Six local organisations in Northcote will share in $84,550 in VicHealth funding to support residents hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic to improve their health and wellbeing.

Community Food Marketplace, Fairfield Cricket Club, Thornbury Kindergarten, ClimbingQTs , Nothcote City Soccer Club and the Victorian Roller Derby League are among the organisations to receive a VicHealth Reimagining Health Grant.

The grants are designed to support locals to get more physically active, promote their health and wellbeing, and build stronger social connections within the community.

Kat Theophanous, Member for Northcote, said the funding will kick-start a range of new and exciting initiatives to get people more involved in their communities.

“We have an Aboriginal-led food farming initiative, pathways for more women to get into cricket and football, an outdoor play initiative for kinder kids, and some wonderful inclusive programs for LGBTQ+ people to try out roller derby and rock climbing.”

“This funding from VicHealth will ensure local organisations can continue supporting our community to thrive after what has been a very tough year,” Ms Theophanous said.

VicHealth CEO Dr Sandro Demaio said community organisations play a vital role, now more than ever, in helping people connect and take care of their wellbeing.

“As we embrace the new COVID-normal, we’re committed to supporting Victorians to be more physically active, access healthy, affordable food and to socially connect,” Dr Demaio said.

Grant recipients in Northcote include:

For further information, visit www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/funding/reimagining-health-grants.

10 December 2020

Media contacts:

John Appleton: john.appleton@parliament.vic.gov.au M: 0410 659 798

Rachel Murphy, rmurphy@vichealth.vic.gov.au M: 0435 761 732