Healthy Harold and the Life Education Queensland will continue to visit schools across Queensland, thanks to a funding boost from the Palaszczuk Government.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said the extra funding would allow Life Education Queensland to continue educating the next generation.
“Healthy Harold and Life Education Queensland are beloved by the young Queenslanders who benefited from their programs,” Mr Miles said.
“They play a critical role teaching our kids about healthy habits and the human body.
“That’s why we’re investing $1.28 million next financial year to help Life Education Queensland continue their valuable work across Queensland.
“We know only two thirds of our kids are a healthy weight and only 40 per cent 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.”
Life Education Queensland is the largest non-government provider of health education to children and young people in Queensland.
Mr Miles said more than 200,000 Queensland students from 500 schools benefited from the program last year.
“Life Education Queensland targets schools in rural, remote and disadvantaged locations, who often face some of the greatest health challenges,” Mr Miles said.
“We want to thank Life Education Queensland for their incredible contribution – I can’t wait to see what you achieve over the coming year.”
Life Education Queensland CEO, Michael Fawsitt said that this commitment of funding represents a vital investment in the future health and wellbeing of Queensland children.
“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”
The Life Education Program is one of seven Health and Wellbeing initiatives receiving further funding from the Palaszczuk Government. The other six are:
- National Heart Foundation of Australia (Qld Division) – Heart Foundation Walking Program;
- Queensland Association of School Tuckshops – Healthy Tuckshop Support Program;
- The Queensland Country Women’s Association – Country Kitchens Program;
- The Good Foundation – Jamie’s Ministry of Food Program;
- Central Queensland University – 10,000 Steps Program; and
- Alcohol and Drug Foundation – Queensland Good Sports Healthy Eating Program.
