UNFORTUNATELY for the people of Shepparton, they have one of the highest incident rates of heart disease in the state.
Heart Foundation VIC, heart health manager, Adam Stormont, said physical inactivity is a key risk factor for heart disease, which continues to be the single leading cause of death in Australia.
The Heart Foundation is calling for entries in the 2021 Active Australia Innovation Challenge, which will award grants valued at $10,000 each for innovative community-based projects designed to get Aussies moving.
In 2019, 18,244 Australians died from coronary heart disease, or about one every 29 minutes. It accounted for more than 10 per cent of all deaths that year.
“Yet here in Victoria, only around one-third (34.3%) of adults are active enough for good heart health,” Mr Stormont said.
“Statistics like these make it more important than ever for Australians to find ways to get involved in a more active lifestyle.
“That’s why we run the Active Australia Innovation Challenge. It provides an opportunity for tertiary institutions, schools, councils, community groups and other organisations to tell us their great ideas for encouraging communities to get more active and live a healthier lifestyle.” he said.
Entries will be open for six weeks from March 15, 2021. Shortlisted applicants will have the chance to refine and pitch their projects before a panel of experts decides on up to 20 winners. They will each receive a grant of $10,000 to turn their project idea into a reality.
The Active Australia Innovation Challenge is part of the Healthy Heart Initiative, which is funded by the Australian Government. Visit the challenge page at the Heart Foundation website www.heartfoundation.org.au for full terms and conditions.
