New health campaign for Kimberley Aboriginal communities

Improved health and a longer life expectancy for the Kimberley Aboriginal community are the aims of a new health campaign that begins today.

The 'Live Well - Kimberley Active' campaign, launched in Broome by Health and Indigenous Affairs Minister Dr Kim Hames, promotes regular physical activity and a healthy diet in Aboriginal communities.

"The State Government is committed to improving outcomes for Aboriginal people and we are looking at opportunities that will assist in closing the life-expectancy gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Western Australians," Dr Hames said.

"This campaign aims to improve lifestyle and reduce risk factors for chronic diseases such as diabetes and kidney disease.

"It includes 10 television and radio messages, six promoting physical activity and four promoting healthy food."

Community-based initiatives will also be run in Broome and Bidyadanga to engage community members in different physical activity and nutrition programs.

"Fifty-six per cent of the Kimberley Aboriginal population is aged less than 25, so it is essential that we encourage young Aboriginal people to make healthy choices that will improve their health and social outcomes over their lifespan," the Minister said.

The Department of Health - through the Office of Aboriginal Health - has funded Goolarri Media a total of $470,000 since 2006, to progress the campaign and develop the culturally appropriate media resources.

'Live Well - Kimberley Active' has been developed in consultation with several key stakeholders, including:

• Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Council
• Kimberley Division of General Practitioners
• Garnduwa
• Kimberley Health Promotions Unit
• Curtin University of Technology, which is the evaluations partner

WA Health provides a range of health services across the Kimberley region.

Core Aboriginal health priorities include chronic disease prevention and management; mental health; drug and alcohol programs and child and maternal health.

Minister's office - 9222 8788