Harry Taylor promotes City's health initiative

Look out for Go GERO! the City of Greater Geraldton’s Getting Active and Eating Well Made Easy project when it rolls out next month.

Go GERO! features Geelong AFL football player and former Northampton resident, Harry Taylor, as ambassador of the project that will be implemented over the next two years.

This initiative was funded with $703,607 from the Australian Government under Phase II of the Healthy Communities Initiative, with a funding partnership of $8500 from the Local Government Association.

The project aims to create partnerships and programs to engage adults in physical activity, healthy eating programs and activities.

It will be launched at the beginning of Bike Week, on Sunday March 18, and incorporates recommendations set out in the City’s physical activity and nutrition plan.

Emily O’Hara has been appointed to coordinate Go GERO! and brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for health that has taken her across Australia.

She has worked in country Victoria and most recently the West Arnhem Region of the Northern Territory, has a Bachelor of Applied Science, Health Promotion, and is completing a Masters in Public Health Nutrition.

Emily visited Geraldton in 2010 and said the City left a very positive impression on her and she is very enthusiastic about her role as coordinator.

“The Geraldton community has excellent momentum and the Go GERO! project has the opportunity to demonstrate great sustainable outcomes for the region,” she said.

The project will work with local agencies, creating pathways for community members to access physical activity and healthy eating programs.

“The City of Greater Geraldton is appreciative of the Western Australian Country Health Service – Midwest for the support it continues to demonstrate to the Healthy Communities Initiative and the implementation of the Go GERO! project,” said Ms O’Hara.

She said thanks also go to the many agencies that supported the funding submission, including Medicare Local Goldfields Midwest, Cancer Council, Strong Family, Strong Culture, Combined Universities Centre for Rural Health, and Wila Gutharra (Two Rivers) Community Aboriginal Corporation.

“Let’s all make the most of the great opportunity the Healthy Communities Initiative funding has provided the Geraldton region, working together to improve health outcomes for today, tomorrow and the future.”

Pic caption:

Go GERO! Getting Active and Eating Well Made Easy ambassador, Geelong AFL player, Harry Taylor, with Isabel Ross, WA Country Health Service – Midwest, and Emily O’Hara, Go GERO! coordinator, at the Geraldton-Greenough Farmers Markets.