Minister for Health, David Davis, visited Hargreaves Mall to roll out the “Prevention Community Model”, which aims to eliminate preventable chronic disease.

The City of Greater Bendigo is one of 14 local government areas across Victoria to trial the preventative health model.

The trial sites will then be assessed and compared by a research body to areas which do not have the program.

Mr Davis said the initiative looked at promoting health in schools, services, workplaces and communities.

“The message to date has largely not worked,” he said. “We have to work with the community through this model. 

“Schools, kindergardens, council, hospitals, community health centres, local doctors; all are parts of our community working together to make a difference.”

The initiative is a joint venture by the three levels of government.

“This is three governments in alignment working to help the health of the Bendigo community,” Mr Davis said.

“It’s about concentrating our resources and making sure a whole community approach is adopted.”

City of Greater Bendigo councillor Rod Fyffe said the council was eager to see the results of the new model.

“This opportunity gives us the chance to make a real difference to the wellbeing of our community,” he said.