates
are low, particularly bowel cancer and breast
Children fully immunised
92.4%
93.4%
cancer screening participation which is below
at 24 27 months
average.
Breast cancer screening
54.2%
54.7%
participation
Promotional methods could be used to boost
Cervical cancer screening 66.1%
60.7%
immunisation and screening rates in order to
participation
prevent or early diagnose treatable diseases.
Bowel cancer screening
33.2%
37.1%
participation
Source: Department of Health Statistical Profile: Glen Eira, 2013
Indicators of community strength
Health risk factor
Glen Eira
Community acceptance of 93.1%
diverse cultures
Feel safe walking alone
98.3%
Victoria
89.4%
97%
Planning implications
There are relatively high levels of community
involvement in Glen Eira. This can be enhanced
through a range of community building programs.
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during the day
Feel safe on street alone
75.3%
70.3%
after dark
Participation in arts and
79.1%
63.6%
cultural activities
Participation in citizen
46.9%
50.5%
engagement in last year
Source: Community Indicators Victoria, 2013
Indicators of mental health and wellbeing
Health risk factor
Glen Eira Victoria
Persons reporting high to 9.3%
11.4%
very high degree of
psychological distress
Feeling part of the
73.7%
72.3%
community
Satisfaction with their
78.3%
77.5%
lives
Source: Community Indicators Victoria, 2013
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Strengthening community connections will also help
to maintain the existing high perceptions of safety in
Glen Eira.
Planning implications
Levels of psychological stress in Glen Eira are
slightly lower than the state average. Feeling part
of the community and life satisfaction measures are
both linked to mental wellbeing.
Glen Eira has rates similar to the state average on
these measures.
Consultation
The consultation process was informed by data collected in the municipal scan phase and
included:



an online survey and quick poll;
two community forums and an additional forum for local service providers including
health services, disability services and emergency services; and
analysis of previous consultation undertaken in the development of other Council
plans.
Key themes to emerge from this consultation process include:
Physical activity
Those consulted identified the importance of physical activity for both physical health and
social interaction. They emphasised the need for community members of all age groups to be
able to access local affordable facilities, open spaces and sporting grounds.
Feeling part of the community
Social isolation was viewed as a major factor leading to poor health and wellbeing. Having a
strong sense of community and the opportunities to attend community events were seen as
protective factors. Having a place to go or group to be involved with was seen as important.
Healthy ageing
The ageing population of Glen Eira was recognised with activities that allow older residents to
stay active in the community and remain in their homes for as long as possible was identified
as a priority.
Community safety
During consultations it was identified that feeling safe to go out at night would lead to more
opportunities for physical activity and social activities which were both key priority areas for
health.
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Access to services
Having access to services and knowing how and where to access them was a recurring theme
and accepted as being important in achieving positive health and wellbeing.
Summary and key considerations
The Glen Eira community enjoys a comparatively high level of health and wellbeing. Even so,
residents are not immune to lifestyle related risks such as obesity, insufficient exercise, poor
nutrition, smoking and alcohol. Along with stress, high cholesterol and high blood pressure,
these risk factors contribute significantly to the burden of disease in Glen Eira and provide
opportunities for future health gain through early prevention and appropriate management of
these risk factors (Department of Health, 2013a).
The table below shows the relationship between chronic disease and selected lifestyle risk
factors.
Chronic disease or
condition
Poor diet
Physical inactivity
Tobacco smoking
Excess alcohol use
Excess weight
Coronary heart disease
Cerebrovascular disease
Colorectal cancer
Type 2 diabetes
Chronic kidney disease
Osteoarthritis
Osteoporosis
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2008
The ageing population in our community presents health challenges associated with a longer
life expectancy. We can expect an increase in people living with chronic diseases and
disabilities and it will result in a higher demand for health services. It will be important for
Glen Eira to focus on healthy ageing to enable residents to contribute to the community and
remain in their homes for as long as possible.
In addition, the key considerations for the Plan will be:






prevention and early intervention as key strategies to reduce lifestyle related diseases;
promotion of screening to minimise preventable cancer deaths;
immunisation to minimise death and illness from preventable diseases;
monitoring health conditions, disease notification and adoption of healthy behaviours
throughout the life of the Plan in order to respond to emerging issues;
development of partnerships with external health agencies and services to enable
delivery of programs promoting positive health and wellbeing; and
ongoing consultation and involvement with the community to understand their needs
and ensure strategies respond appropriately.
We are fortunate that Glen Eira residents enjoy a health status above the state average.
However, risk factors for our community are expected to increase with an ageing population.
The provision of information, services and programs and the continued provision of a safe
environment enables residents to make healthy lifestyle decisions ensuring a healthy future for
Glen Eira.
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3 Council's role in public health and wellbeing
3.1 Planning and service provision
Council is a key player in a network of local and regional public health and wellbeing planners
and service providers and it works in partnership with the State Government and other
selected agencies and providers, undertaking public health initiatives, projects and programs
to accomplish the goals and aims of the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan. Council
does this by:







participating in local health strategy planning and development;
participating in service provider-led consultation;
sharing health data information;
supporting local health initiatives;
participating in Inner South East Partnership in Community and Health meetings and
initiatives;
participating in Bayside Medicare Local meetings and initiatives; and
consultation with the Department of Health (central and regional offices) on health
related issues.
Local and regional health providers and networks are integral in promoting and enhancing
health and wellbeing in Glen Eira.
Council also has a range of functions determined by the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008
which are relevant to the protection, improvement and promotion of public health and
wellbeing of the Glen Eira community. Specifically, these responsibilities are:






Creating an environment which supports the health of members of the local
community and strengthens the capacity of the community and individuals to achieve
better health.
Initiating, supporting and managing public health planning processes at the local level.
Implementing public health initiatives within the municipal district.
Developing and enforcing public health standards and intervening if the health of
people within the municipal district is affected.
Supporting local agencies whose work has an impact on health and wellbeing in the
local community.
Co-ordinating and providing immunisation services to children living or being educated
within the municipal district.
Ensuring that the municipal district is maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.


The responsibilities are actioned by Council through the delivery of health protection and
innovative health promotion programs addressing areas of food safety, tobacco control,
infectious disease management, immunisation and regulation of businesses that pose a risk to
public health.
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3.2 Partnerships with local health providers
Glen Eira City Council will work in partnership with a range of local health providers and
services across the municipality to ensure effective and efficient health and wellbeing
outcomes for the Glen Eira community.
These partnerships include:
Department of Health
Council is represented on the Department of Health Southern Region Health Network.
Council works in partnership with the Department of Health through this network to
undertake public health initiatives, projects and programs to accomplish the goals and
strategies identified in the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan.
Inner South East Partnership in Community Health (ISEPICH)
T
s
s
s
o o ISEPIC ’s Ex
v Comm
v
working groups, to ensure priorities are established between acute and community health
care service providers to plan and co-ordinate health services within the cities of Glen Eira,
Stonnington and Port Phillip.
Bayside Medicare Local
The partnership with Bayside Medicare Local establishes and maintains strong links with a
o
of m y
ov
s, o
os
wo ks
o
P’s. T
partnership provides an opportunity for better targeting of services and establishing formal
and informal links with the acute and aged care sectors.
Community health services
Council will work alongside Bentleigh Bayside Community Health Service and Caulfield
Community Health Service in undertaking the joint initiatives highlighted through the
Comm
y
’s I
P omo o
Municipal Public Health and
Wellbeing Plan. The partnership will bring together a diversity of skills and resources for more
effective health planning outcomes for the community.
Glen Eira City Council is committed to continue working in partnership with a range of
government, non-government and community organisations.
To ensure effective and efficient health planning initiatives and projects, Glen Eira City
Council recognises it will need to identify and seek new partnerships, as well as maintain its
existing relationship with stakeholders.
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3.3 Advocacy
Council takes its responsibility as an advocate for the Glen Eira community seriously. Through
its varied relationships with other Governments, community organisations and interest
groups, Council officers give voice to local opinions, communica Co
’s os o o
issues, and initiate action in a deliberate attempt to influence outcomes.
Advocacy is particularly important in the health arena for Council because our direct
involvement in health service delivery is small and focused on prevention efforts. For this
reason, our advocacy efforts are directed through our partners to improve community
connections and mental health, health promotion and healthy lifestyles, healthy environments
and protection, and emergency response.
3.4 Key achievements of the Municipal Public Health Plan
2009-2012
Council has already achieved significant progress in providing health and wellbeing initiatives
for the Glen Eira community through the previous Municipal Public Health Plan 2009 2012.
Food safety
From 2009 2012, 1,540 food businesses were assessed and 89 per cent complied with the
Australian food safety standards.
From 2009 2012, Co
’s environmental health officers undertook 3,510 food safety
assessments of local food businesses to ensure that food safety risks were effectively
managed.
Five-Star Safe Food Program
In 2012, 56.6 per cent of Class 1 Food Businesses received a Five-Star Food safety rating.
The Five Star Safe Food Program provides incentives for high performing businesses that
actively manage food safety risks and continuously improve practices to make food
production safer, food businesses cleaner, improve staff education and implement best
practice.
Co
’s Five-Star Safe Food Program was further enhanced with the introduction of a risk
based approach to the way food safety assessments are conducted. This enhancement
provides Council with greater flexibility to identify and manage the risks posed by each food
premises.
Healthy ageing
Council offers residents over 50 years-of-age the opportunity to participate in exercise
classes and walking groups that are designed to improve balance, encourage confidence and to
build a better sense of wellbeing. The Explorers Program offers a wide range of excursions
(scenic drives, luncheons, picnics, and movies) designed to encourage confidence and an
opportunity to make new friends.
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An average of 230 socially isolated older people attend physical activity and social connection
programs each year.
Disability
From 2009 2012, 72 local food businesses improved disability access by meeting disability
access criteria.
Co
’s Access 4 All Program is designed to reward those food businesses that provide
accessible initiatives for people of all-abilities. By making minor structural changes and
improving customer awareness and service needs, food businesses are rewarded not only
with an increase in trade, but are also provided with an Access 4 All Award to promote the
accessibility of their food business.
Health promotion programs
From 2009 2012, more than 1,000 residents attended health promotion programs, gaining
valuable knowledge and skills in improving their own healthy behaviours and lifestyles. Popular
events included Maintain Your Brain Alzhe m ’s
v
o s ss o s, T v Sm fo o
residents, food insecurity information sessions, Responsible Service of Alcohol forums and car
seat restraint checks.
Community safety
Twelve initiatives were provided in 2011-2012 to address the issue of community safety.
Workshops and educational programs included safe living programs, Community Safety Month
events, falls prevention sessions and safety around schools campaigns.
Nutrition
From 2009 2012, 206 food businesses developed healthy menu items to improve the
nutritional value of food sold within the municipality.
The Taste 4 Health and Taste 4 Health Kids program educates businesses on how to improve
the nutritional value of the food they serve. The criteria were developed in partnership with
dieticians from the Bentleigh-Bayside Community Health Centre. Local food businesses are
encouraged to make small changes to their menu items to provide food that is low in salt,
sugar and fat and high in dietary fibre while maintaining taste and quality.
Infectious diseases prevention, surveillance and control
From 2009 2012, 948 inspections of personal care businesses that pose a potential risk to
public health (hairdressers, beauty therapy and skin penetration premises) were assessed
against state public health standards.
From 2009 2012, 61 gastrointestinal and infectious disease outbreaks were investigated and
controlled by Council within childcare and aged care facilities.
Council annually registers all public health and wellbeing businesses under the provisions of
the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008. Public health and wellbeing businesses include
hairdressing, beauty therapy, skin penetration (ear piercing), tattooing and colonic irrigation
premises. Environmental health officers inspect these businesses to ensure that they maintain
hygiene and safety standards.
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Immunisation
More than 28,000 vaccinations were administered from 2009 2012. More than 90 per cent of
children are up-to-date with vaccinations meeting national immunisation targets.
Council promotes and encourages the immunisation of children and adults through its diverse
range of immunisation sessions; including Maternal and Child Health sessions, community
sessions, a special four-year-old session, staff flu immunisation sessions and the Year 7
Gardasil vaccine program.
Water sampling
From 2009-2012, 368 water samples were taken from public swimming pools and spa pools
and 89 per cent complied with Water Quality Standards. Council regularly monitors the
water quality at all public swimming pools and spas within the municipality. Swimming pool
and spa water samples are collected for chemical and microbiological analysis to ensure the
facilities are safe for public use.
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4 Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan
2013 2017
Glen Eira City Council has identified the following public health and wellbeing priorities for
the next four years. These priorities will ensure Council complies with its legislative
responsibilities in line with the Community Plan and other key Council plans and strategies.
1. Promote a healthier eating and physically active community
Council will undertake strategies to inform and educate residents regarding healthy eating and
physical activity. This is a key priority area for Council as poor diet and low levels of physical
activity contribute to many of the top causes of ill health and avoidable hospitalisations. A
range of health promotion projects, combined with partnerships that support the community
to make healthy lifestyle choices and advocacy is most likely to make a difference to the Glen
Eira community.
2. Promote community wellbeing and connectedness
In order to achieve this priority, Council will undertake community consultation, provide a
range of events, festivals and community celebrations, as well as encourage and promote
volunteering. Fostering participation and a sense of community builds a strong and resilient
community and contributes to wellbeing. Council will provide community grants to support
local community groups to meet identified community needs.
3. Improve mental health
Creating a socially inclusive community where people feel valued, respected and can live with
dignity contribute to reducing the impact and may prevent the onset of mental health issues.
Council will focus activity on improving social, physical and economic environments. Age
related mental health issues are likely to increase in Glen Eira; preventative mental health
activities such as those associated with increasing connectedness will assist in addressing these
mental health issues. Activities will include strengthening understanding in the community
about mental health, developing a cohesive, focused and co-ordinated effort in close
collaboration with key partners and supporting individual efforts to achieve and maintain
mental health.
4. Reduce harm from tobacco, alcohol and drugs
Strategies to inform and educate residents regarding tobacco, alcohol misuse and drugs will
assist state and federal governments in advancing population health. The focus on advocacy
and partnership is particularly important in this priority area as many of the controls for
tobacco, alcohol and drugs are driven by law. Council has a role in monitoring and
enforcement as well as health promotion.
5. Deliver public health protection
Council will continue to enforce up-to-date public health standards and will provide public
health intervention programs to improve community health. These services include
immunisation programs, food safety, tobacco control, environmental health and water quality
initiatives. Council will continue to run programs to protect the health and wellbeing of young
children and frail older adults.
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6. Deliver initiatives in public health leadership
Glen Eira will continue to be a leader in public health initiatives with innovations such as the
Five-Star Food premise certification and vaccination sessions for four-year-olds demonstrating
our strong public health commitment. Council will focus leadership activity that promotes
safe, stable and prevention focussed activities and programs that educate, provide incentives
for improvement, protect vulnerable community members and target health issues in Glen
Eira.
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4.1 Objectives and actions
Promote healthy eating and a physically active community
What do we know?
 Unhealthy eating and low fruit and vegetable consumption contribute to high blood
pressure, high blood cholesterol and high rates of obesity. These risk factors cause up
to 16 per cent of the burden of disease in Australia (VicHealth, 2012).
 Increased levels of physical activity help to decrease obesity which is a major risk
factor in many of the diseases which effect Glen Eira residents such as heart disease,
cancer, stroke and respiratory diseases. Physical activity also benefits mental health
and wellbeing and increases opportunities for people to socialise (VicHealth, 2012).
Why is it important to health and wellbeing in Glen Eira?
 Lifestyle related chronic disease is responsible for most of the burden of disease in
Glen Eira.
 Physical inactivity and obesity are recognised as having significant links to a range of
chronic diseases. Almost a third of the Glen Eira population does not meet the
National Physical Activity Guidelines (Department of Health, 2013a).
 Almost half of the Glen Eira population does not meet the recommended daily intake
of fruit or vegetables (Department of Health, 2013a).
Community members said:
“P ys
“A
v yw
ss o s f , o
o
oo
x
s
s
q
s k
y of life and good health outcomes for an ageing population.”
ks, y
sw m k m
x
s mo .”
Goal 1. Promote healthier eating and a physically active community
Objectives
Action
Measure
Timeframe
1.1
Promote healthy
behaviours and support
the community to
make healthy lifestyle
choices.
Identify state and/or national health
priority campaigns that have
relevance for the local community
and inform the community through
promotion and information
sessions.
Health food literacy
promoted in Glen Eira
News.
2013/14
Support and encourage
participation of early childhood
services and schools in the Victorian
Prevention and Health Promotion
Achievement Program, particularly
with achievements of the healthy
eating and oral health benchmarks.
Promote the program
and suggest ideas for
meeting healthy eating
and oral health
benchmarks in
newsletters.
Quarterly
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Goal 1. Promote healthier eating and a physically active community
Objectives
Action
Measure
1.2
1.3
Foster joint planning
and action to improve
healthy eating and
physical activity.
Promote physical
activity initiatives to
support the community
in leading healthy and
active lifestyles.
1.4 Improve the supply of
and access to a variety
of safe and nutritious
food in the community.
2017
Timeframe
Develop an annual program of
health promotion seminars and
events in partnership with the
Department of Health, ISEPICH,
Bayside Medicare Local and
community health centres.
Promote cycling as an alternative
mode of transport.
Run health promotion
projects targeting:
- healthy eating; and
- physical activity.
Two cycling articles
promoted in Glen Eira
news.
2013/14
2015/16
P omo Co
’s T v Sm
Map to residents to encourage
walking and cycling in the
municipality.
TravelSmart Maps
promoted to residents
through articles in the
Glen Eira News and
v
o Co
’s
website.
2014/15
Promote the National Physical Activity
Guidelines and raise awareness of
the importance of physical activity
to all residents.
National Physical Activity
Guidelines posted on
Co
’s w s .
December
2013
Implement nutrition program to
eligible local food businesses and
award those that offer healthy food
choices to the public.
Eligible businesses
assessed on healthy
menu criteria.
Annually
E s
Co
’s D v
s
program provides nutritious food
choices for all older persons
participating in the service.
The nutritious food
value of the Delivered
Meals program audited
with assistance from
dietician.
Twice each
year
2013/2014
2014/2015
1.5
Promote activity and
connect socially
isolated older adults
with their community.
Deliver outings and exercise classes
to socially isolated senior citizens.
Two hundred socially
isolated residents
attend programs each
year.
Annually
1.6
Increase capacity of the
community to be active
by improving personal
safety and preventing
injury.
Promote road safety information to
improve awareness around
pedestrian and driver safety.
Road safety articles
promoted in Glen Eira
News.
2016/17
2016/17
Advocacy
Council will advocate to the State and Federal Governments to address the following needs of residents and
ratepayers:


Increased funding for community care meals services.
Advocate with health partners to obtain funding for national health priority campaigns of relevance to
the community.
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Promote community wellbeing and connectedness
What do we know?
 People who are socially isolated or excluded have between two and five times the risk
of dying prematurely from all causes compared to those who maintain strong ties with
family, friends and community (Brasher and Wiseman, 2007).
 Social interaction is particularly important after retirement when the social contact
that comes with being in the workforce is gone. Factors such as living alone, low
income, reduced physical mobility due to illness or lack of access to transport can
increase the risk of social isolation for both the elderly and wider community (Better
Health Channel, 2013).
Why is it important to health and wellbeing in Glen Eira?
 11.3 per cent of Glen Eira residents are aged over 70. Thirty-one per cent of those
residents aged over 70 are living in lone person households, putting them at risk of
being socially isolated (Department of Health, 2013).
 Community connection is strong in Glen Eira with 73.7 per cent of the community
reporting feeling part of the community and 90.4 per cent of residents reporting that
they could definitely get help from friends, family or neighbours when they needed it
(Community Indicators Victoria, 2013).
 Seventy nine per cent of Glen Eira residents report participation in arts and cultural
activities compared to 63.6 per cent of Victorians (Community Indicators Victoria,
2013).
Community members said:
“T
s extraordinary sense of community which means that my children are cared for by those in my
street and surrounds.”
“I
k y v s
v
o
community in which I live and work.”
m ms
s o
o .”
“I ov f
o
o
Goal 2. Promote community wellbeing and connectedness
Objectives
Action
Measure
Timeframe
2.1
Deliver at least
$350,000 in community
grants to community
groups.
Annually
- Parties in the Park
- Music festivals
- Storytelling Festival
Annually
Service level
agreements with all
community houses.
Annually
Support community
connectedness and
participation by
promoting and providing
community events and
programs.
Support local community
groups by providing community
grants for health education
programs, prevention of alcohol
and drug abuse and the
minimisation of social isolation.
Provide a range of events,
festivals and community
celebrations to build social
connectedness and promote
community inclusion.
Fund community houses to
provide a range of community
programs that decrease social
isolation and increase
community connectedness.
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Goal 2. Promote community wellbeing and connectedness
Objectives
Action
Measure
Timeframe
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
Increase the number and
diversity of people who
are involved in
volunteering and
recognise the
achievements of local
volunteers.
Promote volunteerism and
recognise the contribution
volunteers make in the
community.
Fund Community Information
Glen Eira (CIGE) to implement
a volunteer referral service that
identifies opportunities, issues
and resources for current and
future volunteering needs.
Volunteer recognition
award ceremony held.
Annually
CIGE meet funding
agreement through the
referral of at least 1,000
volunteers, and more
than 100 volunteer
organisations registered
on the service.
Annually
Connect socially isolated
older adults and people
with disabilities with
their communities.
Provide social support
programs which support frail
older people and people with
disabilities.
Provide 21,500 hours of
social support.
Annually
Promote Co
’s om
library service for frail older
people and people with a
disability.
Increase number of
people who have access
to the home library
service.
Annually
Provide transport to enable
frail older adults to access
community facilities and venues.
Thirty residents
registered to receive
weekly shopping
services to local
shopping centres.
Annually
Expand our community
care transport service
to enable access to
other community
facilities.
Two thousand older
residents utilise
Co
’s S o C z
C
’s
y .
June 2014
Facilitate and promote
opportunities for Glen
Eira residents to be
socially active.
Improve community
members’ understanding
of personal safety and
injury prevention.
Support senior citizens clubs to
enhance social inclusion of
older persons.
Annually
Promote and encourage a range
of activities that build
community spirit such as
Neighbour Day and community
gardens.
Promotion and delivery of
informational resources to
improve personal safety and
prevent injury.
Encourage community
houses to participate in
Neighbour Day.
Annually
Community safety
articles promoted in
Glen Eira News.
Annually
Promote and implement a
range of community safety
information and programs
during Community Safety Month.
Three community
safety initiatives held
during Community Safety
Month.
Annually
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Advocacy
Council will advocate to the State and Federal Governments to address the following needs of residents and
ratepayers:


Funding for volunteering and community groups.
Increased funding for home and community care services to meet previously agreed 80 per cent
federal and state commitments.
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Improve mental health
What do we know?
 Our social connections comprise people we know; the friends we confide in, the
family we belong to and the community we live in. The need to belong, be connected
and engaged in group and civic activities are intrinsic to mental health and wellbeing
(VicHealth, 2013).
 A safe environment where people can live, work or play has a direct impact on the
omm
y’s ys , so
mo o w
(B
C
,
).
 In contrast to the overall physical health gains in recent decades, the burden of mental
illness, in particular depression, is an important global health problem due to both its
relatively high lifetime prevalence and the significant disability that it causes (VicHealth,
2013).
 Promoting safety and safe practices within the community can contribute to increasing
the confidence of residents about safety (Victoria Police, 2013).
Why is it important to health and wellbeing in Glen Eira?
 While Glen Eira residents experience a relatively good measure of mental health and
wellbeing, preventative measures will protect against the growing burden of
psychological stress across the general population.
 Strengthening community connections will help to maintain existing high perceptions
of safety in Glen Eira.
 With lone households increasing in Glen Eira, social isolation may become more
prevalent and this may impact on the mental health of these residents.
Community members said:
“I
k y v s,
s,
o s, omm
y
s, m k s,
s and parks are invaluable and help
minimise disconnection and related negative mental and physical health outcomes.”
“ o
s
o
o
v
o
om … need to look into ways to make them feel needed and respected.”
Goal 3. Improve mental health
Objectives
Action
3.1
Facilitate and promote
opportunities for Glen
Eira residents to feel
valued, be connected
and socially active across
the life span.
Measure
Timeframe
Promote the Glen Eira
Community Register and
encourage socially isolated
senior citizens to register.
Community register
promoted in Glen Eira
News two times per
year.
Annually
Provide information, support
and referrals to young people
who are disadvantaged, isolated
or at risk.
One thousand young
people supported
o
Co
’s
Youth Services support
programs.
Annually
Offer a range of library services
and programs which encourage
family and community
involvement.
Provide StoryTime and
BabyTime sessions for
40,000 attendees at the
libraries in Bentleigh,
Carnegie, Caulfield and
Elsternwick.
Annually
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E
Goal 3. Improve mental health
Objectives
Action
3.2
Foster joint mentalhealth
and wellbeing planning
and action.
Maintain partnerships with the
Inner South East Partnership in
Community Health (ISEPICH)
and Bayside Medicare Local to
deliver initiatives and activities
that improve community
wellbeing and connectedness.
P
P
2017
Measure
Timeframe
Participate in ISEPICH
projects and initiatives
throughout the year.
Ongoing
Representation on
ISEPICH Executive and
Steering Committees.
Participation in Bayside
Medicare Local
activities and working
groups.
3.3
Ensure access to physical
environments that build
social connections and
individual capacity to be
physically and mentally
well.
Increase capacity of the
community to improve
personal safety and
prevent injury.
3.4
3.5 Provide services that
enhance maternal
mental health.
Develop an annual program of
health promotion seminars and
events in partnership with the
Department of Health, ISEPICH,
Bayside Medicare Local and
community health centres.
Run health promotion
projects targeting key
health priorities:
- mental health; and
- healthy ageing.
Provide access to Council
sporting grounds and pavilions
for community activities and
sport.
Information about
grounds, access and
activities provided on
Council website.
Annually
Partner with local community
groups and service providers to
facilitate the development of
programs that improve personal
safety and prevent injury.
Community workshops
for service providers
and community groups
held twice each year.
Annually
Support the wellbeing of
mothers and babies through
postnatal depression support in
our Maternal and Child Health
services.
Nurses to implement
postnatal depression
guidelines.
Annually
Develop a partnership
with Alfred Child
Youth and Mental
Health Service
(CYMHS) to deliver
postnatal support.
Annually
2015/2016
2015/2016
Advocacy
Council will advocate to the State and Federal Governments to address the following needs of residents and
rate payers:




Ongoing support of the community register for socially isolated senior citizens.
Adequate funding for suicide prevention and education.
Funding to support postnatal depression services.
Funding to enable the promotion of mental health through increased awareness of risk factors.
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Reduce harm from tobacco, alcohol and drugs
What do we know?
 More than 200 types of short and long-term preventable harms can result from
alcohol misuse. These include accident and injury, cancer, heart attack, stroke and
liver cirrhosis. The harmful community impacts of alcohol include drink driving,
alcohol-related injury, assault and chronic disease (VicHealth, 2012).
 Even though the smoking rate has dropped in Victoria, smoking remains the leading
preventable cause of many cancers and respiratory, cardiovascular and other diseases
(VicHealth, 2012).
 Illicit drugs cause significant harm to individuals and the broader community, including
the loss in workplace productivity and the cost to our health and criminal justice
systems (DoH, 2012c).
Why is it important to health and wellbeing in Glen Eira?
 Four key health risk factors: smoking; harmful use of alcohol; physical inactivity; and
obesity are recognised as having significant links to a range of chronic diseases. Around
half of Glen Eira residents aged over 18 have at least one of those four risk factors
(Department of Health, 2013a).
 While Glen Eira has a lower percentage of people at risk of short-term harm from
alcohol consumption, half of 15 to 17-year-olds report consuming alcohol.
Community members said:
“So m y ss s m ov w
like smoking and alcohol.”
“R
smok
o o
yo
o
s
s
x
s — like mental health, general health and giving up things
s.”
Goal 4. Reduce harm from tobacco, alcohol and drugs
Objectives
Action
Measure
Timeframe
4.1
Reduce the incidence of
smoking through
education and
enforcement of the
Victorian Tobacco Act.
Monitor and enforce
standards for the display and
sale of cigarettes and smoke
free requirements in tobacco
retailers, certified
tobacconists, eating
establishments and licensed
premises.
Provide education and
conduct inspections in
40 per cent of tobacco
retailers, 100 per cent
of certified
tobacconists, five per
cent of eating
establishments and 10
per cent of licensed
premises.
Annually
4.2
Encourage reduction in
smoking rates in Glen
Eira.
Support local community
groups by providing grants for
health education related to
non-smoking.
Prioritise programs that
promote non-smoking
in community grants.
Annually
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Goal 4. Reduce harm from tobacco, alcohol and drugs
Objectives
Action
Measure
Timeframe
4.3
Minimise the harm
caused by tobacco,
alcohol and other drugs
in the community.
4.4 Partner with key local
health providers to
develop approaches to
reduce harm from
alcohol, tobacco and
drugs.
Raise awareness of the impact
of binge drinking, smoking and
other drugs via a community
information session.
Community
information session
held.
2013/2014
Promote the responsible
service of alcohol through the
provision of Responsible
Service of Alcohol courses for
sporting clubs and other
community groups.
Develop an annual program of
health promotion seminars
and events in partnership with
the Department of Health,
ISEPICH, Bayside Medicare
Local and community health
centres.
Two Responsible
Service of Alcohol
courses held per year.
Annually
Run health promotion
projects targeting key
health priorities:
- smoking prevention;
and
- alcohol misuse.
2013/2014
2014/2015
Advocacy
Council will advocate to the State and Federal Government to address the following needs of residents and
ratepayers:
 Ensure that recently increased tobacco funding levels are maintained.

Support the implementation of outdoor smoking bans.
Page 32 of 40
Deliver Public health protection
What do we know?
 Improvements in sanitation, drinking water quality, food safety, disease control and
housing conditions have been central to the significant improvement of quality of life
and longevity experienced over the last 100 years (Australian Government
Department of Health and Ageing, 2013).
 Vaccination has been demonstrated to be one of the most effective and cost-effective
public health interventions. Immunisation not only protects individuals, but also others
in the community, by reducing the spread of disease. Since the introduction of
childhood vaccination, deaths in Australia from vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs)
have declined by more than 99 per cent (Australian Government Department Health
and Ageing).
 Food poisoning is caused by eating contaminated food. The risk can be minimised by
taking simple precautions. Some people are more at risk including: pregnant women,
the elderly, young children and anyone with an illness. E.coli, salmonella, listeria and
campylobacter are some bacteria that cause food poisoning (Better Health Channel,
2013).
 Services that support and assist senior citizens protect them from infectious disease,
injury, poor nutrition and mental illness.
Why is it important to health and wellbeing in Glen Eira?
 92.6 per cent of five--year-old children starting school in Glen Eira have been fully
immunised (Department of Health 2013b).
 I
, 5 s s of s s
foo o so
w
o
o
E ’s P
Health Unit.
 There were eight infectious disease outbreaks in Glen Eira in 2011/12.
 There were 43 serious injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents in Glen Eira
between 1 January and 30 June 2012 (Department of Transport, 2013).
Community members said:
“A ss o
healthy and clean.”
y foo — confidence to know you can go anywhere and the food will be hygienic,
“Imm
k
s o
s sw
,
o
;
x m
Goal 5. Deliver public health protection
Objectives
Action
5.1
Enforce public health
standards to ensure the
residents of Glen Eira
can feel confident about
the environment in
which they live, work
and play.
of P
S v
”.
Measure
Timeframe
Inspect registered food
businesses to assess compliance
with National Food Safety
Standards.
Conduct 800 food
safety assessments for
at least 95 per cent of
all registered food
businesses.
Annually
Analyse food samples from
registered food businesses.
One hundred and
eighty seven food
samples analysed per
year.
Annually
Page 33 of 40
E
Goal 5. Deliver public health protection
Objectives
Action
5.2
Provide services to
protect the health of
children.
5.3 Investigate and respond
to community concerns
about public health
complaints.
P
P
2017
Measure
Timeframe
Undertake food safety risk
assessments of registered
s ss s s
‘
sk
foo s’ (
f
s,
childcare facilities, restaurants,
cafes, takeaway premises) to
identify and mitigate food safety
risks.
Inspect all hairdressers, beauty
therapists, prescribed
accommodation, skin
penetration and colonic
irrigation businesses to assess
the safety and hygiene
standards and prevent the
spread of infectious disease.
Risk assessments
conducted at 600 food
premises per year.
Annually
Conduct 220 Public
Health and Wellbeing
Act Inspections for at
least 95 per cent of all
public health and
wellbeing businesses.
Annually
Inspect all tattooist premises to
assess the safety and hygiene
standards and prevent the
spread of infectious disease.
Inspect all tattooist
premises.
Three times
per year
Regular analysis of water quality
from all local public swimming
and spa pools to assess the
water quality and hygiene levels
at each facility.
Conduct water
sampling at each public
swimming and spa
pool.
Four times per
year
Deliver maternal and child
health services that meet State
Government standards.
Fifteen thousand key
ages and stages visits
delivered.
Annually
Provide vaccinations to infants
and school children in
accordance with the National
Immunisation Schedule.
Eight thousand
vaccinations provided
to infants and school
children.
Annually
Investigate and respond to
public health nuisance
complaints including residential
sewerage spills and residential
noise control.
Investigate all notified
public health nuisance
complaints.
As required
Investigate community concerns
about asbestos and provide
community education about
safe asbestos removal.
Investigate all
complaints about
unsafe asbestos
removal.
As required
Asbestos safety
information posted on
Co
’s w s .
December
2013
Investigate all notified
incidents of infectious
disease outbreaks and
notifications.
As required
Investigate incidents of
infectious disease outbreaks
and notifications.
Page 34 of 40
E
Goal 5. Deliver public health protection
Objectives
Action
5.4. Respond to emergencies
and incidents
threatening public health
and wellbeing.
P
P
2017
Measure
Timeframe
Action all relevant food recalls
within the City of Glen Eira as
notified by the State
Government to ensure all
potentially unsafe or unsuitable
food is removed from sale.
Investigate and recall
all potentially unsafe or
unsuitable food, as
notified by the State
Government.
As required
Inspect all fire damaged food
businesses within 24 hours of
notification to ensure all
potentially unsafe and
unsuitable food is removed
from sale.
All fire damaged food
businesses inspected
within 24 hours of
notification.
As required
Attend all notified aged and
childcare gastrointestinal
outbreaks to determine the
source and provide advice to
prevent the ongoing spread of
infectious disease.
Investigate all notified
aged and childcare
gastrointestinal
outbreaks and provide
health and safety
advice as necessary.
As required
R v w Co
’s Influenza
Pandemic Plan to ensure disease
control and management
practices are relevant for
emerging worldwide infectious
diseases.
R v w Co
’s
Influenza Pandemic Plan
and report outcomes
to the Municipal
Emergency
Management
Committee.
Annually
Im m
Co
’s Heatwave
Plan to support and safeguard
the most vulnerable residents in
the event of a heatwave.
Ensure heatwave safety
information is
refreshed and posted
o Co
’s w s
annually and is
promoted in Glen Eira
News.
November
March Annually
Advocacy
Council will advocate to the State and Federal Government to address the following needs of residents and
ratepayers:

Funding for increased immunisation services and prevention of cost shifting to local government.

Equitable funding of Maternal and Child Health services and a return to the agreed equal State and
Local Government funding model for Maternal and Child Health.
Page 35 of 40
E
P
P
2017
Deliver initiatives in public health leadership
What do we know?
 Over the next 25 years, the percentage of Glen Eira residents aged over 60 is
expected to increase to 23.6 per cent (Glen Eira Ageing Strategy).
 Childhood diseases such as measles and whooping cough are serious and potentially
fatal. The risk of complications from disease is much higher than the risks of
complications from immunisation (Better Health Channel).
 T
of
mo
y
’s
y
v
s
impact on health and socio-economic status throughout life. Many chronic health
problems in adulthood, such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes and mental health
problems have their origins in early childhood (DEEWR).
 Gaming losses in Glen Eira are higher than the Victoria measure at $669 per head of
adult population compared to $602.
Why is it important to health and wellbeing in Glen Eira?
 There were 42 unintentional injuries and two intentional injuries per 100,000
population in Glen Eira treated in hospital in 2011/2012 (Department of Health
Statistical Profile: Glen Eira2013a).
 A key challenge as the population ages over the next 10 years is to meet the
increasing demand for Home and Community Care services to keep people in their
own homes longer. Whilst the State Government funds Home and Community Care
services, Council is a provider of this much valued service.
 Health screening participation rates of Glen Eira residents are low. In particular, bowel
cancer and breast cancer screening participation is below average.
Community members said:
“T m y
ss o
s v
“N
o
s fo s o
existing health issues.”
s fo those who need it most.”
v
o of
ss s mo
yo
Goal 6. Deliver initiatives in public health leadership
Objectives
Action
6.1
Encourage businesses to
maintain public health
standards.
o
o s sw
s
m
of
Measure
Timeframe
Provide incentives for food
businesses to produce safe food
in clean hygienic premises.
Provide reduced annual
registration fees for
Five-Star Food premises,
deliver annual Business
Awards Night and
provide certificates to
Five-Star Food
businesses.
Annually
Produce a newsletter for local
food businesses to provide
information about food safety
law, advice and emerging food
technology.
Distribute four issues
of Foodline newsletter.
Annually
Page 36 of 40
E
P
P
2017
Goal 6. Deliver initiatives in public health leadership
Objectives
Action
Measure
Timeframe
6.2. Provide services to
enhance and protect the
health of children.
Deliver four-year-old
community vaccination sessions
with childhood entertainment
to attract participants and
increase four-year-old
vaccination rates.
Encourage breastfeeding
through promotion of
breastfeeding support services.
Provide quality accredited aged
care services.
Twelve four-year-old
vaccination sessions
conducted.
Annually
Three and six month
breastfeeding targets
exceed state average.
Deliver accredited
Home and Community
Care and Residential
Aged Care services to
the Glen Eira
community.
Annually
Deliver falls prevention and
education sessions to senior
citizens.
Promote safety information on
how to stay safe and recover
from a flood.
Falls prevention
seminars provided to
at least 50 residents.
Flood safety
information provided:
- Co
’s w s ;
and
- Glen Eira News.
2015/16
Reduce recreation related oral
injuries by promoting the use of
mouthguards for contact sport.
Information regarding
mouthguard use sent
to sporting clubs.
Annually
Work in partnership with the
Department of Health,
ISEPICH, Bayside Medicare
Local and community health
centres.
Facilitate discussion between
community health service
providers regarding community
health priorities
Provide access to information
which will maximise health and
wellbeing of children and
families.
Run health promotion
projects targeting
cancer screening.
6.3. Provide services to
protect the health of
senior citizens.
6.4
6.5
6.6
Increase the capacity of
the community to
improve personal safety
and prevent injury.
Foster joint local public
health and wellbeing
planning and action.
Promote healthy
behaviours and support
the community to make
healthy lifestyle choices.
Promote breastfeeding friendly
zones in Council MCH centres
and four municipal libraries.
Ongoing
June 2014
2014/15
2013/2014
Document priorities
December
2014
Ten parent education
sessions delivered.
Monthly
February
November
Twenty group sessions
delivered for parents
of young children on
key health and
development issues.
Promote breastfeeding
zones in Glen Eira News
and Family and
C
’s s v s
newsletters.
Fortnightly
between
February
December
Annually
Page 37 of 40
E
Goal 6. Deliver initiatives in public health leadership
Objectives
Action
6.7
Reduce the impact of
problem gambling on the
community.
P
P
2017
Measure
Timeframe
Continue to monitor gaming in
the City, its impact on the
community and appropriate
responses in consultation with
gambling support services.
Develop key
partnerships with
Gamblers Help
Southern.
Ongoing
Effectively report and allow
community comment on the
social and economic impact of
gaming in the Glen Eira
community.
Complete community
impact statements as
necessary.
As required
Raise awareness of issues
associated with problem
gambling.
Run an event to
promote Gambling
Awareness Week.
2014 2015
Advocacy
Council will advocate to the State and Federal Government to address the following needs of residents and
ratepayers:

Funding for increased immunisation services and prevention of cost shifting to Local Government.

Equitable funding of Maternal and Child Health services and a return to the agreed equal State and Local
Government funding model for Maternal and Child Health.

Implementation of the productivity commission recommendations in relation to $1 limits, restriction of
ATM daily withdrawals and a full pre-commitment system.
Page 38 of 40
References
Australian Bureau of Statistics (2013) Census of Population and Housing 2011 http://www.abs.gov.au/census,
accessed 10 May 2013.
Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing (2013) Population Health Division
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/phd-prevention-np,
accessed 6 May 2013.
Australian Government Preventive Health task Force (2009) Australia: The Healthiest Country by 2020 National
Preventative Health Strategy Overview, Canberra.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2008) Indicators for chronic diseases and their determinants 2008,
Canberra.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2013) National Health Priority Areas, http://www.aihw.gov.au/nationalhealth-priority-areas, accessed May 3 2013.
Better Health Channel (2013) Better Health Channel http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au, accessed 12 May 2013.
Brasher, K and Wiseman, J (2007) University of Melbourne: Community wellbeing in an un-well world: Trends,
challenges and opportunities, Melbourne.
City of Stonnington (2009) Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2009-2013, Malvern.
Climate Commission (2013) Effects: Extreme Weather
http://climatecommission.gov.au/effects/extreme-weather/ accessed 23 May, 2013.
Community Indicators Victoria (2013) Glen Eira Wellbeing Report
http://www.communityindicators.net.au/wellbeing_reports/glen_eira, accessed 15 May 2013.
Constitution of the World Health Organisation (2006) Basic Documents- Forty-fifth edition Supplement
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Corangamite Shire (2009) Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2009-2013, Camperdown.
Department of Health (2013a) Department of Health Statistical Profile: Glen Eira
http://docs.health.vic.gov.au/docs/doc/Glen-Eira-(C), accessed 15 April 2013.
Department of Health (2013b) Local Government Area Immunisation Statistics, Melbourne.
Department of Health (2012) Victorian Health Information Surveillance System
https://hns.dhs.vic.gov.au/3netapps/vhisspublicsite/ViewContent.aspx?TopicID=1 ,accessed 15 May 2013.
Department of Health (2009) Victorian Population Health Survey 2008 Glen Eira City Selected Findings
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Department of Planning and Community Development (2012) Victoria in the Future
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Department of Transport (2013) Victorian Transport Statistics Portal
http://www1.transport.vic.gov.au/VTSP/homepage.html ,accessed May 23, 2013
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Monash City Council (2010) Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2010-2013, Glen Waverly.
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Victorian Department of Health (2011) Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2011–2015, Melbourne.
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Page 40 of 40