A PROGRAM tackling preventable disease in the Loddon Campaspe region is nearing the end of its funding.
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The Loddon Campaspe Regional Partnership is seeking $7 million from the state government to continue the Healthy Heart of Victoria program.
The program was developed in response to rates of obesity, chronic disease and high-risk health behaviours in the region.
Six local government areas are involved: Greater Bendigo, Loddon, Campaspe, Central Goldfields, Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander.
Healthy Heart of Victoria was initially funded in the government's 2018-19 budget, with an allocation of $5 million over two years.
Since its establishment, the program has enabled the involved councils to carry out projects and employ "health brokers".
It also made the Active Living Census possible, providing a greater insight into health and wellbeing of the region's residents.
More than 24,500 people responded to the survey.
Story continues below October council meeting agenda
The Active Living Census revealed one in 10 households in the Loddon Campaspe region were experiencing food insecurity.
It also showed two in every three of the region's adult residents were overweight or obese.
Making its case for further funding, the Loddon Campaspe Regional Partnership said further investment in Healthy Heart of Victoria would progress benchmarking of regional health data.
It would also enable targeted advocacy, greater understanding of the needs and preferences of residents, and development of facilities.
The initiative is still in its first phase. Funding runs out on December 31.
The Loddon Campaspe Regional Partnership is seeking a further $7 million over four years.
The state government has yet to deliver its budget for 2020-21, which was deferred due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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