Local Government Injury Prevention Project

Funded by the Department of Health, the Local Government Injury Prevention and Community Safety Capacity Building Project continued for PHAIWA in 2013/14. The project engaged with local government authorities (LGAs) to investigate the options to promote and enhance community injury prevention (CIP) and community safety (CS) at a local level.

Local governments are well positioned to help develop and support a wide selection of injury prevention programs. Local governments employ many professionals who have relevant experience applicable to CIP, CS, community development and media liaison roles. The aim of this project was to work with interested Councils to identify and enhance existing, and support the development of new, sustainable injury prevention programs, initiatives, support structures and collaborations.
Throughout the project PHAIWA worked with local governments to
•    examine current injury profiles;
•    identify existing and scope the capacity for enhancing CIP and CS initiatives; and
•    identify resources and professional expertise within the local government sector.
Perceived barriers and solution to implementing or enhancing injury prevention programs were also identified.
PHAIWA offered seven grants to local governments in the 2012/13 period for injury related projects. The successful recipients were:
Local Government Project
City of Mandurah Mandurah Liquor Accord; Awareness Raising, Education and Community Strategy
Shire of Wickepin RU2 Close- Road Safety
Town of Port Hedland Alcohol Education and Prevention Program
City of Gosnells Home Safety Audit Program
Shire of Collie Swim Safe!
City of Perth City of Perth Injury Profile- Alcohol and other Drugs
Shire of Margaret River-Augusta Injury Prevention in the Shire of Augusta – Margaret River (profile) and Safe Surfing DVD- ‘Skeg Bites’