New website

An exciting project is underway to create a website to inspire the community to take action against the issue of overweight and obesity.

The Public Health Advocacy Institute of WA and Diabetes WA have partnered to provide a unique website, particularly tailoring people of Western Australia and addressing the opportunities for action on obesity at an environmental, social and political level.

Some examples of these factors that contribute to the obesity epidemic in Australia are:

• Children’s exposure to large numbers of junk food advertisements, junk food companies tailoring marketing
• Barriers to physical activity in the community, including
  • Unsafe walking paths
  • Limited shared recreational land
  • Poorly designed children’s play areas
  • Limited access to public transport.
• Availability of calorie-dense, low nutrient food over healthier options, including
  • School canteens and school fundraisers
  • Workplace canteens and functions
  • Recreational events, e.g. large sporting events, ‘The Royal Show’, music events,  community fairs and cultural events
  • Community recreation centres

The website will engage the public to voice their opinions and lobby for community level changes to amend the obesogenic environment in which West Australian’s live. It will include information and interactive tools to facilitate the spread of successful stories about advocates, suggestions of actions, training sessions and opportunities to link up with other like minded people.

The power of many voices is important on issues about obesity and unhealthy weight to make a real change in our homes, neighbourhoods and communities.

Please email Anika Dixon at Diabetes WA (Anika.Dixon@diabeteswa.com.au) or Marie Deverell (m.deverell@curtin.edu.au) at PHAIWA.