Orroroo Carrieton Wins Ministers Health Excellence Award
The District Council of Orroroo Carrieton (DCOC) has been recognised by the Minister for Health for its ‘Making a Splash for Health & Longevity’ project at the recent Local Government Association SA Annual General Meeting (LGA AGM).
The Minister’s Excellence in Public Health Awards are held annually and celebrate outstanding contributions to public health by local councils. Council submissions showcase the essential, often unseen roles of Councils in supporting community health and wellbeing through public health action.
The 'Making a Splash for Health Longevity' project by the District Council of Orroroo Carrieton (DCOC) demonstrates commitment to community wellbeing and has taken on board the importance of swimming, the initiative has evolved into a comprehensive effort to provide equal access to the local pool for individuals over 50 in the mid north of South Australia.
The impact has been significant, with the project facilitating four weekly aqua sessions for this demographic, well and truly exceeding initial enrolment expectations and utilising a great asset like the swimming pool.
The DCOC collaborated with key-partners, including the Orroroo Health Service, Yorke and Northern Local Health Network and Allied Health Team, Goyder's Line Medical Centre, Council Ageing SA, and notably the local community was the key driver for this project.
This collaborative approach produced excellent results but also established a model for community driven success that can be used for an example in other regions. The project continues to be popular, in fact since the first funded trail in 2023/24 enrolments have again increased for the 2024/25 pool season.
“This project has set a positive example of how a grassroots initiative, supported by effective collaboration, can take off and have a lasting impact on the health and vitality of a community”, said CEO Paul Simpson
The project increased pool participation for the over 60s age group from 2% to 10% of our age group population. Notably, nearly 30 of the participants had not used the Orroroo Swimming Pool in the 12 months before the project.
The project also had knock on effects including a remarkable 400% increase in attendance of lap swimming, with 15 to 20 participants regularly attending the sessions.
Importantly users of the Aqua classes benefited from flow on effects such as improved mental health outcomes, increased socialising and building friendships. “Many users caught up for a coffee in the local cafés after the classes which was pleasing for them and the businesses” said Paul Simpson CEO.
Whilst the District Council of Orroroo Carrieton have small budgets and focus on basic service deliver, Mayor Grant Chapman said “Council continue to look for opportunities to leverage grant funding to deliver these projects that are so important to our residents, we are constantly applying for projects to improve the lives of our communities”.
Pictured from left are the Hon Mira El Dannawi MLC, Mayor Grant Chapman, CEO Paul Simpson, Professor Nicola Spurrier and Mayor Dean Johnson receiving the award at the recent LGA AGM.