The Health Promotion team at Eastern Health works in partnership with communities and organisations to improve health and prevent illness at a population level. While many Eastern Health services focus on treatment and education for individual patients, Health Promotion addresses the broader social, economic, and environmental conditions that shape health outcomes.

We use evidence informed, equity focused approaches to support communities in achieving better health. Our work is guided by best practice frameworks and aligned with regional, state, and national strategies.

Our Vision

To enhance and improve the health of communities across the Eastern Region, Eastern Health staff, and consumers through high-quality health promotion action.

Our Strategic Focus (2025–2026)

Eastern Health’s Health Promotion team is delivering the first year of the 2025–2029 Integrated Health Promotion Plan, aligned with our shared four year Eastern Metropolitan Region Community Health Health Promotion Strategic Plan.

Our work is focused on four priority areas:

  • Supporting schools, early years settings, and sporting clubs to participate in programs like Vic Kids Eat Well and the Achievement Program.
  • Promoting local food businesses through the Catering for Good directory.
  • Delivering community education sessions and interactive events like Smoothie Bike activations.
  • Advocating for healthier food environments and reduced unhealthy advertising in public spaces.

  • Partnering with local leagues and councils to promote inclusive physical activity, especially for women and girls.
  • Implementing programs like Morning Move for Mind and Step and Connect to support mental wellbeing and physical activity.
  • Encouraging active travel in schools and improving infrastructure for staff at Eastern Health sites.

  • Supporting smoke-free environments and delivering group cessation sessions.
  • Educating communities on vaping risks through co-designed resources and school-based murals.
  • Promoting non-alcoholic drink options and values-based messaging in licensed venues.

  • Leading campaigns like 16 Days of Activism to promote gender equality and prevent violence.
  • Supporting early years networks and co-designing wellbeing initiatives with families.
  • Delivering Mental Health First Aid training and fostering regional collaboration through the Eastern Region Mental Health Network.
  • Developing a robust data framework to track health promotion outcomes across all priority areas.
  • Collaborating with councils, schools, and community organisations to collect and analyse baseline data.

Recent Achievements (2024–2025)

  • 71 community members engaged in the This Girl Can campaign.
  • 451 staff participated in the Eastern Health Movement Challenge.
  • Healthy Choices audits completed across all EH retail sites and vending machines.
  • Community Kitchen pilot delivered in Warburton, engaging 11 individuals over five sessions.
  • Values-based messaging implemented in licensed venues, increasing non-alcoholic drink sales.
  • Vaping education toolkit distributed to schools, with over 90% of students reporting increased understanding.

Partnerships and Settings

We work across a wide range of settings and in collaboration with:

  • Community leaders and members
  • Local Government
  • Sporting clubs and recreation facilities
  • Schools and early childhood centres
  • Community Health services
  • Other organisations outside the health care system

Learn More

For more information or to access our reports and resources, please contact the Health Promotion team: health.promotion@easternhealth.org.au