Wednesday, June 2019
The future health and wellbeing of Queensland children has received a vital boost with the Palaszczuk Government announcing a major three-year funding investment that will help Life Education continue to educate children throughout the state and shape the health of the next generation.
Life Education CEO Michael Fawsitt met with Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles at Queensland’s Parliament House for yesterday’s funding announcement -which pledges $1.28 million each year for the next three years – towards Life Education’s innovative programs supported by Healthy Harold and LEQ’s team of experienced educators.
The Health minister said the much-loved Life Education program played a critical role in teaching children about healthy habits and the human body and it was crucial that young Queenslanders continued to benefit from the program.
“We know only two thirds of kids are a healthy weight and only 40 percent of children get the exercise they need. We want to change this, and Healthy Harold is a critical tool for helping us achieve a healthier Queensland,” Mr Miles said.
The minister acknowledged Life Education’s role as the largest non-government provider of health education to children and young people in Queensland and said Life Education targeted schools in rural, remote and disadvantaged communities, which often faced some of the greatest health challenges.
“We want to thank Life Education for their incredible contribution – I can’t wait to see what you achieve over the coming year.”
Life Education CEO Michael Fawsitt said the funding boost was great news for Queensland schools and children and would enable Life Education and Healthy Harold to reach many more schools particularly in regional and remote areas.
“Reducing chronic preventable disease starts with educating our kids to make safe and healthy choices,” Mr Fawsitt said. “Over the past six years, with the support of the State Government, Life Education’s delivery of health education to children has doubled, from 107,000 children per year to more than 200,000.
“This continued commitment by Queensland Health is welcomed and will help to ensure that our service is available to as many Queensland children as possible, particularly those in regional, remote and disadvantaged communities.”
Life Education Queensland is one of seven organisations to receive further funding under the State Government’s Health and Wellbeing strategic framework which sets a prevention-focused pathway for achieving improved health for all Queenslanders.
With much-loved mascot, Healthy Harold the giraffe on hand for the important funding announcement, numerous members of parliament were keen to show their support for Life Education, taking a break from parliamentary duties for a photo opportunity on the balcony overlooking the Speaker’s Green.
