Breathe Easy Gippsland is working towards reducing and preventing smoking and vaping, along with secondhand smoke and aerosols.

We ran a community survey in 2023 at pop-up community events and on social media, which asked people’s attitudes about smoking and vaping harm reduction measures.

This survey received more than 660 responses from Gippslanders.

Here are some of the key findings.

Read more in our press release.

Gippsland Tracks and Trails was a joint initiative between the Gippsland Region Public Health Unit and Baw Baw, East Gippsland, and Wellington local governments.

It looked at how Gippslanders uses local tracks and trails, especially walking and bike trails, as well as exploring some of the access barriers and how people can better use them.

An online survey captured community attitudes, experiences and habits, with 446 survey responses from across Gippsland which looked at 21 tracks located within the participating local government areas.

These insights have built a clearer picture of how Gippslanders are using their natural spaces, with opportunities to encourage more people to use their local tracks and trails.

These findings will be valuable for local health promotion and population health organisations.

It will help guide public health strategies to make outdoor recreation more accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable for everyone in Gippsland.

Better Bites Gippsland is supporting dining venues to boost healthy menu options.

This project is helping clubs to meet a growing demand for tasty and nutritious meals by making their menus healthier.

The GRPHU is working on these new menus with nutrition and industry experts along with the member-based Morwell Italian Australian Social Club, Yarram Country Club and Wonthaggi Workmen’s Club.

Patrons at participating venues are being asked to fill out a short survey for the chance to win a $100 meal voucher at one of these clubs.

Raising awareness, providing resources, promoting education and reducing STI infections.

The Gippsland Region Public Health Unit works in partnership with Gippsland Women’s Health on an  annual STI awareness campaign.

This youth-friendly resource is being distributed by the GRPHU at local events and sporting clubs with the help of GippSport and regional services.

We are targeting young people aged from 15 to 29 to learn more about increasing STI rates in Gippsland, promote safer sex, such as condoms and dams, and encourage STI screening.

We also highlight local Gippsland sexual health services and the 1800 My Options hotline.

The condom sleeve pictured above was developed by young people with a QR code linking to local services.

Visit the GRPHU Sexual health and viral hepatitis page for a raft of links to services and resources.

Click here to view the 2024 and 2025 campaign summaries.

This campaign is being run through winter 2025 across social media, 9Now and 7plus streaming services and Gippsland radio stations 3GG, TRfm and Goldfm.

Our campaign taglines are:

• Many people are eligible for a free flu vaccine so speak to your GP, pharmacist, Aboriginal health service or community clinic today!
• Its easier than ever to stay healthy this winter.
• Getting your flu and COVID-19 vaccination is easier than ever.
• Many people are eligible for a free flu vaccine so speak to your GP, pharmacist, Aboriginal health service or community clinic today.

Read our winter health press release here.

Here is a link to the Better Health Channel.

Find a vaccine provider here.