Local forum showcases the region’s Local Government Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plans

Recently the Barwon South West Public Health Unit hosted the sixth regional forum in Camperdown, on Djargurd Wurrung country.

The event began with a Welcome to Country by local Eastern Marr man Joey Chatfield-Berg, and brought together stakeholders and partners from across the Barwon South West to showcase the regional Local Government Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plans.

Those who attended had the opportunity to come together and hear from special guest Jan Black, Policy Adviser at the Municipal Association of Victoria, who spoke about the critical role of local government in creating conditions that support community health and wellbeing. Jan was joined by representatives from local governments across the region who shared stories about the development of their new Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plans.

These stories highlighted the importance of understanding community needs, taking an integrated approach to health and wellbeing, and engaging a diverse range of partners to influence the social and economic determinants of health.

Kylie Rylie – Senior Health Planner, City of Greater Geelong
• City of Greater Geelong: Data and Insights for Health and Wellbeing

Keri James –  Coordinator Community Programs, Corangamite Shire Council
• Gender Impact Assessments, Intersectionality and Engagement for planning

Jane Ruge – Community Wellbeing Manager, Glenelg Shire Council
• Glenelg – Intersectional and Integrated

Martin Gill – CEO, Borough of Queenscliffe
• Balancing data and community voice

Jess Bowen –  Social and Population Health Planner,  Golden Plains Shire
• Connected for Impact: Local Partnerships Driving Health and Wellbeing

Nerissa Lovric – Community Planning and Health promotion. Warrnambool City
• Evolution of the Healthy Warrnambool Plan 2025-2029

Steph Stevanja – Health and wellbeing Advisor, Surf Coast Shire Council
• Working with community is critical

Ashish Sitoula – Manager Community Services, Colac Otway Shire
• Integrated programming for health and wellbeing

Alison Toohey – Manager Governance & Corporate Planning, Moyne Shire Council
• Building Partnerships through Engagement

Dr. Storm Holwill from the Barwon South West Public Health Unit also provided an overview of a project initiated from discussions at the second Public Health Forum in September 2024, focusing on reducing harm from nicotine. This project aims to strengthen a regional approach to community-based cessation services across the region. Dr. Holwill’s presentation included a review of the literature and early findings from extensive consultations with the region’s health services.

A range of additional resources were also shared on the day — links to these are provided below:
• Local Government MPHWB priority alignment
• BSWPHU Community Partnership team key contact list
• Policy frameworks relevant to reducing nicotine-related harm
• Legislation and regulation – Tobacco and vaping products
• BSWPHU – Strengthening food systems across the Barwon South West

The next forum planned for February 2026 will focus on sexual and reproductive health.