Excellence in Public Health Awards - Apply for the Regional Council Award

All regional councils across South Australia are encouraged to nominate one new or ongoing initiative that has had a positive impact on public health in their community.

Award winning councils will receive $3,000 to help further progress public health initiatives for communities.

Councils’ public health initiatives can include:

  • essential public health functions undertaken as council responsibilities under the SA Public Health Act 2011
  • a new project or innovation for health protection, health promotion and disease prevention.

To be successful, a council’s nominations should:

  • show how the project meets local public health needs and priorities
  • demonstrate links to public health planning
  • clearly describe how the project was/is implemented, and how local stakeholders were/are involved
  • highlight project success, and public health benefits for the local community
  • make your council’s case for excellence.

Apply now

For more information on the nominations process, download the Nomination Guide (PDF 8MB).

To apply now, download the Regional Council Application Form (PDF 642MB).

2023 regional winner

Mount Barker District Council: Air Quality Study — impact of wood smoke in our township

The District Council of Mount Barker was named the 2023 regional winner and awarded $3,000 for its air quality study – impact of wood smoke in our township. Township wood smoke particulate levels were assessed against national standards, and raised councils and community awareness of the health and climate change impacts of wood burning, which is now seen as a public health risk for the Mount Barker community.

With its prize money, the District Council of Mount Barker continues to monitor air quality in the Mount Barker township and supports an important menstrual health initiative for the area. Three air sensors are being purchased. Two will be installed in ‘hot spot’ locations within the township, retrieving 24/7 air quality level data, to be made available on the council’s website for residents to monitor ongoing air quality in their neighbourhood. The third air sensor’s data will assist council with community complaints relating to wood smoke from wood heater use.

Prize money has also funded public art to supplement the council’s period poverty initiative (grant-funded by the Commissioner for Children). Combined, the projects help vulnerable residents to manage their periods safely and free from embarrassment, and reduce stigma attached to menstrual hygiene, through community awareness.

Mount Barker District Council: Period poverty initiative ­– donation to a local community pantry

Further information

For further information about the Excellence in Public Health Awards, please email PublicHealthAct@sa.gov.au or contact Strategic Engagement and Policy on (08) 8226 7100.