A key component in the delivery of the HLC initiative is activation.
Local and regional activation projects focus on creating healthy spaces, places and practices to support an increase in physical activity and healthy eating amongst our communities.
Place-based activation projects are designed based on community-level data and local stakeholder and community engagement. Projects are outcomes focused and aim to advance equity, create opportunities for scale-up and keep sustainability front of mind.
Take a look at all of the HLC projects below.
Healthy Sports Rewards
The Healthy Loddon Campaspe Healthy Sports Rewards Project offers alternatives to the unhealthy food and drink vouchers often presented to junior sporting club participants, replacing them with healthier, locally sourced rewards.
The project was piloted in Greater Bendigo in 2021 and later expanded to Campaspe, Central Goldfields, and Loddon Shire, guided by local context and stakeholder feedback.
Case study - HLC Healthy Sports Rewards | Healthy Loddon Campaspe
Support Our Own. Choose Locally Grown.
Support Our Own. Choose Locally Grown. promotes Loddon Campaspe-grown fruit, vegetables, grains, dairy and lean meats/alternatives. The campaign aims to enhance awareness and consumption of Loddon Campaspe-grown produce available locally and at local food retailers.
Find out more about the campaign here: Support Our Own. Choose Locally Grown. | Healthy Loddon Campaspe
Healthy Schools
The HLC Healthy Schools Project is designed to support schools to create healthy food and drink environments, and encourage physical activity.
HLC has worked with a large number of schools across the Loddon Campaspe region on the Healthy Schools Project - tailoring the project to their specific needs.
Case study - HLC Healthy Schools Project | Healthy Loddon Campaspe
Find out more about Healthy Schools here: Healthy Schools Project | Healthy Loddon Campaspe
Healthy Sports Clubs
The HLC Healthy Sports Clubs project provides a place-based approach to enhancing the capacity of sporting clubs and facilities to offer healthy food and drinks to their members and guests.
Case studies - HLC Healthy Sports Clubs project | Healthy Loddon Campaspe
Regional Cooking Model
Healthy Loddon Campaspe (HLC) partnered with Bendigo Foodshare to explore how cooking programs across the Loddon Campaspe region could be strengthened, coordinated and expanded. Rather than creating a new cooking program, the project focused on understanding what already works, identifying common challenges, and developing recommendations for a Regional Cooking Model that builds on existing strengths and resources.
Through a comprehensive evidence review, stakeholder engagement and resource assessment, the project established a strong foundation for future investment in cooking programs that improve food literacy, social connection, wellbeing and food security.
Case Study - Regional Cooking Model | Healthy Loddon Campaspe
For more practical resources to support with planning, delivering or supporting community cooking programs, visit the Healthy Cooking Hub: Healthy Cooking Hub | Healthy Loddon Campaspe
parkrun
Healthy Loddon Campaspe has partnered with local communities to bring parkrun to a variety of locations in the region. parkrun is inclusive, welcoming, and has been shown to boost physical, mental and social wellbeing.
Case study - supporting parkrun in the Loddon Campaspe region | Healthy Loddon Campaspe
Lights On
Healthy Loddon Campaspe funded and coordinated the Lights On / Light up the Night initiative to encourage community members to be active after dark while promoting safety, social connection and community participation. The project provided opportunities for residents to explore local walking tracks, parks and public spaces through illuminated and themed activities designed to make physical activity engaging, accessible and fun.
Case Study - Lights On | Healthy Loddon Campaspe
Walking Initiatives Across the Loddon Campaspe Region
Healthy Loddon Campaspe funded and coordinated a range of walking-based initiatives designed to encourage people of all ages to be active, explore their local communities and connect with the outdoors. Programs including StoryWalks, Adventure Bingo, WonderWalk and Walk This Way provided free, accessible and self-paced opportunities for residents to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives.
The initiatives were promoted through Healthy Loddon Campaspe communication channels, local councils, partner organisations, schools, libraries, social media, newsletters and community networks. Activities were designed to appeal to a broad audience, including families, children, older adults and people who may not typically participate in structured sport or recreation.
Case Study - Walking Initiatives | Healthy Loddon Campaspe
Healthy Schools
The HLC Healthy Schools Project is designed to support schools to create healthy food and drink environments, and encourage physical activity.
HLC has worked with a large number of schools across the Loddon Campaspe region on the Healthy Schools Project - tailoring the project to their specific needs.
Case study - HLC Healthy Schools Project | Healthy Loddon Campaspe
Find out more about Healthy Schools here: Healthy Schools Project | Healthy Loddon Campaspe
StoryWalks
Healthy Loddon Campaspe partnered with local libraries to deliver the internationally recognised StoryWalk® program at various locations across our region.
StoryWalks are a fun and educational activity that places a children’s story (literally a book taken apart!) along a popular walking route in the community. They are a physical activity and a literary experience in one.
Being active is good for our bodies, and reading is good for our brains. The combination of both is a great all-round activity for our health and wellbeing!
Adventure Bingo
A free activation encouraging physical activity, that can be done in your own time. Participants spot points of interest listed on a grid during their walk and once they’ve spotted three items in a line, they’ve got Bingo.
Find out more about Adventure Bingo here: https://www.healthyloddoncampaspe.au/adventurebingo
Adventure Bingo
A free activation encouraging physical activity, that can be done in your own time. Participants spot points of interest listed on a grid during their walk and once they’ve spotted three items in a line, they’ve got Bingo.
Activating Crossenvale
Paths, playground, seating and water fountain and activation event
Girgarre walking track enhancement
Installation of two picnic tables (one wheelchair accessible) and two park benches with armrests at existing walking track.
Activation on Wheels
Trailer with exercise and sport equipment.
Walking on Eyre
Installation of 250m of footpath connecting low SES residential area in Echuca East to critical sporting, commercial, community and education offerings in a safe and sustainable manner.
Case study - HLC Walking on Eyre project, Campaspe Shire | Healthy Loddon Campaspe
Hydrating Campaspe
Two permanent hydration stations donated by GV Water installed at Girgarre and Stanhope.
Read more: Hydrate. Feel Great! | Healthy Loddon Campaspe
Echuca War Memorial Aquatic Centre Healthy Choices
Hydration station, healthy vending machine and healthy eating options.
Campaspe Fit
Fit exercise sessions in Rushworth, Rochester, Echuca and Crossenvale.
Activating Tongala Community Fitness Hub
Continuation of before school fitness program with development of exercise program and delivery of healthy lunch box information sessions and video development.
Hydration Station
Installation of permanent hydration stations in Colbinabbin and Rushworth, in partnership with GW Water, to provide the community with access to fresh, free drinking water.
Kitchen Garden Program
Development, installation and activation of kitchen garden programs in early years in partnership with local seniors communities in Rushworth and Rochester.
Jamies Ministry of Food
A region wide project providing a five-week online cooking program aiming to increase participants’ cooking confidence, knowledge, attitudes and beliefs towards cooking and healthy eating.
Healthy Sports Clubs project
Improving accessibility to healthier food and beverage options in sporting and recreation clubs in Lockington, Rochester, Lancaster, Mt Pleasant, Kyvalley, Rushworth and Echuca.
Active biking
Bike racks installed across the municipality enhancing opportunity for active transport. Bike racks were installed in Lockington, Rochester, Colbinabbin, Kyabram and Gunbower.
Healthy Sports Clubs
Creating healthy and sustainable food and drink environments in sports clubs in Colbinabbin, Echuca and Lockington.
Twin Rivers School Garden
Increasing the quantity and quality of produce grown at Twin Rivers Specialist School for consumption by the school community.
Adventure Bingo
A free activation encouraging physical activity, that can be done in your own time. Participants spot points of interest listed on a grid during their walk and once they’ve spotted three items in a line, they’ve got Bingo.
Active Stadiums
The Active Stadiums Pilot Program encouraged the community, particularly new parents, seniors and people with disability, to be physically active. The weekly activities aimed to make better use of local stadiums during times when they're not busy. The pilot was delivered in Echuca, Tongala and Kyabram.
StoryWalks
Pages from a children's book are affixed to a semi-permanent bollard, which are installed along an outdoor path. StoryWalks was delivered in Echuca.
Drinking water fountains
A drinking fountain was installed at both Kyabram Recreation Reserve and Lockington Recreation Reserve, providing drinking water access to community members, local sporting clubs and recreation groups that utilise the facilities. A Drinking Water Fountain Implementation Guide was developed as part of this project.
Tongala multicultural healthy eating project
Supporting the multicultural community in Tongala to access and grow culturally safe fresh foods such as taro and cassava. Also providing educational resources about healthier foods found in more abundance in Victoria.
Growing in Campaspe
Supporting early learning students and their families in Echuca and Rochester to learn about and grow food at home.
Healthy Schools project
The HLC Healthy Sports Clubs project provides a place-based approach to enhancing the capacity of sporting clubs and facilities to offer healthy food and drinks to their members and guests. This project was delivered at Kyabram P-12, Rochester College and Tongala Primary School.
Healthy Sports Rewards project
Healthy Sports Rewards aims to offer an alternative to the unhealthy food and drink vouchers often presented to junior sporting club participants, through the provision of healthier rewards such as pool vouchers. This was delivered in Echuca, Rochester, Kyabram, Lockington Bamawm, Tongala, Lancaster and Stanhope.
Walk This Way
The Walk This Way project aims to support residents to be physically active on local footpaths for free. The project consists of mapped walking loops and a series of fun footpath stickers to encourage children and adults alike to be active.
Featured at:
Echuca Twin Rivers Specialist School, Echuca East Primary School, Kyabram P-12 College, Rochester Early Learning, St Joseph’s Rochester, Rochester Primary School.
Geocaching project
Getting people out and about in Rochester by encourage residents to take up geocaching – the world’s largest treasure hunt!
Cooking for Change Train-the-Trainer
Cooking for Change! Train-the-Trainer was developed in partnership with HLC and Bendigo Foodshare. This model is a capacity-building program delivered by Bendigo Foodshare that equips community organisations and schools with the skills, knowledge, and resources to independently deliver food literacy and healthy cooking education, creating sustainable improvements in healthy eating and food skills across the Loddon Campaspe region. This model was piloted in Campaspe Shire in 2025-2026 with Echuca Regional Health’s Health Promotion staff.
Case Study - Cooking for Change Train-the-Trainer | Healthy Loddon Campaspe
Breen Avenue Walking Track parkrun
Breen Avenue Walking Track parkrun was established in Kyabram through a partnership between the Kyabram Development Committee, Campaspe Shire and Healthy Loddon Campaspe (HLC). After identifying an opportunity to bring the internationally recognised community fitness event to the township, the Development Committee led the application process with parkrun Australia, with support from HLC and Campaspe Shire.
Multicultural and First Nations Swim
Healthy Loddon Campaspe partnered with the Echuca War Memorial Aquatic Centre to deliver swimming programs for multicultural adults and children, along with baby and toddler swimming lessons for First Nations families. The program was developed in response to identified gaps in water safety knowledge, swimming skills and confidence among these population groups, with the aim of increasing participation, safety and confidence in aquatic environments.
Adventure Bingo
A free activation encouraging physical activity, that can be done in your own time. Participants spot points of interest listed on a grid during their walk and once they’ve spotted three items in a line, they’ve got Bingo.
Activating Gordon Gardens, Dunolly
Pump track, outdoor fitness equipment, shade, and basketball court installed in Dunolly, community event at basketball court, virtual Active Dunolly challenge.
Maryborough Community House kitchen garden and community playground
Walking path, playground enhancement, kitchen garden sessions, shade sails and BBQ.
Goldfields Reservoir path upgrade and parkrun
Path upgrade and widening, install nature play area and weekly parkrun.
Outdoor Fitness equipment Talbot
Installation of outdoor fitness equipment.
Jamie’s Ministry of Food
A region wide project providing a five-week online cooking program aiming to increase participants’ cooking confidence, knowledge, attitudes and beliefs towards cooking and healthy eating. This was delivered in Maryborough.
Asteria Jamie's Ministry of Food
Asteria clients learn how to make healthy food - at 3 sites; Bendigo, 2 x Maryborough
Go and Play
Activated local outdoor spaces and places - Maryborough, Dunolly, Carisbrook, Talbot
Talbot Activation and Infrastructure
Seating, water fountain and signage at Talbot Reserve. Come and try sessions by trainers.
Carisbrook outdoor exercise equipment
Four pieces of outdoor exercise equipment installed within Market Reserve Carisbrook, instructional signage, plus water fountain.
Adventure Bingo
A free activation encouraging physical activity, that can be done in your own time. Participants spot points of interest listed on a grid during their walk and once they’ve spotted three items in a line, they’ve got Bingo. A 1.5km walk along Dunolly's Main Street and surrounding streets was activated to encourage families to walk and discover Dunolly.
Healthy Sports Clubs
The project helped Dunolly FNC, Carisbrook FNC, Maryborough FNC and Giants FNC offer healthier food and drink choices at their canteen by providing free canteen equipment, menu changes and support from the local Vic Kids Eat Well health promoter.
Central Goldfields Food Network
Formation of a Food Systems Network control group to look at creating a long-term Food Systems network in the shire. A consultant was contracted to host and conduct two community workshops at the Maryborough Community Hub in April and May. Findings from the workshop were collated into a paper with recommendations from the consultant with the FSN control group then working towards a final document to be presented to council and community on its completion.
Adventure Bingo
A free activation encouraging physical activity, that can be done in your own time. Participants spot points of interest listed on a grid during their walk and once they’ve spotted three items in a line, they’ve got Bingo. This project was delivered in Carisbrook.
Maryborough skatepark videos
HLC created learn how to skate videos. Visitors to the skatepark can scan the QR codes and watch videos to learn the basic skills (and some tricks) to skateboard.
Physical activity project – activating open spaces
We delivered sessions teaching community members how to use the exercise equipment in public spaces in Maryborough, Carisbrook and Dunolly.
StoryWalks
StoryWalks was established in Phillips Gardens, Maryborough. The story book is changed each school term and located in a very close proximity to the Maryborough Library.
Healthy Sports Rewards
HLC worked with local sporting clubs – Carisbrook Cricket Club, Giants FNC, Maryborough FNC to deliver sports rewards that were not your traditional McDonald's vouchers.
Healthy eating project
HLC developed the Cooking Together Manual with Expert Eats and facilitated a train the trainer session to have more community members capable of delivering cooking lessons in the community.
Sports Equipment Library
A sports equipment library was established at the Maryborough Library and Dunolly Neighbourhood House where community members can hire equipment such as footballs, tennis racquets, skateboards, scooters, helmets and safety gear.
Walking Basketball
Walking Basketball was established in partnership with the Maryborough Basketball Association. Held every Tuesday morning at the Maryborough Sports + Leisure Centre.
Bike Education
Bike Education sessions were held with students at Carisbrook PS and Maryborough Education Centre to teach students how to ride their bikes to school safely.
Lights On Project
We turned the lights of local ovals on during non-daylight savings months each Friday night to residents could utilise open spaces.
Pickleball
Social Pickleball was established in Maryborough at the Nolan Street Gym for residents to play / learn without the commitment of having to participate every week.
Adventure Bingo
A free activation encouraging physical activity, that can be done in your own time. Participants spot points of interest listed on a grid during their walk and once they’ve spotted three items in a line, they’ve got Bingo. This project was delivered in Kangaroo Flat.
Kangaroo Flat Browning St Oval and Bendigo Creek Trail
This project combines new community infrastructure and targeted programs to make physical activity, healthy lifestyles and community participation more accessible for people of all ages and abilities. Key initiatives include outdoor fitness facilities, improved walking and trail connections, cooking and volunteer programs, lifeguard training for young people, and sensory trail activities that encourage active, inclusive use of local public spaces.
Long Gully Recreation Reserve
This project enhanced the Long Gully Recreation Reserve and surrounding trail network through the installation of fitness equipment, solar lighting, accessible walking paths, signage and public space improvements, creating safer and more attractive opportunities for recreation and active travel. These infrastructure upgrades were complemented by community programs that encouraged walking, cycling, healthy cooking and physical activity, with a particular focus on increasing participation among local residents, women and school-aged children.
Kangaroo Flat Precinct Projects (Round 2)
This project improved accessibility and connectivity in Kangaroo Flat through the creation of a circular walking loop at Gateway Park, making it easier for residents to engage in walking and recreation. The infrastructure investment was supported by community activation initiatives, including school kitchen gardens, wayfinding improvements, outdoor fitness activities, open space reactivation programs and data collection to evaluate community use of health and wellbeing infrastructure.
Long Gully Precinct Projects (Round 2)
This project improved opportunities for recreation, active transport and community connection in Long Gully through the installation of trail signage, accessible seating, a permanent walking path around the oval, and upgrades to the local BMX track. These infrastructure enhancements were supported by community activation initiatives, including school kitchen garden programs and activities that encouraged residents to make greater use of the new and existing recreation facilities.
HLC Schools Kitchen Garden Project
School Kitchen Garden Project with Kangaroo Flat Primary School, St Monica’s Primary School, Bendigo Special Developmental School, California Gully Primary School, Kalianna School, Violet Street Primary School, St Peter’s Primary School, Havilah Rd Pre School and Lightning Reef Early Learning Centre.
Case study - HLC Schools Kitchen Garden Project, Greater Bendigo | Healthy Loddon Campaspe
Contingency projects Round 2
Path completion at Gateway Park, Mural art at Kangaroo Flat Library, Community Outdoor exercise classes at the outdoor exercise equipment.
Jamies Ministry of Food
A region wide project providing a five-week online cooking program aiming to increase participants’ cooking confidence, knowledge, attitudes and beliefs towards cooking and healthy eating. This was delivered with the Heathcote Community House and Bendigo Community Health Services.
Enhancements of Fitness Equipment
A drinking water fountain, seating and bike hoops will enhance the new Council funded outdoor exercise equipment in Eaglehawk.
Oval Lighting Project
Lights turned on during non-daylight hours at the Barrack Reserve netball courts with free fitness sessions. Shadforth Park soccer pitch lights turned on over Winter from 5:30pm – 8pm and free fitness sessions were held for the community.
Healthy Sports Clubs
Supported Heathcote FNC, Heathcote Bowls Club, Heathcote Tennis Club, North Bendigo FNC, California Cricket Club and Kangaroo Flat FNC to offer healthier food and drink choices at their canteen by providing free canteen equipment, menu changes and support.
Tai Chi
Weekly Tai Chi classes held at Long Gully Neighbourhood Centre for the community.
Healthy Meal Makers
Health Meal Makers was delivered in partnership with RIAC (Rights Information and Advocacy Centre) and Long Gully Neighbourhood Centre. Healthy Meal Makers sessions supported food literacy and cooking skill development.
Bendigo FoodShare Café for a Day
Connects young people with local chefs to learn about cooking, healthy eating, retail, food and work skills through preparing a meal and serving it through a café space.
Integrated Nature playgroup
This project aims to increase physical activity levels and opportunities for local Indigenous women who have young children. This project was delivered in partnership by Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre, Belgravia Leisure and BDAC.
Our Outdoor Spaces are Open
Signage at Kangaroo Flat locations, fitness sessions, BMX track activation.
Story Walks
Pages from a children's book are affixed to a semi-permanent bollard, which are installed along an outdoor path. This was delivered in Heathcote and Long Gully.
Cooking in Kangaroo Flat
Healthy cooking session during Seniors Week.
Evaluation Equipment
People counters installed at Heathcote (Story Walks path), Long Gully Recreation Reserve (around the oval for Story Walks) and Kangaroo Flat (along the new boardwalk and concrete path towards the swing bridge).
Adventure Bingo
A free activation encouraging physical activity, that can be done in your own time. Participants spot points of interest listed on a grid during their walk and once they’ve spotted three items in a line, they’ve got Bingo. This project was delivered in White Hills.
Healthy Sports Clubs
The project helped White Hills Bowls Club, White Hills Cricket Club, White Hills Junior Football Netball Club, White Hills Senior Football Netball Club offer healthier food and drink choices at their canteen by providing free canteen equipment, menu changes and support from the local Vic Kids Eat Well health promoter.
Bendigo Foodshare Project – Cooking for Change!
A new model for Cooking for Change! was developed and tested, to focus on supporting and promoting healthy eating while at school. This was delivered with students from Weeroona College in White Hills and Holy Rosary in Heathcote.
Case study - Cooking For Change project with Bendigo Foodshare | Healthy Loddon Campaspe
Bendigo Foodshare Project – Café for a day
Café for a Day is a program to connect young people with local chefs to learn the art of cooking, healthy eating and hospitality through preparing and selling a meal from a café space. This was delivered with students from Weeroona College in White Hills and Bendigo Senior Secondary College.
Adventure Bingo
A free activation encouraging physical activity, that can be done in your own time. Participants spot points of interest listed on a grid during their walk and once they’ve spotted three items in a line, they’ve got Bingo. This project was delivered in Heathcote and the Long Gully Neighbourhood House.
Yoga for pre-schoolers
Weekly yoga classes for preschool children at Heathcote Community House.
Path activation project
A partnership between Heathcote Community House and Heathcote Health has supported the development of a free beginners only walking group in Heathcote. Consultation with local community members determined an ‘adult’ StoryWalk would also activate the walking track and ‘WonderWalk’ was established.
Active Heathcote
Low cost or free physical activity opportunities, places and spaces were mapped and advertised to the Heathcote community. A simple, usable booklet was developed for all community to better understand and access physical activity options available locally.
Beginners cooking classes
Heathcote Community House led the development of a local cooking initiative to support residents to learn to cook healthy and affordable food.
Healthy Sports Clubs Project
Supported Axe Creek Cricket Club, Ironbark Tennis Club, Kangaroo Flat Bowls Club, North Bendigo Bowls Club and Epsom Football (Soccer) Club to offer healthier food and drink choices at their canteen by providing free canteen equipment, menu changes and support.
Bike repair station, pump, and hoops
This project installed a bike pump and repair station at the Long Gully BMX track. Sports Focus, LGNC and the Department of Transport and Planning facilitated lessons for the community in how to use the new station and pump. A free community event was also held at the Long Gully BMX track. Bike hoops have been installed at the LGNC to further support increased active travel in the community.
Multicultural Cooking Classes
The program was supported by Regional Victorians of Colour and Bendigo Foodshare and brought together four Karen community members and four Aussie locals to learn from each other and share the cooking of traditional dishes. The final cooking session included preparing the Long Gully Neighbourhood Centre community lunch.
Active Outdoor Playgroups
This project developed a program and purchased necessary equipment required to operate the playgroups year-round outside, enabling the children to engage in more outdoor active play and supporting parents and carers to value outdoor physical activity in all seasons. This project was delivered at Fusion in White Hills.
Active and Healthy Youth and Seniors program
This project supported a mentoring program, with senior mentors and young people working to extend the existing small kitchen garden and construct a green house. This project was delivered at Fusion in White Hills.
Walking in White Hills
Two accessible seats were placed along the Bendigo Creek Trail in White Hills, between Holdsworth Road and the Botanical Gardens. After the seating was installed, a new walking group was established in the area to support beginners and people with limited mobility to start walking.
Multicultural Healthy Eating
This project supported healthy eating, food literacy and social connection within the Long Gully community through multicultural cooking classes and culturally appropriate food education resources. The cooking program brought together residents from diverse backgrounds to prepare and share healthy meals, while educational videos helped newly arrived community members build knowledge about food safety, seasonal produce, food storage and reducing food waste.
Heathcote Multicultural Fiesta
This project aimed to support a Community Fiesta to celebrate and share Filipino culture and food. To support this, the Heathcote Community House helped develop a traditional Filipino garden to grow culturally significant foods. Additionally, workshops were held to teach the community how to grow their own fresh produce in container gardens.
Zumba
A local facilitator was trained to lead Zumba classes for women in Heathcote, with a particular focus on engaging the multicultural community. Three classes were held per week to ensure it was accessible to working and non-working women.
McIvor Creek Trail parkrun
This project worked together with the Heathcote community to establish the McIvor Creek Trail parkrun, creating a sustainable, free community activity for everyone to enjoy.
Healthy Schools
The HLC Healthy Schools Project is designed to support schools to create healthy food and drink environments and encourage physical activity. HLC has worked with a large number of schools across the Loddon Campaspe region on the Healthy Schools Project - tailoring the project to their specific needs. This project was delivered at St Peters PS, Specimen Hill PS, California Gully PS and Holy Rosary, Heathcote.
Geocaching
Geocaching workshops hosted by Geocaching Victoria were held in Heathcote (HNH) and Long Gully (LGNC). Participants learned how Geocaching works, were supported to set up Geocaching on their devices and worked together to find their first cache. These workshops were followed by a school holiday competition. Three caches were registered around Heathcote and three caches around Rochester (Campaspe Shire Council), with prizes for people who found all six caches.
Food Growing in Heathcote
The project leveraged the children’s learning at school through the SAKGP, to support families to grow similar food in containers at home. Participant families were provided knowledge, support and supplies to establish simple, affordable, portable container gardens and to use the food they grew in simple meals. This project was delivered with students and families at Heathcote Primary School.
BDAC Healthy Meals
Healthy Loddon Campaspe (HLC) partnered with Bendigo & District Aboriginal Co-operative (BDAC) to support healthy eating and food security for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community members in Greater Bendigo. The project strengthened an existing Community-led meal kit initiative, providing culturally safe and practical support that combined access to nutritious food with opportunities to build food knowledge, cooking confidence and connections to local support services. The program is part of the food pantry run by BDAC’s wukangu manya team. wukangu manya means we give/offer a hand in Dja Dja Wurrung language.
Volunteer lifeguards
Recruit and train volunteer lifeguards to supervise swimming programs being held outside of the contracted lifeguard hours. Project focused on development stage with preparation of a policy, guidelines and PD for volunteer lifeguards. This project was delivered in Wedderburn, Inglewood, Boort, Pyramid Hill and Mitiamo.
Outdoor Fitness Equipment
Outdoor fitness equipment was installed at Nolen's Park in Boort, Cooper Park in Wedderburn and Kelly Park in Pyramid Hill.
Case study - HLC outdoor fitness equipment and path upgrades, Loddon Shire | Healthy Loddon Campaspe
Fitness Programs
Free exercise sessions three days a week at the park in Wedderburn, Boort and Pyramid Hill.
Walking Groups
Walking groups were established in Wedderburn and Boort.
Nolen's Park parkrun
Nolen's Park parkrun established in Boort.
Water refill stations
Water refill stations installed in partnership with Coliban Water at the Bridgewater Swimming Hole and J Sloan Park, Inglewood.
Bridgewater Community Garden
The Kooyoora Women’s Network, in partnership with Bridgewater Primary School and local community groups and
employment services, established a community garden to improve food security in Bridgewater and surrounds.
Fitness program guides
Fitness program guides were developed by local trainers to provide training circuit advice specific to each outdoor equipment site. The guides provided a free and accessible option for people to continue to utilise the equipment safely following activation.
Wayfinding Signage
Replacing current signage and installing additional signs to mark pod locations and distances along the Nardoo Trail in Wedderburn, residents and visitors will be supported and encouraged to access the equipment and the walk.
Water refill stations
Water refill stations installed in partnership with Coliban Water in Serpentine, Boort and Pyramid Hill.
Jamie's Ministry of Food
A region wide project providing a five-week online cooking program aiming to increase participants’ cooking confidence, knowledge, attitudes and beliefs towards cooking and healthy eating. This project was delivered in Wedderburn, Pyramid Hill and Inglewood.
Inglewood outdoor fitness equipment
Installation of outdoor fitness equipment at J Sloan Park.
Local food systems support
In line with recommendations within the draft Regional Food Systems Framework, HLC provided funding to Inglewood and District Health Services and Boort District Health to develop on-site community gardens.
Healthy Sports Clubs
In Loddon Shire, the project helped 4 clubs offer healthier food and drink choices at their canteens and kiosks by providing free canteen equipment, menu changes. Each club were referred to the Vic Kids Eat Well initiative for further support and resources. The clubs involved were Bridgewater Football Netball Club, Inglewood Football Netball Club, Calivil Football Netball Club and Pyramid Hill Football Netball Club.
Adventure Bingo
A free activation encouraging physical activity, that can be done in your own time. Participants spot points of interest listed on a grid during their walk and once they’ve spotted three items in a line, they’ve got Bingo. This project was delivered in Boort.
Adventure Bingo
A free activation encouraging physical activity, that can be done in your own time. Participants spot points of interest listed on a grid during their walk and once they’ve spotted three items in a line, they’ve got Bingo. This project was delivered in Bridgewater.
Walk this Way
Walk this Way, an Active Footpaths project delivered in Inglewood and Pyramid Hill, improved walkability through a community-designed walking loop, wayfinding and activity decals, and new seating informed by a Victoria Walks audit and extensive engagement with local schools, kinders, health services and residents.
Cooking Healthy Meals
The Cooking Healthy Meals project was delivered in partnership with Inglewood Community Neighbourhood House
(ICNH) and Boort Resource Information Centre (BRIC). ICNH ran fortnightly classes to line up with the availability of
the fortnightly foodbank produce and BRIC ran one block session of 4 weeks.
Healthy Sports Clubs
In Loddon Shire, the project helped Calivil Bowls Club, Serpentine Bowling Club, Serpentine FNC, Mitiamo FNC, Newbridge FNC ad Boort FNHC offer healthier food and drink choices at their canteens and kiosks by providing free canteen equipment, menu changes.
StoryWalks
Pages from a children's book are affixed to a semi-permanent bollard, which are installed along an outdoor path. This was delivered in Wedderburn.
Healthy Sports Rewards
Healthy Sports Rewards aims to offer an alternative to the unhealthy food and drink vouchers often presented to junior sporting club participants, through the provision of healthier rewards such as pool vouchers. This was delivered at Boort-Yando Cricket Club, Bridgewater Bulls Cricket Club, Kingower Cricket Club and Wedderburn Band Cricket Club.
Healthy Schools
The HLC Healthy Schools Project is designed to support schools to create healthy food and drink environments and encourage physical activity. HLC has worked with a large number of schools across the Loddon Campaspe region on the Healthy Schools Project - tailoring the project to their specific needs. This project was delivered at East Loddon College (P-12), Pyramid Hill College (P-10) and St Mary’s Primary School, Inglewood.
Sports Equipment Library Project
The Sports Equipment Library Project delivered two community-based sports libraries in Pyramid Hill and Tarnagulla, offering free access to sporting equipment for all ages and abilities.
Light Up the Night Project
This project turned the lights on during non-daylight savings months each Monday, Wednesday and Friday night at Donaldson Park in Wedderburn and Inglewood Sporting Complex so residents could utilise open spaces.
Aqua Aerobics Pilot
Aqua aerobics programs were delivered by Belgravia Leisure at the Pyramid Hill and Mitiamo public pools.
Pyramid Hill Golf Trail parkrun
This project supported the establishment of the Pyramid Hill Golf Trail parkrun.
Early Morning Swims
Early Morning Swims were delivered at the Pyramid Hill pool during the 2025–2026 pool season. The program operated weekly on Wednesdays from 6am to 8am, providing extended access outside standard opening hours. This pilot was facilitated by Belgravia Leisure, who supported the initiative by opening and staffing the pool earlier than usual to enable participation.
Pickleball
Pickleball sessions were delivered in Newbridge, Mitiamo and Pyramid Hill.
Train the Trainer
The Train the Trainer initiative sought expressions of interest (EOI), inviting Loddon Shire residents to undertake training to become qualified to deliver physical activity sessions locally.
Kayaking on the Loddon
Kayaking sessions were delivered across three locations: Little Lake Boort (Boort), Laanecoorie Reservoir (Laanecoorie) and Serpentine Creek (Durham Ox/Serpentine). Sessions were delivered by qualified instructors, with a focus on building participants’ kayaking skills and confidence rather than providing passive experiences.
Adventure Bingo
A free activation encouraging physical activity, that can be done in your own time. Participants spot points of interest listed on a grid during their walk and once they’ve spotted three items in a line, they’ve got Bingo. This project was delivered in Kyneton.
FIT Project
Accessible parking, path, seating, bike racks, signage, group fitness training, marketing and promotion. This project was delivered at Jackson's Creek/John Aitken Reserve in Gisborne, Five Mile Creek near Drovers Retreat entrance in Romsey, Campaspe Park in Woodend and Campaspe River Walk in Kyneton.
Case study - HLC FIT Project, Macedon Ranges Shire | Healthy Loddon Campaspe
WalKyneton
A co-design approach was used to design and deliver seating, water fountains, accessible carpark, walking track connection and the installation of outdoor fitness infrastructure in Kyneton.
‘Cooking with Nat' Program
Cooking sessions with Nat's What I Reckon with Year 11 VCAL students at Gisborne Secondary.
Food Relief at Kyneton Community House
KCH arranged the supply and installation of a combi oven, industrial mixer and industrial dishwasher to support the delivery of food relief programs and community lunches.
Get to know your grower
Online directory to find local growers and farm gates. Visit the website here: https://veg.mrsg.org.au/
Jamie's Ministry of Food
A region wide project providing a five-week online cooking program aiming to increase participants’ cooking confidence, knowledge, attitudes and beliefs towards cooking and healthy eating. This project was delivered in Kyneton and Romsey.
Gisborne Adventure Playground accessibility upgrades
Enhance Gisborne Adventure Playground by installing concrete pathways between play equipment and connect with nearby trails and carpark.
StoryWalk to School
Partnering with Central Goldfields Library pages from a children's storybook were affixed to semi-permanent bollards along an outdoor path used to get to school. This project was delivered in Kyneton.
Good Food at Kyneton Community House
Project management support, establishment of community garden, volunteer induction and training, resource kid for healthy cooking and growing your own edible garden.
Healthy Choices at MRSC run sports and leisure facilities
Investigating and supporting healthy eating at council-run recreation facilities by the introduction of the Healthy Choices traffic light system, the removal of unhealthy food branding, adding fruit to the menu and other small adjustments to help balance menu offerings. This project was delivered at Gisborne Aquatic Centre and Kyneton Toyota Sports and Aquatic Centre.
Romsey Community Garden
Supply of wicking beds, seedlings and gardening equipment to plant out a small plot at Romsey Neighbourhood House, which will be activated by a series of gardening workshops led by a local facilitator.
Activating Kyneton Velodrome for dog-walking and socialisation
Installation of a dog-friendly hydration station at Kyneton velodrome, activated through dog walking event.
Bike repair stations and activation workshops
Installation of bike repair stations at two Neighbourhood Houses and activated by facilitating instructional workshops - Woodend and Romsey.
Local food systems support (Woodend Neighbourhood House)
In line with recommendations within the draft Regional Food Systems Framework, the project involved the installation of wicking beds at the Woodend Permaculture at the Community Centre. These funds also supported the setup of the new community pantry at Woodend.
Adventure Bingo
A 1.5km walk along Romsey’s Main Street was activated during the Easter school holidays to encourage families to walk from Romsey Library to the Romsey Ecotherapy Park. The Activation involved designing a bingo sheet with local landmarks for families to tick off as they walked.
Healthy Sports Clubs
In the Macedon Ranges, the project helped 5 clubs offer healthier food and drink choices at their canteens and kiosks by providing free canteen equipment, menu changes and support from the local Vic Kids Eat Well health promoter. The project was delivered at Lancefield FNBC and Equestrian Club, Bullengarook Pony Club, Kyneton Pony Club and Gisborne Pony Club.
Adventure Bingo
A free activation encouraging physical activity, that can be done in your own time. Participants spot points of interest listed on a grid during their walk and once they’ve spotted three items in a line, they’ve got Bingo. This project was delivered in Gisborne.
Macedon Ranges Food Coalition
Supported a more resilient local food system by bringing together 42 stakeholders through two Food Forum workshops. A key outcome was the development of a Food Forum findings report, which provided an important first step in identifying local food security barriers, opportunities and potential solutions, helping to inform future collaboration and action across the Macedon Ranges. This project was delivered at Woodend and Romsey Neighbourhood Houses.
Early Childhood Bike Skills and Resource
Supported 15 kindergartens and early childhood education and care services across MRSC to build children's bike riding skills, confidence and active travel opportunities. Delivery included installation of bike racks at 12 services, distribution of 42 balance bikes, 180 helmets and 15 road crossing safety education kits across all participating services, and delivery of professionally facilitated bike skills workshops across four services. The workshops provided young children with hands-on opportunities to develop basic riding skills, road awareness and confidence in a safe and supportive environment.
Healthy Schools Project - Kyneton Secondary School
Working with Kyneton Secondary School to offer a suite of healthy eating and physical activity options tailored to the needs of the participating school community. There was a focus on healthy eating, especially through upgrading the kitchen garden and outdoor spaces, as well as supporting healthy school polices and staff capacity building.
Healthy Schools Project - Kyneton Primary School
Working with Kyneton Primary School to offer a suite of healthy eating and physical activity options tailored to the needs of the participating school community. The focus was on healthy eating projects linked to increasing the productivity of the school garden, including purchasing new garden equipment, establishing a worm farm and installing irrigation in existing raised garden beds.
Healthy Schools Project - Riddells Creek Primary School
Working with Riddells Creek Primary School to offer a suite of healthy eating and physical activity options tailored to the needs of the participating school community. There was a focus on healthy eating projects linked to their kitchen garden, including implementing Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden, planting new fruit trees and seedlings, and strengthening healthy school policies.
Case study - HLC Healthy Schools Project, Riddells Creek Primary School | Healthy Loddon Campaspe
Healthy Schools Project - Darraweit Guim Primary School
Working with Darraweit Guim Primary School to offer a suite of healthy eating and physical activity options tailored to the needs of the participating school community. Physical activity focus - looking to install a walking track around the school and possibly install exercise stations in the future.
Veg on the Verge Stage 1
To pilot ‘growing your own’ in Macedon Ranges Shire by installing and showcasing edible gardens on verges and by supporting households to establish low maintenance edible garden beds in their own backyards, providing opportunities for neighbourhood socialisation and enhancing food security.
Veg on the Verge Stage 2
This is an extension of stage one that saw additional participants recruited to establish food-producing verge gardens through personalised garden planning, guidance on Council requirements, an introductory garden design session, and two hands-on workshops covering cold-climate vegetable gardening and fruit tree pruning. The project concluded with a community workshop on verge growing and creating a vegetable patch from scratch, supported by broader promotion of verge growing as a local food-growing option.
Healthy Schools - St Mary's Primary School Lancefield Romsey
Supported St Mary's Primary School Lancefield Romsey to embed food education and environmental sustainability across the school. Activities engaged students from Prep to Grade 6 and included a Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation educator professional development session, launch of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program, nine fruit and vegetable tasting incursions, and a gardening, planting and composting workshop. In total, 11 healthy eating and food growing sessions were delivered, increasing students' exposure to fresh produce and hands-on learning opportunities.
Healthy Schools - Gisborne Secondary College
Supported Gisborne Secondary College to promote healthy eating and student leadership, engaging over 190 students across Years 7 and 11. Delivery included two smoothie and toastie recipe testing sessions, two Healthy Schools Carnival planning sessions, and a student-led Healthy Schools Carnival featuring healthy food sampling, a downball and pickleball tournament, and a community BBQ lunch. These activities provided students with practical food preparation experience, leadership opportunities and increased participation in physical activity and healthy eating initiatives.
Footpath and Outdoor Fitness Equipment Activation
Increased opportunities for physical activity and community connection through outdoor fitness workshops, walkability improvements and inclusive community events. Key achievements included the installation of "Walk This Way" decals and activity signage along the Campaspe River Walk, and the creation of a First Nations StoryWalk in partnership with Taungurung Traditional Owners. The fitness classes were delivered at the Kyneton, Romsey and Gisborne outdoor fitness equipment sites. The signage and StoryWalk was installed along the Campaspe River Walk. The Pride activities were delivered at the Kyneton Toyota Sports and Aquatic Centre.
Neighbourhood Houses Collective Community Gardening Project
Expanded community gardening opportunities across Macedon Ranges through the delivery of a Garden Club model, including fortnightly workshops, horticulture training and two new community garden spaces in Kyneton. The initiative achieved a 32% increase in membership between 2024 and 2025, and was successfully replicated at Woodend Neighbourhood House, increasing access to food-growing education across the shire.
Edgy Veg
Supported the delivery of the Edgy Veg Awards, a competition encouraging cafes, restaurants and pubs across Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander to create and promote delicious vegetable-based dishes, with patrons voting for their favourites. Through HLC support, vouchers were provided to vulnerable community members to enable participation, alongside cooking classes for adults, food exploration activities for children, and recipe demonstrations at local markets to build skills and encourage healthy eating.
Growing in the Ranges
This project engaged five Macedon Ranges kindergartens to identify and implement improvements to their kindergarten gardens. Upgrades included the installation of wicking beds and the provision of gardening equipment and seedlings. Families were then supported to build their food-growing skills through hands-on, facilitated gardening workshops, where parents and children learned practical tips for growing fresh produce together. The project was delivered at kindergartens in Kyneton, Romsey, Riddells Creek, Lancefield and Gisborne.
Case study - Growing in the Ranges | Healthy Loddon Campaspe
Healthy Sports Venues
Investigating and supporting healthy eating at council-run recreation facilities by assessing compliance to previous HLC programs, developing healthy eating messaging for centres, encouraging small changes to menus to promote green foods as well as progress the development of a healthy sports venue policy. This project was delivered at Gisborne Aquatic Centre, Macedon Ranges Sports Precinct and Kyneton Toyota Sports and Aquatic Centre.
Adventure Bingo
A free activation encouraging physical activity, that can be done in your own time. Participants spot points of interest listed on a grid during their walk and once they’ve spotted three items in a line, they’ve got Bingo. This project was delivered in Castlemaine.
Castlemaine Walking and Cycling Linkages (Round 1)
Trail linkages, seating, water fountains, trail upgrade, promotional material, bike education sessions, supported bike rides.
Out and about - minor infrastructure (Round 2)
A range of activations were delivered across Mount Alexander, including scooter and e-bike charging points, bike storage, bike education sessions, bike maintenance sessions, repair stations and water fountains and signage. This project was delivered in Castlemaine, Winters Flat, Campbells Creek, Wesley Hill, North Castlemaine, Muckleford, Maldon, Newstead, Harcourt, Castlemaine (Mostyn St) and Castlemaine (Gingell St).
StoryWalk
Installation of story boards along Gingell St, Castlemaine.
Norwood Hill Activation
Free exercise sessions at Norwood Hill and signage.
Expanding sustainable exercise volunteer group – Nordic Walking
Build sustainability of current volunteer led physical exercise groups, increase volunteers, target group older adults. This was delivered in Castlemaine, Harcourt, Maldon, Newstead.
Norwood Hill Exercise Equipment
Outdoor exercise equipment installed at Norwood Hill, Castlemaine.
Food Links
Workshops and growing food to help with food insecurity. This project was delivered in Maldon and Castlemaine.
Cooking for One / Cooking Together (Cooking Clubs)
Cooking program for peopling living alone to increase healthy eating and joy around cooking. This was delivered in Maldon and Castlemaine.
Youth Cooking Program
Teaching young people life-skills around food and social connection. This project was delivered in Castlemaine.
Jamies Ministry of Food
A region wide project providing a five-week online cooking program aiming to increase participants’ cooking confidence, knowledge, attitudes and beliefs towards cooking and healthy eating.
Bike Activation
Workshops to increase young people bike skills and confidence. This project was delivered in Castlemaine.
Case study - HLC bike education workshops, Mount Alexander Shire | Healthy Loddon Campaspe
Skatepark
Increase skateboarding access for girls. Small enabling infrastructure and come and try activation sessions. This project was delivered in Castlemaine.
Tai Chi
Increase volunteers to be Tai Chi teachers in Castlemaine, Maldon and Guildford.
Adventure Bingo
A 1.0km walk along Maldon Town Centre was activated in March to encourage families to walk from Maldon gardens looping through the historic township of Maldon. The Activation involved designing a bingo sheet with local landmarks for families to tick off as they walked.
Local Food System support - Food Links
In line with recommendations within the draft Regional Food Systems Framework Food Links has further strengthened the local food system through collaborative community engagement and education with existing regional community gardens, community food programs, local food producers/ farmers and stakeholders. The aim was to encourage more in our community to ‘Eat Well, Be Well’, grow/eat their own food or food locally grown and eat seasonally.
Healthy Sports Clubs
In Mount Alexander, the project supported 4 clubs offer healthier food and drink choices at their canteens and kiosks by providing free canteen equipment, menu changes and support from the HLC Health Broker and linked into the local Vic Kids Eat Well health promoter. The clubs supported through this project were Campbells Creek FNC, Harcourt FNC, Maldon FNC and Castlemaine Pony Club.
StoryWalk
Activation of the StoryWalk in Castlemaine. Working with key stakeholders supporting good book rotations and supporting more people, more active, more often.
Adventure Bingo
A free activation in Harcourt encouraging physical activity, that can be done in your own time. Participants spot points of interest listed on a grid during their walk and once they’ve spotted three items in a line, they’ve got Bingo.
Edgy Veg Awards
The Edgy Veg project in Mount Alexander Shire was an initiative that celebrated local food and encouraged healthier eating by showcasing creative, vegetable-rich dishes across the Shire. The project increased awareness of healthy, seasonal food, supporting local businesses, and helping shift attitudes toward vegetable-rich meals. Many participants tried dishes they wouldn’t normally order, and local chefs embraced the challenge with enthusiasm.
Healthy Schools Project
The 2024–2025 Healthy Schools Project in Mount Alexander Shire worked with three schools across the Shire, each addressing unique health and wellbeing priorities. Through a targeted approach, the project supported students, staff, and communities to create healthier school environments.
Youth Active and Outside
The Youth Active and Outside Activation Project gave young people across Mount Alexander Shire the chance to try fun, free physical activities in their local parks and reserves. The project helped build confidence, improve skills, and make physical activity feel more accessible – especially for children and young people who may not usually have the opportunity to get involved. Physical activity workshops Physical activity workshops including circus, roller-skating, skateboarding, basketball, and general movement classes were hosted.
Physical Activity Sessions
The project delivered a series of exercise programs for participants aged 50 and over during Terms 1 and 2 of 2026. Sessions were held weekly throughout each school term (8–10 sessions per term) and offered a diverse mix of activities to cater to a range of interests, abilities, and fitness levels.
Community Wellbeing Bus
The Community Wellbeing Bus, ‘Peggy’, has been operating since 2020 and supports community members to access local health, wellbeing, and exercise facilities safely, comfortably, and in a fully accessible way.
As part of this project, additional volunteer drivers were recruited and promotion of the service was enhanced by providing free transport and complimentary passes to Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre.
Growing in Mount Alexander
This project supported learning about healthy eating and growing vegetables in early years settings across Mount Alexander Shire. Local facilitiators were engaged to support growing workshops and the provision of garden beds, plants and equipment facilitated hands-on learning.
Multicultural Healthy Eating Project
Feast of Cultures was integrated into the Castlemaine Community Lunch, which serves over 100 people weekly. Multicultural community members led “lunch takeovers,” designing menus, teaching recipes to volunteers, and sharing cultural insights.
Case Study - Feast of Cultures | Healthy Loddon Campaspe
Cooking for Change
Bendigo Foodshare delivered Cooking for Change with Castlemaine Secondary College’s VCE VM and Food Technology students to support them in learning healthy recipes by cooking food for local food relief efforts.
Edgy Veg Awards
The Edgy Veg Awards engaged 29 local hospitality businesses to create new, appealing vegetable dishes, encouraging both locals and visitors to try and score. Gift cards were provided to support participation for vulnerable groups.