General News
24 May, 2023
Healthier choice
MORTLAKE College students made a healthy choice last week through a partnership with Terang and Mortlake Health Service (TMHS).
MORTLAKE College students made a healthy choice last week through a partnership with Terang and Mortlake Health Service (TMHS).
Last Friday marked National Walk Safely to School Day, an initiative which promotes the awareness of health, road safety, transport and environmental benefits of walking, and also coincided with National Road Safety Week.
As part of the occasion, more than 50 students joined outside Clarke’s Pies from 8am before walking to school together through the winding paths of Tea Tree Lake.
Older students showed their leadership in helping younger peers navigate the streets, learning more about health and road safety in a practical setting.
The walks were organised with the support of TMHS, which partnered with Mortlake College and Hampden Specialist School in Cobden to help raise awareness.
TMHS health promotion officer Tanya Glossop said it was great to see so many students taking part.
“Walk to school day aims to educate students to safely walk to school,” she said.
“This national initiative aims to encourage children to lead a healthier, more active lifestyle by simply including a walk at the beginning, at lunchtime and at the end of each day.
“The event also promotes reduced car-dependency, greater use of public transport, cleaner air, improved diets and road safety to primary school children throughout Australia.”
The partnership between Mortlake College and Hampden Specialist school Cobden with TMHS health promotion team saw not only the walk to school event go ahead, but a range of prizes and goodies were up for grabs.
Junior students were offered a water bottle with a toothbrush and toothpaste, while senior students were offered a dental care package.
“We’ve been fortunate to be supported through a sponsorship from the Wannon Water Ripple Effect program, which supports the TMHS schools engagement project,” Ms Glossop said.
“TMHS aim to be more visible in the community with more health-related engagements
“TMHS health promotion team can help any community organisation – schools, sports groups, kinder, early childhood centres, gyms and work places with support needed to increase knowledge of healthy eating and active living.”
