Working together for a healthier Bendigo: McKern Steel x Bendigo Community Health Services.
We’re proud to partner with organisations like Bendigo Community Health Services (BCHS) who work tirelessly to support the health and wellbeing of people across our region. Through their support, programs like our Fresh Fruit Friday initiative are made possible – helping deliver healthy, fresh fruit to local schools each week.
Here’s a snapshot of some of the incredible programs they’re delivering in local schools and community spaces:
Achievement Program Schools
BCHS’s Health Promotion team coordinates the Achievement Program with local schools, helping them build healthier environments for students and staff. Recently, Camp Hill, Lightning Reef and Quarry Hill Primary Schools celebrated completing the full program – an amazing achievement!
To celebrate the completion, BCHS rewards schools with items like new sports gear, playground furniture and staff lunches. Any school can get involved by emailing healthpromotion@bchs.com.au or submitting an expression of interest here.
Vic Kids Eat Well
BCHS coordinates this program locally, supporting participants to offer healthier food and drink options for young people. In return participants receive some great perks. Recently, Weeroona College completed the program, so BCHS gifted them new equipment for their kitchen.
Local schools, sporting clubs and out of school hours programs are invited to join the Cancer Council’s healthy eating initiative, Vic Kids Eat Well.
To get involved, email healthpromotion@bchs.com.au
Move Your Way
BCHS is helping more kids get active with their Move Your Way program. So far, they’ve worked with schools like St Liborius, Violet Street and White Hills Primary Schools encouraging over 1,000 children and their families to walk, ride or scoot to school safely and regularly.
BCHS Walking Groups
Health and wellbeing doesn’t stop at the school gates – BCHS also runs free walking groups for anyone over 18 years of age.
Join in the fun:
- Mondays, 9.30am – Garden for the Future entrance, White Hills. More information here.
- Wednesdays, 9.30am – Gym equipment off Simpsons Road, Lake Neangar. More information here.
To get involved simply email healthpromotion@bchs.com.au
Bendigo Foodshare
BCHS also collaborates closely with Bendigo Foodshare to support local families. If you’ve got excess homegrown produce, consider donating it to Foodshare at 43 Havilah Rd, Bendigo, Monday to Friday from 9am–2pm.
Learn More
These are just a few of the many ways BCHS is making a difference. To explore more of their programs, services, or opportunities to get involved, visit www.bchs.com.au.
We thank Bendigo Community Health Services for the generous support of the Fresh Fruit Friday program! We were able to increase fruit amounts in schools thanks to their partnership. Their commitment to building a healthier, more connected community aligns perfectly with our values at McKern Steel Foundation.
