TSRA improves access to healthier lifestyle choices across the Torres Strait and NPA region

Media release: TSRA

The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) is partnering with the Queensland Government Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport (DTIS) to increase investment in the Torres Strait Island Regional Council’s (TSIRC) Healthy Lifestyle Officer (HLO) program.  TSRA’s Healthy Communities Programme has provided valuable funding which will increase staff hours, provide additional resources and specialised training.

The HLO program provides locally led, community needs-based activities to encourage positive nutrition and healthy lifestyles. Through targeting obesity, smoking and unhealthy alcohol consumption, the HLO program aims to combat the region’s alarming health statistics and high rates of chronic illness.

Emphasising the importance of a proactive approach, TSRA Chairperson Mr Napau Pedro Stephen AM, said “the TSRA is committed to funding and advocating for improved health outcomes for the people of the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsular Area (NPA) Region,”

Chair Stephen said, “the partnership with DTIS recognises our shared determination to see more active and healthy communities across our region. The TSRA’s investment will increase healthy lifestyle program activities in our Outer Island communities, including active school holiday programmes, the development of community sport and recreational plans, and ongoing HLO education workshops on accessing and cooking fresh and healthy foods.”

Minister for Sport Stirling Hinchliffe said the new partnership would improve health outcomes in the Torres Strait. “We want all Queenslanders to have the best opportunity to lead active, healthy lives regardless of where they live,” said Mr Hinchliffe.

“This partnership means 15 Health Lifestyle Officers will work intensively with remote island communities to boost healthy lifestyle options,” Mr Hinchliffe said.  Chair Stephen added “Another benefit of TSRA’s investment is the increase in employable hours for the HLO Staff which offers job and financial security for existing HLOs.”

Mr Hinchliffe said “We’re looking forward to working with the TSRA and TSIRC to build on life changing benefits for island residents.”

Other stakeholders of the HLO Program include the Australian Government National Indigenous Australians Agency who provide core funding for the HLO program, and Health and Wellbeing Queensland (HWQ) who partnered with TSIRC in July 2020 to provide the support of a Public Health Nutritionist to train the HLO’s in delivering health promotion and recreation activities.