WESTERN District Health Service (WDHS) has been honoured with the prestigious award for “Keeping People Healthy and Safe in the Community” at the Victorian Public Healthcare Awards.
WDHS was recognised for its innovative ‘Nourishing Our Community’ strategy.
The initiative has set a benchmark in improving public health through measures to promote healthy food choices among healthcare staff, children, and the wider community.
With eliminating sugary drinks in 2015 and introducing a healthier green menu in 2018, WDHS has had the goal of combatting preventable food-related diseases.
Initially the changes were met with scepticism and resistance, but have now inspired sector-wide respect and significant changes across the state.
WDHS chief executive, Rowena Clift expressed her pride in receiving this recognition, highlighting the vision of her predecessor, Rohan Fitzgerald, and acknowledging the Food Services team, led by John Hedley, for bringing that vision to life.
“We are thrilled to see our efforts over many years acknowledged at this level,” she said.
“At WDHS, we are committed to creating a culture that prioritises health and wellbeing – not just for our staff, but for the entire community. This award reaffirms that rural health services can be at the forefront of systemic change, proving that innovation and leadership are possible anywhere.”
Group Manager of Support Services, John Hedley, highlighted the teamwork behind the success.
“This achievement reflects the dedication of our staff and the collective support from the Department of Health, National Nutrition Foundation (Nutrition Australia), Healthy Eating Advisory Service, Nourish Network, Deakin University, GenR8 change, Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation, Vic Kids Eat Well, local community groups, sporting clubs and schools, who embraced these changes and championed healthier choices despite facing resistance,” he said.
“Together, we’ve demonstrated how small, consistent actions can drive transformative public health outcomes.
“WDHS’s commitment to fostering a healthier community has had far-reaching impacts. The statewide food policy shift in 2023 underscored WDHS’s trailblazing role, with its model now being implemented across Australia with both Western Australia and Queensland Health adopting similar strategies.”
