Alive and kicking in Minjilang
The Action Men performing at the Community Concert during Minjilang Healthy Week.
Minjilang came to life from 23-27 June, as Minjilang Healthy Lifestyle Week brought the local community together to learn about the benefits of quitting smoking and a how to live a healthy lifestyle. As one young man said, “the community has not been this busy, active and fun for long time”.
With sponsorship from West Arnhem Regional Council, ALPA Community Stores and Toll Marine, the Heart Foundation delivered a week full of healthy activities ranging from the Skinny Fish Movie Night to the Master Chef Community Cook Ups. “You should try that one at the end. My daughter made that one – it’s really good,” said the proud father of one of the cooks.
Young and old participated in basketball competitions and skills and drills sessions. “I am so sore from playing basketball, it feels good, because its been so long since I have done anything,” said one competitor. Other activities to promote awareness about healthy lifestyles included the smoothie bike, a health information stand, and NT Police activities with the zorb ball. The information on smoking got some participants thinking. “Its very hard and very depressing to hear the damage smoking has done,” said one. “It’s very hard but I am trying and when I am busy like fishing its easy not to smoke.”
The Healthy Lifestyle Week wound up with an exciting and entertaining community concert from Minjilang Kennection. Throughout the week there were prizes, giveaways, and all adults had opportunity to win a chest freezer by completing the Healthy Lifestyle Passport at the health stands. The community of Minjilang embraced the all of the activities commenting “What you all are doing here is really good.”
The Minjilang Healthy Lifestyle Week was made possible through partnerships between agencies including NT Department of Health, Minjilang Community Clinic, One Disease, NT Police, Skinny Fish, Life Without Barriers and sponsorship from the West Arnhem Regional Council, ALPA Community Stores and Toll Marine.
The Heart Foundation would like to thank the people of Minjilang and the community organisations. When we work together, great things can be achieved. People wanting to continue a healthy lifestyle, can contact the clinic for the Biggest Loser competition details or to sign up for the quit smoking group.
Team one cooking up a delicious recipe at the Masterchef community cook up. Recipes and ingredients are available at the shop.
Watching a great showcase of local movies at the Skinny Fish Movie Night.