Victorian Health Promotion Foundation

{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}} {{Infobox government agency | name = VicHealth | native_name = Victorian Health Promotion Foundation  | type = | seal = | agency_type = foundation | logo = VicHealth logo.jpg | logo_width = | logo_caption = | image = | image_size = | image_caption = | formed = 1987 | preceding1 = | preceding2 =  | dissolved = | superseding1 = | superseding2 =  | jurisdiction = | headquarters = | coordinates =  | motto = | employees = 85 {{small|(Includes part-time and full time. Updated August 2022)}} | budget = A$43.053 million {{small|(FY 2022–23}} | minister1_name = The Hon. Mary-Anne Thomas, MP | minister1_pfo = Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services | minister2_name = | minister2_pfo =  | deputyminister1_name = | deputyminister1_pfo = | deputyminister2_name = | deputyminister2_pfo =  | chief1_name = The Hon. Nicola Roxon | chief1_position = Chair | chief2_name = Dr Sandro Demaio | chief2_position = CEO | chief3_name = | chief3_position = | chief4_name = | chief4_position = | chief5_name = | chief5_position = | chief6_name = | chief6_position = | chief7_name = | chief7_position = | chief8_name = | chief8_position = | chief9_name = | chief9_position = | parent_department = Department of Health | parent_agency = | parent_agency_type =  | keydocument1 = Tobacco Act 1987 | website = {{URL|vichealth.vic.gov.au}} | agency_id = | map = | map_size = | map_caption = | footnotes = | embed = }} {{Coord|37.803287|S|144.968634|E|display=title}}

The '''Victorian Health Promotion Foundation''' is a statutory authority in the Australian state of Victoria, originally funded by hypothecated taxation raised by the ''Victorian Tobacco Act 1987''. It was the first health promotion body in the world to be funded by a tax on tobacco.

Better known as '''VicHealth''', the organisation has a mandate to promote good health for all Victorians. With a focus on promoting good health and preventing chronic disease, it leads and advocates for excellence in health-promoting policies and programs for: * Active communities and sport * Social connection and mental wellbeing * Healthy and sustainable food systems * Reducing harm from alcohol and tobacco products

== History == === Founding and early history (1987–1997) === In 1987, the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth) was established with funding from government-collected tobacco taxes and mandated to promote health in the State of Victoria.<ref name="VHhistory">{{Cite web |title=Our History |url=https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/about/our-history |access-date=5 February 2020 |website=Vichealth}}</ref>

In 1988, VicHealth moved to buy out tobacco company sponsorship of sport and the arts. As a result, Quit, Heart Health and other health promotion programs replaced tobacco sponsorships.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Rechter |first=Jerril |date=2015 |title=Innovate, Inform, Integrate: VicHealth is transforming to meet innovation and the new health promotion challenges |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/48518729 |journal=Health Promotion International |volume=30 |issue=3 |pages=413–417 |issn=0957-4824 |jstor=48518729}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Rechter |first=Jerril |date=September 2015 |title=Innovate, Inform, Integrate: VicHealth is transforming to meet innovation and the new health promotion challenges: Fig. 1 |journal=Health Promotion International |language=en |volume=30 |issue=3 |pages=413–417 |doi=10.1093/heapro/dav086 |issn=0957-4824 |doi-access=free}}</ref> The Anti-Cancer Council of Victoria (now the Cancer Council Victoria) received funding from VicHealth to run its SunSmart and Quit programs, and VicHealth funded the first Victorian breast cancer screening program.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Montague |first=Meg |last2=Borland |first2=Ron |last3=Sinclair |first3=Craig |date=2001 |title=Slip! Slop! Slap! and SunSmart, 1980-2000: Skin Cancer Control and 20 Years of Population-Based Campaigning |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/45319789 |journal=Health Education & Behavior |volume=28 |issue=3 |pages=290–305 |issn=1090-1981 |jstor=45319789}}</ref>

In 1989, VicHealth funded significant research into Alzheimer's disease at the Mental Health Research Institute.{{cn|date=February 2026}}

In 1994, VicHealth held its first national conference to examine the pioneering developments of working with sport and art organisations to promote health. VicHealth also funded the research arm of the Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre, a program aimed to increase the capacity to intervene and prevent youth suicide.<ref>{{Cite web |title=EPPIC (Early Psychosis Prevention & Intervention Centre) {{!}} Orygen Specialist Program |url=https://oyh.org.au/our-services/clinical-program/continuing-care-teams/eppic-early-psychosis-prevention-intervention |access-date=2023-09-27 |website=oyh.org.au}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Pioneering new frontiers in psychosis research and early intervention |url=https://www.orygen.org.au/About/News-And-Events/2018/new-frontiers |access-date=2023-09-27 |website=Orygen}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre {{!}} Australian mental health organization {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Early-Psychosis-Prevention-and-Intervention-Centre |access-date=2023-09-27 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref>

In 1995, VicHealth launched Healthy Families of the Future, a program to improve mental health and wellbeing within families.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History |url=https://familyfutures.org/about-us/history/ |access-date=2023-09-27 |website=Family Futures |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 1996, VicHealth was recognised with the World Health Organization Medal for Excellence<ref>{{Cite web |title=Doc 150923 {{!}} PDF {{!}} Health Promotion {{!}} Public Sphere |url=https://www.scribd.com/document/671365095/Doc-150923 |access-date=2023-09-27 |website=Scribd |language=en}}</ref> and the Active for Life program launched in schools to teach children about making exercise a healthy lifetime habit to prevent heart disease.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Corrie |first=Mark |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9Jg3jXNAlUwC&dq=Active+for+Life+program+VicHealth&pg=PA83 |title=Revise in a Month VCE Physical Education |last2=Teesdale |first2=Sharon |date=2004 |publisher=Pascal Press |isbn=978-1-74125-015-2 |language=en}}</ref>

=== 1998–2007 === In 1998–1999, VicHealth launched the Koori Health Research and Community Development Unit and the Mental Health Promotion Plan for Victoria; focusing on social connection, freedom from discrimination and economic participation as major factors impacting on mental health.<ref>{{Cite web |title=VicHealth Koori Health Research and Community Development Unit : summary of findings from hospital... - Catalogue {{!}} National Library of Australia |url=https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/4318442 |access-date=2023-09-27 |website=catalogue.nla.gov.au |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Book, VicHealth Koori Health Research and Community Development Unit, We don't like research -- but in Koori hands it could make a difference, 2000 |url=https://victoriancollections.net.au/items/56c6909b400d0c3518d14cc4 |access-date=2023-09-27 |website=Victorian Collections |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?printsec=frontcover&vid=ISBN0734030207 |title=VicHealth Koori Health Research and Community Development Unit: Summary of Findings from Hospital Case Studies & Recommendations for Accreditation |date=2004 |publisher=VicHealth Koori Health Research and Community Development Unit |isbn=978-0-7340-3020-7 |language=en}}</ref>

In 2000, The VicHealth Centre for Tobacco Control opened, focusing on legal, economic and social research to strengthen tobacco control initiatives.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Moore |first=Karen |last2=Borland |first2=Ron |last3=Yong |first3=Hua-Hie |last4=Siahpush |first4=Mohammad |last5=Cummings |first5=K. Michael |last6=Thrasher |first6=James F. |last7=Fong |first7=Geoffrey T. |date=2012-10-01 |title=Support for tobacco control interventions: do country of origin and socioeconomic status make a difference? |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-012-0378-5 |journal=International Journal of Public Health |language=en |volume=57 |issue=5 |pages=777–786 |doi=10.1007/s00038-012-0378-5 |issn=1661-8564 |pmc=3556926 |pmid=22714136}}</ref>

In 2001, smokefree dining in Victoria was introduced and the Together We Do Better campaign was launched.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=McNeil |first=Sandy |date=January 2013 |title=Understanding Family-Centered Care in the Mental Health System: Perspectives From Family Members Caring for Relatives With Mental Health Issues |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15332985.2012.720662 |journal=Social Work in Mental Health |volume=11 |issue=1 |pages=55–74 |doi=10.1080/15332985.2012.720662 |issn=1533-2985|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

In 2002–2003, VicHealth launched Leading the Way, a project dedicated to promoting healthy eating and active living in local communities.<ref name=":0">Leading the way : councils creating healthier communities : a resource guide for councillors / This resource was developed and written by Ged Dibley and Michael Gordon, in conjunction with Lori Rubenstein. Dibley, Ged. Carlton South, Vic., : VicHealth 2002</ref>

In 2006, VicHealth ran a 10,000 Steps Walking Challenge during the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games, the largest of its kind to take place in Victoria. More than 1600 clubs participated in the Australian Drug Foundation's Good Sports program, an initiative supported by VicHealth designed to change the booze culture that exists in many sporting clubs. VicHealth established a partnership with the AFL to advance violence prevention activity through sport.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Shephard |first=R.J. |date=January 2010 |title=Effectiveness of the 2006 Commonwealth Games 10,000 Steps Walking Challenge |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0162-0908(09)79561-3 |journal=Yearbook of Sports Medicine |volume=2010 |pages=103–105 |doi=10.1016/s0162-0908(09)79561-3 |issn=0162-0908|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

In 2007, VicHealth supported a State Government ban on the sale of alcopop tubes and created the Victorian Health Inequalities Network to encourage public dialogue about the development of coherent strategies to reduce inequalities.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-05-25 |title=Govt bans sale of alcohol-filled tubes |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/govt-bans-sale-of-alcohol-filled-tubes-20070526-gdq8aa.html |access-date=2023-09-27 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref>

=== 2008–2013 === In 2008, VicHealth hosted the 2008 World Conference on the Promotion of Mental Health in Melbourne, and the Streets Ahead program was started.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WLS3jwEACAAJ |title=From Margins to Mainstream: 5th World Conference on the Promotion of Mental Health and the Prevention of Mental and Behavioural Disorders (abstract Book). |date=2008 |publisher=VicHealth |language=en}}</ref> The organisation began funding thirty State Sporting Associations to increase club-level involvement in sports, and its Motion program sought to increase community arts participation.<ref>{{Citation |title=Valuation of Clubs, Companies, and Other Sporting-Related Assets |date=2016-01-08 |work=Sports Business Management |pages=487–514 |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.4324/9781315687827-27 |access-date=2023-09-27 |publisher=Routledge |doi=10.4324/9781315687827-27 |isbn=978-1-315-68782-7|url-access=subscription }}</ref> In 2012, VicHealth began a workplace health program to address issues ranging from individual stress to the effects of prolonged sitting.<ref>{{Citation |last=Burke |first=Ronald J. |date=2019-01-25 |chapter=Creating Psychologically Healthy Workplaces |publisher=Edward Elgar Publishing |doi=10.4337/9781788113427.00008 |isbn=978-1-78811-342-7 |doi-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{Cite report |title=VicHealth Coronavirus Victorian Wellbeing Impact Study |date=2020 |publisher=VicHealth |doi=10.37309/2020.po909 |doi-access=free}}</ref>

The "Seed Challenge" campaign of 2013 sought to increase Victorians' consumption of healthy foods.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-04-16 |title=VicHealth Seed Challenge and the history and potential for government challenges |url=https://www.govloop.com/community/blog/vichealth-seed-challenge-and-the-history-and-potential-for-government-challenges/ |access-date=2023-09-27 |website=GovLoop |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== 2014–2022 === VicHealth was named a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Leadership in Health Promotion in September 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |title=This page does not exist! |url=https://www.ethicaljobs.com.au/members/vichealth1/lead-commercial-determinants-of-health&ved=2ahUKEwjdluqMirmAAxVWEBAIHfMECEcQFnoECCQQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1OYs-JHbYkCMFkVgMzEqvf |access-date=2023-09-27 |website=EthicalJobs.com.au |language=en}}</ref> In the same year, the organisation formed a panel of experts, "Leading Thinkers", to examine various health challenges from a range of theoretical perspectives. A second round of arts funding began in 2015, as did the VicHealth Citizens' Jury on Obesity, a collection of online and in-person focus groups looking at simplifying healthy eating.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-06-30 |title=Victoria's Citizens' Jury on Obesity – Participedia |url=https://participedia.net/case/4409&ved=2ahUKEwiu1vu0p7mAAxWD6CoKHa3sDO0QFnoECAwQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1si1g3Nc9eYcxeG2LqaI3w |access-date=2023-09-27 |website=participedia.net |language=en}}</ref>

In 2018, "This Girl Can - Victoria" was launched to increase women's physical activity and health.<ref>Impact of the first year of the "This Girl Can" physical activity and sport mass media campaign in Australia. Adrian Bauman, Nicola McNeil, Matthew Nicholson, Paul O'Halloran, Emma Seal, Erica Randle & Arthur Stukas. ''BMC Public Health. 333 (2023)''</ref> In 2021, the "Future Healthy" campaign was started to provide funding for a range of community organisations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Big Connect: $5m boost for young people's mental health |url=https://www.miragenews.com/big-connect-5m-boost-for-young-peoples-mental-658961/ |access-date=2023-09-27 |website=Mirage News |language=en-AU}}</ref>

=== 2023–current === In 2023, VicHealth launched VicHealth Strategy 2023, a document outlining the Victorian Health Department's plan for improving public health in the state of Victoria, Australia.<ref>{{Cite web |title=VicHealth Strategy 2023-2033 |url=https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/resources/vichealth-strategies/strategy-2023-2033 |access-date=2023-09-27 |website=www.vichealth.vic.gov.au |language=en}}</ref>

In March 2023, VicHealth invested $3.5 million in JumpStart! initiative, which is focused on creating communities that support the health of young people. Two JumpStart! ideas in the Shepparton region have already been revealed, with both ASHEfest and Valley Sport receiving $40,000 in funding.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-23 |title=VicHealth invests $3.5 million in new initiative for young people's health |url=https://www.sheppnews.com.au/news/vichealth-invests-3-5-million-in-new-initiative-for-young-peoples-health/ |access-date=2023-09-27 |website=Shepparton News |language=en-US}}</ref>

At the same year, VicHealth launched a large-scale campaign against vaping, in particular unveiling a sculpture on the harms of vaping, promoting a draft law on regulating the use of electronic cigarettes among young people.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Youth vaping key concern for VicHealth as TGA's consultation on reforms winds up - ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-01-10/youth-vaping-victoria-health-urges-government-action/101837362 |access-date=2023-09-27 |website=amp.abc.net.au}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=jimjin |date=2023-06-11 |title=VicHealth unveils sculpture on the harms of vaping |url=https://wyndham.starweekly.com.au/news/vichealth-unveils-sculpture-on-the-harms-of-vaping/ |access-date=2023-09-27 |website=Wyndham |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-09 |title=How parents can tackle 'predatory' puff targeting children |url=https://www.thecourier.com.au/story/8228056/how-parents-can-tackle-predatory-puff-targeting-children/ |access-date=2023-09-27 |website=The Courier |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-28 |title='We'll end up with another generation addicted': VicHealth CEO sounds alarm over surge in vaping |url=https://www.3aw.com.au/well-end-up-with-another-generation-addicted-vichealth-ceo-sounds-alarm-over-surge-in-vaping/ |access-date=2023-09-27 |website=3AW |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |last=May 29 |title=Victoria launches campaign against vaping |date=2023-05-29 |url=https://www.skynews.com.au/lifestyle/health/victoria-launches-campaign-against-vaping/video/db3b16f229df2eff798037651a40e9a3 |access-date=2023-09-27 |language=en |last2=2023 - 2:42pm}}</ref>

Also, VicHealth and Monash University released the Kids Building Future Healthy program, where students were given the mission to design and build communities where people are connected, active, and eating well, using the game Minecraft Education Edition.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kids Building Future Healthy |url=https://kidsfuturehealthy.com.au/ |access-date=2023-09-27 |website=kidsfuturehealthy.com.au |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-06-25 |title=Students using Minecraft to build healthier communities one block at a time |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-06-26/students-using-video-game-minecraft-to-build-healthier-community/102500182 |access-date=2023-09-27 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref>

In 2023, VicHealth launched RealityCheck mental health platform that provides resources and tools for individuals to manage their mental well-being. The platform offers a range of features, including mood tracking, journaling, and meditation exercises. RealityCheck also provides personalized recommendations based on user input and offers support from mental health professionals.<ref>{{Cite web |title=This Girl Can Week announcement inside - VicHealth |url=https://deal.town/vichealth/this-girl-can-week-announcement-inside-F3K33EZ99 |access-date=2023-09-27 |website=deal.town |language=en}}</ref>

==Strategic imperatives== VicHealth's Action Agenda for Health Promotion 2013–2023<ref>{{Cite web |title=VicHealth Action Agenda for Health Promotion |url=http://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/~/media/ResourceCentre/PublicationsandResources/General/Action%20agenda/VicHealth-ActionAgenda-2013-23.ashx |access-date=20 March 2014 |archive-date=20 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140320084056/http://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/~/media/ResourceCentre/PublicationsandResources/General/Action%20agenda/VicHealth-ActionAgenda-2013-23.ashx |url-status=dead }}</ref> focuses on the following five strategic imperatives:<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-15 |title=VicHealth Action Agenda for Health Promotion 2019–23 |url=https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/media-and-resources/publications/vichealth-action-agenda |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220315221434/https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/media-and-resources/publications/vichealth-action-agenda |archive-date=15 March 2022 |access-date=2023-09-27}}</ref> * promoting healthy eating * encouraging regular physical activity * preventing tobacco use * preventing harm from alcohol * improving mental wellbeing These priorities are consistent with VicHealth's obligations under the Tobacco Act of 1987. They also align with State Government policy and program directions, and national and international health promotion priorities and policies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) charters and declarations for Health Promotion.{{citation needed|date=April 2024}}

These priorities were consistent with VicHealth's obligations under the Tobacco Act of 1987. They also align with State Government policy and program directions, and national and international health promotion priorities and policies, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) charters and declarations for Health Promotion.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Mason |first=Chris |last2=Barraket |first2=Jo |last3=Friel |first3=Sharon |last4=O'Rourke |first4=Kerryn |last5=Stenta |first5=Christian-Paul |date=September 2015 |title=Social innovation for the promotion of health equity: Fig. 1 |journal=Health Promotion International |volume=30 |issue=suppl 2 |pages=ii116–ii125 |doi=10.1093/heapro/dav076 |issn=0957-4824 |doi-access=free}}</ref>

With a focus on reshaping systems for a healthier Victoria, the 2023-2033 VicHealth strategy is evidence-based to address complex emerging health challenges. Instead of tackling individual behaviour, VicHealth is addressing the underlying systems that impact health and well-being: * Neighbourhood and built systems * Commercial and economic systems * Food systems<ref>{{Cite web |title=VicHealth Strategy 2023-2033 |url=https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/resources/vichealth-strategies/strategy-2023-2033 |access-date=2023-09-27 |website=www.vichealth.vic.gov.au |language=en}}</ref>

==Organisation== VicHealth has a Board of Governance that is responsible to the Victorian Minister for Health. The current CEO is Professor Anna Peeters AM, PhD.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Meet our Leadership Team |url=https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/about-us/who-we-are/meet-our-leadership-team |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250215093802/https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/about-us/who-we-are/meet-our-leadership-team |archive-date=15 February 2025 |access-date=2025-11-02 |website=www.vichealth.vic.gov.au |language=en |url-status=live }}</ref> Her predecessors were Dr Sandro Demaio, Dr Lyn Roberts AO (Acting), Jerril Rechter, Todd Harper, Rob Moodie and Rhonda Galbally. Sir Gustav Nossal led VicHealth's first Board, followed by Professor John Funder. VicHealth's current Chair is the Hon Nicola Roxon.{{citation needed|date=April 2024}}

Senior Management Team: The senior management team consists of various executives and directors who are responsible for overseeing specific departments or functional areas within the organization, such as health promotion, communications, finance, and research.{{citation needed|date=April 2024}}

Departments/Units: VicHealth may have several departments or units, each focused on different aspects of health promotion and disease prevention. Examples of such departments might include programs targeting physical activity, mental health, tobacco control, alcohol, and healthy eating.{{citation needed|date=April 2024}}

Health Promotion Programs: VicHealth designs and implements a range of health promotion programs and initiatives aimed at improving the health and well-being of Victorians. These programs may involve partnerships with government agencies, community organisations, and other stakeholders.{{citation needed|date=April 2024}}

Research and Evaluation Team: VicHealth invests in research and evaluation to inform evidence-based strategies and measure the impact of their initiatives.{{citation needed|date=April 2024}}

Partnerships and Collaborations: VicHealth collaborates with various organisations, government agencies, community groups, and NGOs to leverage their expertise, resources, and networks to achieve their health promotion goals.<ref>{{Cite web |title=In conversation with... VicHealth CEO and globally-renowned public health expert, Sandro Demaio |url=https://ilglobo.com/en/news/in-conversation-with-vichealth-ceo-and-globally-renowned-public-health-expert-sandro-demaio-93808/ |access-date=2023-09-27 |website=ilglobo.com |language=en}}</ref>

==See also== * Health Promotion * Tobacco control

== References == {{Reflist}}

Category:Government agencies of Victoria (state) Category:Health education in Australia Category:Health promotion Category:Funding bodies of Australia Category:Medical and health organisations based in Victoria (state) Category:Government agencies established in 1987 Category:1987 establishments in Australia