The accolade was awarded for a simple but effective project aimed to promote good mental health in the community.
‘My Wellbeing Kit’ is a pocket-sized parcel of 13 cards which contain simple ideas of how to keep your mind at ease- even when times are tough. The ideas are illustrated through colourful illustrations by local artist, Shiloh Longbottom.
The Council was also the state winner of councils with a population over 50,000 in the Heart Foundation’s Local Government Awards.
Heart Foundation Tasmania’s CEO Graeme Lynch said that the awards were well deserved.
“The My Wellbeing Kit is a great innovation. It’s a beautiful, thoughtful product aimed at helping us realise our full potential when it comes to maintaining good mental health,” Mr Lynch said.
Mayor Doug Chipman said that health and wellbeing was of high importance to the Council.
“It is the role of Council to not only provide governance but to give support to residents to help improve their physical and mental wellbeing through a variety of innovative projects, services and facilities for all ages and abilities,” Mayor Chipman said.
“The My Wellbeing Kit connects with people’s emotions through illustration and how simple and small steps can help restore our wellbeing when we experience challenges in our life.
“The My Wellbeing Kit is a great example of what councils can do, through working with other health organisations and consumers to achieve improved outcomes for our residents.”
Local resident, Julie Westland, of Bellerive said she regularly used the My Wellbeing Kit to help her keep connected and her mind present using new or existing techniques.
“I choose a card and think about what I already do that helps me, taking time to look at the beauty in nature every day, taking time out to call a family member or have coffee with a friend,” said Ms Westland.
“I sometimes use the cards to give myself a pat on the back for what I am doing or I use a card to challenge myself to find something extra over the next week or month for my wellbeing.”