Tallangatta Health Service (THS) has been an active member of the Achievement Program since 2017 and were recently recognised for all five ‘Healthy Workplace’ health areas.
The organisation is committed to supporting staff through a range of initiatives that promote a healthy physical environment, health and wellbeing opportunities and community connections.
Highlights include:
- Encouraging more movement by holding meetings in different buildings, encouraging walking meetings and relocation of the main printer to a central location
- Providing staff accessible resources on their intranet about health and wellbeing topics
- A review to upgrade smoking signage
- Linking with a local Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider to promote support services and advice to staff
- Celebrating events that promote culture and connection, including wellbeing days such as R U OK? Day and IDAHOBIT day
- Developing a Yarn Bomb in the centre of Tallangatta where staff created yellow flowers and decorations for the R U OK Day event to raise awareness of the signs of mental health challenges.
- Changes to the vending machines and catering guidelines to meet the Healthy Choice Policy Directive and to provide nourishing options, with support from the Healthy Eating Advisory Service
- Staff involvement and promotion of local community events including gardening workshops and City2City Albury Wodonga walks.
The healthy changes have garnered positive feedback from employees:
“The change in our vending machine options have been well received by the team, not only with the drink options, but the healthier snack options as well.”
"The vending machine at the main building has been well received with water and carbonated water already sold out."
In addition, Tallangatta Health Service utilised the Achievement Program as an opportunity to review their organisational policy procedures, including their Smoking and Alcohol and Other Drugs policy.
The benefits
Working through each health area has resulted in numerous benefits for the organisation.
The staff are enjoying participating in a range of physical activities and wellbeing events. Staff are also more willing to openly discuss mental health issues and the challenges of their rural community.
Kitchen staff and the wider organisation have embraced the healthier options offered at events. Everyone is now bringing in healthier options for celebrations and catered functions.
“Having an understanding of how to implement a better approach to healthy food has been great," said one employee.
Congratulations to Tallangatta Health Service on their wonderful accomplishment of implementing a whole-of-organisation approach to health and wellbeing. Tallangatta Health Service now has Victorian Government recognition for all health areas as part of the Achievement Program.