As part of an existing group you have great potential to work with other like-minded people to introduce positive change. Introducing healthy policies to encourage healthy food provision and physical activity is a great place to start. There are many ways in which you can contribute to a healthier environment where it’s easier to make healthy food choices and be physically active. We can all make an important contribution.

Explore the links below for ideas that may appeal to you:

As a local citizen

As a member of a club or association

As a member of the workforce

As a food provider

As a parent

As a health professional

As a local citizen

Even as one person you can make an important difference. Some ideas for individual action include writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper, calling talk-back radio, writing to your local MP, forming a special-interest group for like-minded people (such as other parents or work colleagues) or holding a meeting or event to raise awareness and gather support.

As a member of a club or association

As part of an existing group you have great potential to work with other like-minded people to introduce positive change. Introducing healthy policies to encourage healthy food provision and physical activity is a great place to start.

Explore the links below for more information:

• Find out why we need healthier canteens and kiosks  
• View a list of vendors in WA with healthier food choices
• Read the Heart Foundations Healthy Catering Guidelines
• A new step by step manual “Fuel to go, go, go: Your guide to providing healthier food and drinks in sport, recreation and entertainment venues” is now available to assist canteens, kiosks  and food outlets. To order a copy please contact the WA School Canteen Association Inc. on (08) 9264 5096 or email: fueltogo@det.wa.edu.au
• Click here to find out how Fremantle Surf Lifesaving Club has changed their menu

You might even be eligible for sponsorship to promote healthy messages, facilitate healthy environments and/or increase participation in healthy activities.

To find out more on funding opportunities see:

• The Grants Directory
• Healthway

As a member of the workforce

Research and practice around the world shows that having a healthy, active workplace will benefit employees and organisations.

Attention employers:

Provide a supportive environment for your employees to be physically active and make healthy food choices and you’ll find yourself with healthier, happier and more productive employees.

Attention employees:

Ask for support to make healthy choices in your workplace and motivate others in your organisation to join with you in identifying opportunities for positive change. If you have an Occupational Health and Safety representative/committee or a Health and Well-being Coordinator you might like to partner with them to help with your cause.

Explore the links below for more helpful information and great ideas:

• Find out about the Department of Sport and Recreation's healthy active workplace program
• Find out about establishing a bike pool in your workplace:
• Read the TravelSmart Bike FleetToolkit (including a cost-benefit calculator)
• Read the Heart Foundation’s Bike Pool Fact Sheet, including WA case studies
• Read the Heart Foundation's The Right Ingredient: Guidelines for healthier recipes
• Review some workplace policies:
• The Healthy Choices WA: Food and Nutrition Policy for WA Health Services
• The Department of Education and Training's Health Food and Drink Policy for WA schools
• Case study: Read about how Force Equipment are supporting staff to improve their health, fitness and quality of life

As a food provider

Whether you are a food retailer, own or manage a small café or a large catering company you can make a big difference to the health of West Australians by providing healthier food choices.

Explore the links below for tips and ideas to make healthy changes in your business:

• Read the Heart Foundation's 3-step Guide  to reducing saturdated and trans fats in prepared foods
• Read resources relevant to remote food suppliers including guidelines for stocking healthy food in remote Indigenous stores
• Read Cancer Council WA's tips for promoting fresh produce
• Find out how the Town of Vincent is making healthier food choices a priority
• Click here to find out more about healthy food and nutrition policies
• Read the Heart Foundation's The Right Ingredient: Guidelines for healthier recipes

As a parent

• Join the Parents Jury, an online network of parents, grandparents and guardians interested in improving the food and physical activity environments of Australian children
• Check out ‘Healthier Environments, Healthy Children’: a guide to advocating for parent groups
• Find out about healthy food and drinks in school canteens
• Attend a Parental Guidance Recommended parent workshop to learn more about healthy eating and physical activity

As a health professional

• Find out more about how to be an effective advocate against obesity – check out the Advocacy Toolkit developed by the Public Health Advocacy Institute of WA. In addition, read about the 12 advocacy targets set for overweight and obesity
• Join health professional networks and be kept up to date on current issues, programs and professional development opportunities. Click here to become a member of the Healthy Weight Practitioner Network by entering in the subject heading ‘Please add me to your Healthy Weight Practitioner Network'
• You may want to look into setting up a community garden in your local area to help promote healthy eating and/or supplement the availability of fresh fruit and vegetables