What is OPAL? :: SA Health

What is OPAL?

OPAL logo with colourful swirls

OPAL is a program that’s about everyone in the community working together to create all kinds of ways to enjoy healthy eating and to have fun being active. The way OPAL comes to life in each community will depend on community input and enthusiasm. Local councils will be supporting communities, by coordinating activities and making changes to local services to make sure healthy choices are easy for you and your family.

Every 12 months new information about healthy eating and physical activity will be provided to help you make healthy choices in your life. Health messages include: Water. The Original Cool Drink., Give the screen a rest. Active play is best and Make it a fresh snack.

OPAL communities

OPAL has commenced in 15 South Australian communities and this will grow to 20 communities by 2012. The following councils/cities are part of the OPAL community:

District Councils of Mount Remarkable, Peterborough and the Northern Areas also have joined the OPAL program as a joint community. In addition, OPAL welcomed the Northern Territory, with the first COPAL (Childhood Obesity Prevention and Lifestyle) site in the City of Palmerston.

Contact your local OPAL Council Manager to see if you live within the OPAL community in your council.

Reasons to join OPAL

Wouldn’t it be great to...

  • Give your children the best chance to be healthy?
  • Live in a community where there are lots of ways to enjoy being active?
  • Discover safe scenic paths to cycle or walk to work and school?
  • Develop skills for preparing delicious meals that are good for you and your family?
  • Understand food labels so you can plan healthy meals for your family?
  • Feel healthier and have more energy to do the things you enjoy?

The South Australian Government and the Australian Government think that these are great ideas too. That’s why they have started OPAL in six South Australian communities, in conjunction with the local councils.

Dad giving young girl a piggyback

Epode, a community-based healthy lifestyle program like OPAL, is run in France and has had great results. Children and adults who are active and enjoy healthy eating are more likely to live a healthy life. That means you and your children may have:

  • More energy
  • More confidence
  • Better sleep
  • Better health – less risk of diabetes, heart disease, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure and some cancers
  • Stronger bones and healthier joints.

Being active and enjoying healthy eating are also great ways to relax and enjoy being with your family and friends. As well as keeping you and your family well, these healthy lifestyle choices can make your whole community a more enjoyable place to live – where people have fewer long-term health problems.