VicHealth

VicHealth Focused on promoting good health. VicHealth acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government Welcome to VicHealth’s page.

We’re the world’s first health promotion agency, and we’re here to help improve the health and wellbeing of all Victorians. When using this page, you agree to comply with the Social Media Community Guidelines. They’re available to read here: https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/about-us/social-media-community-guidelines

This page is managed and moderated by the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth). We’re online during business hours (9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday). We’ll do our best to respond to all queries within 3 business days; however, we may take longer during busy periods. We appreciate your patience. All health promotion advice shared on our platforms is general in nature. We are unable to offer specific or personalised advice in any health situation. Questions relating to the Victorian Government, the Department of Health, or other government bodies may be referred to the relevant Department for a response. As an independent statutory authority, VicHealth remains politically neutral and does not participate in political discussions.

25/02/2026

Sport is powerful – it can boost belonging, connection, confidence, helping us to feel healthy and happy. 🏆

But when racism happens, it can push people out to the sidelines and harm their health.

That’s why today, we’re so proud to launch our new campaign, Set The Standard to help prevent and reduce racism in community sport.

With some of Australia’s most respected sporting figures, we’re calling on coaches and community club leaders to step up – and speak up – when racism occurs.

Set The Standard gives coaches and clubs practical tools to make community sport safer, stronger, and more welcoming for all Victorians.

Because when every Victorian feels safe, welcome and respected, everyone wins.

Learn more: setthestandard.vic.gov.au.

Huge thanks to Lauren Elizabeth Jackson, Sam Mitchell, Kyah Simon, Meg Lanning, Dean Vickerman, Darcy Moore, Melissa Barbieri, Christian Welch, Simone McKinnis, Sharin Milner and Kayla Morrison, and to our partner organisations No 2nd Place, Reflect Forward Welcoming Australia Football Victoriaand Basketball Victoriafor being part of this important movement. 🙌🏽

25/02/2026

Stuck for lunchbox ideas? We've got you: Veggie fritters. 🥕🌽

They're packed with nutrients, easier to make than you'd think, and kids love being involved. Plus, they keep in the fridge for days.

The one thing that makes all the difference: squeeze the grated veggies in a clean tea towel first before mixing everything together. It gets rid of excess moisture so they're firm with a crispier texture kids actually like and aren’t wet and mushy. Game changer!

Use up leftover veggies for endless flavour options. Zucchini and corn one week, sweet potato the next. Serve with dip, or just on their own.

Takes 10 minutes to prep, makes 12 fritters.

Full recipe here: https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/our-health/be-healthy-blog/tasty-easy-vegetable-fritters-for-school-lunchboxes 💚

Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation Health Futures Australia The Community Grocer National Nutrition Foundation

Something awesome is happening in Yarrawonga 💚 Local sports programs are evolving to better support children with autism...
24/02/2026

Something awesome is happening in Yarrawonga 💚

Local sports programs are evolving to better support children with autism, creating environments that are genuinely inclusive, welcoming, and built around individual needs.

The Let Them Play program, delivered by Valley Sport, Skillzone Sports Pty Ltd ,The Play Project and Yarrawonga Health through our Growing Healthy Communities grants, is showing what’s possible when programs are designed differently from the ground up.

Cost barriers have been removed. Coaches have received specialised training. Sessions are short, structured, and focused on participation over competition. The result? Sporting environments that adapt to players - not the other way around.

When community programs take the lead in creating inclusive spaces, more children can experience the joy and wellbeing benefits of movement.

Huge credit to the partners driving this change and demonstrating how sport can work for everyone.

Read their story here: https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/helping-more-kids-get-active-through-sports

New school year, new routine? 🚶🏽🛴🚲 What if the school run could help kids get active, boost their mental wellbeing, and ...
22/02/2026

New school year, new routine? 🚶🏽🛴🚲

What if the school run could help kids get active, boost their mental wellbeing, and set them up for a better day of learning?

Walking, riding, or scooting to and from school helps kids move their bodies, boosts independence and builds road safety skills.

Here’s 6 realistic ideas for making it work (even on busy days) →

Find free resources including worksheets, activity ideas and tracking tools here: https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/programs-projects/campaigns-initiatives/walk-to-school-resources

20/02/2026

Is your mental load a little overwhelming right now? Try picking up a paintbrush.

Jessi did after a big life change, and it worked wonders.

Art can help process what feels too big. It releases stress, lets you prioritise yourself and your mental health, and can provide an outlet to express things you can’t quite put into words.

For Jessi, art became a tool for self-care, expression, and a way to find belonging and joy.

See how creativity can support your mental wellbeing here: https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/our-health/be-healthy-blog/the-mental-health-benefits-of-art

Local clubs - this one’s for you. We’re proud to be supporting the Building Healthier Clubs Forum, hosted by City of Mar...
19/02/2026

Local clubs - this one’s for you.

We’re proud to be supporting the Building Healthier Clubs Forum, hosted by City of Maribyrnong, Hobsons Bay City Council and Western Bulldogs Community Foundation.

Reducing gambling and alcohol harm in community sport is key to protecting physical and mental health, supporting wellbeing, and creating safe, positive environments where young people can thrive.

Hear from Tim Costello and Mark Kempster from Alliance for Gambling Reform, and gain practical tools, funding ideas and resources to support positive change at your club.

📅 Monday 23 February 2026
📍 Whitten Oval
⏰ 6:30–8:30pm

Open to clubs, volunteers, parents and community members.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/building-healthier-sporting-clubs-tickets-1980616043904?aff=oddtdtcreator

18/02/2026

There’s lots of exciting things about starting school. But we reckon this might be the coolest part. It’s getting your free Prep book bag! Packed with fun, educational, and useful stuff like a VicHealth and Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation activity book.

The book includes activities like match the food with the drink, puzzles, colouring and more! Olive’s already started on hers, drawing some delicious blueberries to make a smoothie.

It’s a small bag with a big purpose: setting kids up for a lifetime of learning and love for nutritious, delicious, fresh food.

Whether you’re using up fruit and veg at home, or just want to celebrate Pancake Day tomorrow with a nutritious twist, w...
16/02/2026

Whether you’re using up fruit and veg at home, or just want to celebrate Pancake Day tomorrow with a nutritious twist, we’ve got you covered 🥞

Here’s two easy, and budget-friendly recipes using pumpkin or banana to spruce up this breakfast classic from our friends at Eating Healthy with No Money No Time.

They’re fun to make, great for sharing, and deliver both flavour and nourishment.

Give them a try tomorrow (or any day!) and let us know how you go.

Tell us: what’s your go-to pancake topping? 👇

Dearest gentle listener, It has come to this author’s attention that vegetables remain among society’s most misunderstoo...
13/02/2026

Dearest gentle listener,

It has come to this author’s attention that vegetables remain among society’s most misunderstood characters.

Too often labelled boring, bitter or best avoided, they have been banished from plates without a proper hearing.

Our In Good Health podcast examines this most unlikely match: people and their vegetables. Can affection be learned? Can taste be persuaded? Or is this a union forever doomed?

Listener discretion advised: this season’s most talked-about affair involves something hard, juicy and surprisingly satisfying.

Listen now: https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/our-health/podcasts/help-me-love-veggies-once-and-for-all

12/02/2026

Take it from Jamal: making sporting clubs more welcoming and fun for everyone is all about progress.

Getting involved in sports keeps us healthy, confident, and connected. But not everyone gets to experience those benefits. Racism can leave people feeling stressed, isolated, or unwelcome in the very places meant to bring us together and keep us healthy.

That’s why inclusive clubs matter. When we create spaces where people from all backgrounds feel safe and supported, it encourages more people to be active, strengthens community bonds, and creates healthier neighbourhoods. In short: everyone wins.

Jamal Elsheikh does great work through organisations Reflect Forward and One Love Australia which helps young people say no to racism in sport, schools, and communities. His advice? Start small: invite people in, check in on them, and always look for ways to raise the bar.

We’re working on something exciting and can’t wait to share soon 👀

Read more insights from Jamal here: https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/our-health/be-healthy-blog/stronger-clubs-healthier-communities

Healthy eating starts with clear information and today’s announcement from the Federal Government to push for mandatory ...
11/02/2026

Healthy eating starts with clear information and today’s announcement from the Federal Government to push for mandatory Health Star Ratings is a big win⭐

Health Star Ratings make supermarket trips simpler by giving packaged food an easy-to-read score from ½ a star to 5 stars — right on the front of the pack.

Putting stars on all eligible packaged foods will:

⭐ Help families quickly spot healthier options
⭐ Give parents more confidence at the checkout
⭐ Support a food supply that promotes long-term health

We welcome the Government’s commitment to making Health Star Ratings mandatory and are proud to stand alongside Australian Medical Association and The George Institute for Global Health in backing this important step forward.

Read our joint statement here: https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/media-policy/media-releases/health-leaders-push-for-mandatory-health-star-ratings-to-protect

Watch the 7.30 coverage here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-11/move-to-mandate-health-star-ratings-on-food-and-drink/106231700

We may be biased, but we think Victoria has some of the best parks and gardens around. Getting out for a walk (or a roll...
10/02/2026

We may be biased, but we think Victoria has some of the best parks and gardens around.

Getting out for a walk (or a roll) is an ideal way to boost physical and mental health. It improves mood, heart health, and overall wellbeing for people of all ages and abilities. 🚶️👨‍🦽

So this summer, check out the Accessible Walks maps from our friends at Victoria Walks – they’re a health promotion agency who we’re proud to work with to make our neighbourhoods more walkable.

In partnership with Disability Sport and Recreation, Regional Sport Victoria, Scope Australia and Victoria Walks has created this award-winning resource to make it easy to find routes that are accessible and safe … whether you walk, roll or stroll.

Where’s your favourite place to take a stroll? Comment below!

Check out the Walking Maps here: https://walkingmaps.com.au/accessible-walks

Address

355 Spencer Street
Carlton, VIC
3008

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when VicHealth posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram