Shift statements — your feedback
Below are draft system shift statements written from the evidence in the Evidence Explorer. You'll see them one at a time. For each, tell us whether you could use it and how well it reads. You can move back and forth at any time. There are 20 to review — about 15 minutes.
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Access to VicHealth sponsorship funding became open to all eligible organisations, replacing a system that favoured those with pre-existing relationships
Shifts in: Policies and practices · Resource flows · Power dynamics
What changedVicHealth developed a new sponsorship procedure and process to provide equal access to its funding. Previously, only a select group of stakeholders with pre-existing relationships could access this funding. The new procedure replaces that closed system with one open to all eligible organisations.
Why it's importantThis internal change removes a structural barrier to equitable access to VicHealth funding. By opening sponsorship pathways beyond established networks, VicHealth can reach a broader and more diverse range of organisations — including those working with priority populations who may previously have been excluded. This aligns with VicHealth's broader internal equity-focused work, which has been shaping how the organisation designs and commissions initiatives.
Evidence (31 items)
- VicHealth invested $1.97 million from 2024-2025 to prevent and minimise vaping harm in young people through the Collective Impact Vaping Program (CIVP), known externally as Vape Free Victoria, using a collective impact approach to produce an at-scale response across high-risk regions in Victoria
- VicHealth engaged strategic partners to build capacity for delivery: Cancer Council Victoria (QUIT Victoria) for training and resources, Alcohol and Drug Foundation for capacity building with local sporting clubs, and La Trobe University for data and evaluation support
- VicHealth's financial investment through grants to participating Victorian councils strengthened capacity of smaller, resource-constrained councils and enabled collaborative work across the region, with budget allocations adjusted to more equitably equip smaller councils
- VicHealth funding allocation required youth-led approaches, leading to resource allocation toward engaging with young people to consult, collaborate and co-design approaches
- VicHealth developed a clear strategy and shared language for systems change which strengthens collaboration across VicHealth and with partners
- Internal equity-focused work is helping VicHealth identify structural barriers and shaping how they design, commission and support initiatives
- VicHealth achieved strategic funding distribution of $29.98M across 457 organisations throughout Victoria, with 44% to neighbourhood and built systems, 34% to commercial and economic systems, and 22% to food systems
- VicHealth spent over half (57%) of its health promotion budget investing in action with priority populations, exceeding the 30% target, including 6% directed to First Nations Victorians and 9% to Culturally and Racially Diverse Victorians
- A new partnership with YACVic, peak youth advocacy body has been formed to ensure an efficient and accessible pathway for VicHealth teams to engage with young people to inform their work
- VicHealth developed a clear strategy and shared language for systems change that enhances both internal collaboration and external partnerships
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Fresh, affordable produce became more accessible to food-insecure residents in Whittlesea through new distribution pathways
Shifts in: Policies and practices · Connections · Resource flows
What changedThe Whittlesea Food Collective (operated by Whittlesea Community Connections) launched a weekly produce box scheme and ran a regular market averaging 52 customers per week, with produce priced approximately 50% cheaper than Coles. Around half of box scheme customers were food-insecure clients from the Financial Assistance Program, and a voucher system was introduced in collaboration with the WCC Food Relief program to extend access further. The hub also donated produce to a food relief supermarket and supplied food boxes to organisations in the emergency relief network.
Why it's importantThese new distribution pathways mean that people experiencing food insecurity in Whittlesea now have practical, low-cost routes to fresh and nutritious produce that did not previously exist. By embedding food relief recipients as a core customer group — through vouchers, subsidised boxes and donated produce — the hub is reaching people who are least able to access affordable food through mainstream retail. VicHealth contributed directly to this work.
Evidence (12 items)
- Whittlesea Food Collective launched a produce box scheme with weekly deliveries to increase community access to nutritious and affordable produce
- Whittlesea Food Collective established a café/catering enterprise in partnership with Melbourne Polytechnic, becoming operational in July 2024 with the first cohort of trainees commencing in August
- Whittlesea Food Collective collaborated with WCC Food Relief program to implement a voucher system targeted at food relief recipients to access the food hub market and produce boxes
- Whittlesea Food Collective engaged in collaborative planning with other food hubs to implement a wholesale trial and hired two casual workers as food purchasers for the wholesale enterprise
- Whittlesea Food Collective increased local food growing by hosting garden with volunteers and school groups, and set up a community garden at a local community centre
- Whittlesea Food Collective increased supply of local produce for their market and built connections with local growers
- Whittlesea Food Collective supports existing Financial Assistance Program by donating good quality produce to food relief supermarket, donating produce from garden, and providing food boxes to organisations in the ER network
- Whittlesea Food Collective working in collaboration with other organisations and food hubs to deliver on food system impact, recognising that many issues cannot be addressed in isolation
- Whittlesea Food Collective provided access to fresh, affordable produce with market averaging 52 customers per week and produce priced 50% cheaper than Coles.
- Whittlesea Food Collective launched box scheme with approximately 50% of customers being food insecure clients from Financial Assistance Program
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Local, regenerative food became more accessible in Surf Coast Shire through new market and distribution channels
Shifts in: Connections · Resource flows
What changedThe Common Ground Project Food Hub established a range of new channels through which local, regenerative produce reached consumers in Surf Coast Shire and beyond: a five-day onsite market, regular offsite farmers markets (averaging 3–6 per month), a veg box pickup and delivery service, and an online shop with cold storage. A monthly low-cost regenerative market was also established in Norlane in partnership with Cultura, extending access to an underserved community. These operations also created more regular trade opportunities for local producers. Note: some markets were cut during winter 2024 due to low trade and financial viability concerns, and community workshops onsite were reduced as the hub prioritised market attendance to reach break-even.
Why it's importantWhere previously these distribution channels did not exist, people in Surf Coast Shire and Norlane now have more consistent access to local, regenerative food. Local producers gained a more reliable route to market through regular ordering. The hub also reported a significant increase in its connection to the local community and food system through relationship-building, partnerships and collaborations over the same period. VicHealth contributed directly to this work.
Evidence (8 items)
- Common Ground Project established comprehensive food hub operations including 5-day onsite market, offsite markets, veg box delivery service, and online shop with cold storage capabilities
- Common Ground Project established Monthly Low Cost Regenerative Market in Norlane in partnership with Cultura, providing affordable healthy food access to an underserved community
- Common Ground Project Food Hub reduced community workshops onsite in 2024 and instead attended Markets with their produce due to financial constraints requiring scale to break even or generate profit
- Common Ground Project Food Hub made decisions to cut some markets due to low Winter trade and inability to guarantee breaking even at particular markets
- Common Ground Project Food Hub increased access to local, regenerative food through availability of produce at Markets and through Veg Boxes over the last 12 months
- Common Ground Project Food Hub increased opportunity for trade of products by local producers through 5 day trading, offsite markets and veg boxes, meaning they order regularly
- Common Ground Project's connection to the local community and local food system increased drastically in the last 12 months through relationship and partnership building, collaborations, and activities and offerings
- Common Ground Project delivered community workshops on permaculture, fruit tree pruning, composting and olive harvesting as part of Food Hub activities
Young people with disabilities from culturally diverse backgrounds gained a space to connect, express themselves and build social skills
Shifts in: Policies and practices · Connections
What changedThe Australian Multicultural Community Center's 'Empowering CALD Youth with Disabilities through Art, Cooking & Gardening' program created an inclusive, culturally safe environment where CALD young people with disabilities could participate in arts, cooking and gardening activities together. Participants formed new friendships, strengthened existing ones, developed decision-making skills and self-confidence, and reported a sense of belonging and community that had not previously existed for this group.
Why it's importantCALD young people with disabilities face compounding barriers to social participation — disability, cultural and linguistic difference, and limited access to culturally safe spaces. This program demonstrates that structured, inclusive programming can produce genuine connection and belonging for a group that is often excluded from mainstream recreation and social opportunities. VicHealth contributed to this work through direct support of the program.
Evidence (7 items)
- Australian Multicultural Community Center's CALD youth disability program implemented inclusive arts, cooking and gardening practices that fostered connection, belonging and collaborative engagement among participants
- Art sessions in the Empowering CALD Youth with Disabilities program provide a creative outlet for self-expression, helping participants process emotions, build confidence, and develop communication skills for CALD youth with disabilities
- Empowering CALD Youth with Disabilities program creates an inclusive and safe space where young people with disabilities from diverse backgrounds can connect, express themselves creatively, and build social skills, fostering a sense of belonging and community
- CALD youth with disabilities improved their decision-making skills through participation in art, cooking, and gardening activities, leading to increased self-confidence
- CALD youth with disabilities engaged in local sport, arts, and recreation activities through structured programming, promoting cultural safety and inclusion
- Australian Multicultural Community Center's CALD youth disability program implemented inclusive arts, cooking and gardening practices, creating joyful atmosphere and fostering connections among participants
- Australian Multicultural Community Center implemented cooking sessions as part of their 'Empowering CALD Youth with Disabilities through Art, Cooking & Gardening' program, with participants showing active engagement and curiosity throughout the sessions.
Culturally appropriate food became more accessible in Cardinia through a community-run farm, market and local business network
Shifts in: Policies and practices · Connections · Resource flows
What changedUbuntu Food Hub (United African Farm) in Cardinia established weekly pop-up markets on their farm, run by trainees and coordinators, and began producing and selling culturally significant foods including traditionally smoked fish, chicken and meat. They formed supply and distribution partnerships with Pakenham Grocer, Cafresco and JAYAEO PTY LTD, expanding the range of crops grown (okra, chillies, sweet potatoes, corn and others) and the channels through which culturally appropriate food reaches the local African community. The hub also adapted its farming practices in response to flood-damaged soil, installing raised garden beds and applying for grants to explore vertical and hydroponic farming.
Why it's importantAn African community in Cardinia now has a locally grounded, community-led pathway to culturally appropriate food that did not previously exist — one that combines production, market access and traditional food practices. The hub's trainee-led operations build local capability, and the network of local business partnerships creates more durable supply and distribution than a single organisation could sustain alone. VicHealth contributed to this work.
Evidence (6 items)
- Ubuntu Food Hub started weekly pop-up markets on their farm, running smoothly and being overseen by trainees and coordinators
- Ubuntu Food Hub started traditional smoking of fish, chicken and meat known to African community as delicacies, providing culturally appropriate food
- Ubuntu Food Hub established partnership with Pakenham Grocer to be grower for them, growing crops including okra, chillies, lettuce, corn, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and silver beet
- Ubuntu Food Hub established partnership with Cafresco to provide diversity of crops to the community
- Ubuntu Food Hub established partnership with local business JAYAEO PTY LTD to provide smoked meat and fish for sale
- Ubuntu Food Hub implemented raised garden beds on half of their land and applied for grants to explore vertical farming and hydroponic farming as a sustainable approach to address soil damage from flooding
A youth music programme in Castlemaine gained a sustained equipment supply through new corporate and community partnerships
Shifts in: Resource flows · Connections
What changedCastlemaine Youth Connect (operated by Castlemaine Community House Inc.) used social media outreach to seek music equipment donations, resulting in $7,359 worth of professional audio equipment from Focusrite/Adams Audio and an ongoing sponsorship agreement to supply further equipment as needed. The campaign also generated broader community donations and connections, including a resource-sharing arrangement where surplus equipment was passed on to a local disability support provider to build a podcasting kit for their clients.
Why it's importantBefore this, the programme lacked the equipment needed to run a professional music production setup. The ongoing sponsorship agreement means the resource flow is not a one-off donation but a sustained supply relationship — reducing dependence on ad hoc funding. The redistribution of surplus equipment to a disability support provider shows the new resource flows extending beyond the original programme, building connected community infrastructure in Castlemaine.
Evidence (6 items)
- Castlemaine Youth Connect established community partnerships and resource flows through social media outreach for music equipment donations, resulting in $7,359 worth of professional audio equipment from Focusrite/Adams Audio and ongoing sponsorship agreement
- Castlemaine Youth Connect strengthened community relationships through equipment donation campaign, creating new partnerships and enabling resource sharing with local disability support provider for podcasting kit
- Castlemaine Youth Connect developed inclusive practices to support neurodivergent youth, creating welcoming space and tailored music education for 16-year-old with ADHD and their parent
- Castlemaine Youth Connect established community partnerships and resource flows through social media outreach for music equipment donations, resulting in $7,359 worth of high-end audio equipment from Focusrite/Adams Audio and ongoing sponsorship agreement
- Castlemaine Youth Connect strengthened community relationships through equipment donation campaign, creating new partnerships and community awareness of youth programs
- Castlemaine Youth Connect implemented resource sharing practice by redistributing excess equipment to local disability support provider for podcasting kit, demonstrating collaborative community values
Fresh, local food became more accessible and affordable in parts of Sunraysia previously considered food deserts
Shifts in: Policies and practices · Resource flows · Connections · Mental models
What changedNourish Sunraysia Food Hub began sourcing directly from local farmers and producers, enabling it to offer fresh, seasonal, culturally appropriate produce at competitive prices in areas previously considered food deserts. Beyond distribution, the hub ensured farmers received fair prices — improving their economic stability and incentivising sustainable farming — and ran workshops on nutrition, cooking and sustainable food practices that increased community awareness of locally grown produce. Community members were also involved in hub operations, building local ownership of the food system.
Why it's importantThis shift changed the conditions of food access in Sunraysia: residents in underserved areas gained a reliable, affordable pathway to fresh and culturally appropriate food that did not previously exist, while local farmers gained a fairer and more stable market. The combination of improved access, fair producer pricing and growing community food literacy creates conditions for a more resilient and equitable local food system. VicHealth contributed directly to this work.
Evidence (5 items)
- Nourish Sunraysia Food Hub implemented competitive pricing by sourcing directly from local farmers and producers, offering fresh produce at lower prices and encouraging people to buy local and fresh food
- Nourish Sunraysia Food Hub increased availability of fresh, seasonal locally-grown culturally considerate foods in areas previously considered food deserts, improving access to healthy food options
- Nourish Sunraysia Food Hub ensured farmers receive fair prices for their produce, improving their economic stability and incentivising sustainable farming practices
- Nourish Sunraysia Food Hub hosted workshops and educational programs on nutrition, cooking, and sustainable food practices, increasing community awareness and appreciation for locally-grown produce
- Nourish Sunraysia Food Hub involved community members in operations, fostering a sense of ownership and engagement with local food systems through volunteer opportunities
VicHealth began bringing lived experience community members into internal forums as paid contributors
Shifts in: Policies and practices · Power dynamics · Connections · Mental models
What changedVicHealth engaged lived experience community members as speakers at QBU (Question and Brief Update) sessions, following a structured process of identification, approach, confirmation and remuneration. This represents a shift in internal practice toward community-led ways of working, where community voices are formally included and compensated rather than consulted informally or not at all. VicHealth also built new and strengthened connections with community leaders through a consultation process for the Request to Commission on Racism and Health.
Why it's importantPaying and formally engaging lived experience speakers signals a change in how VicHealth values community knowledge internally — moving from tokenistic inclusion toward structured, remunerated participation. This matters because it begins to shift internal power dynamics and mental models about whose expertise counts in decision-making. However, the evidence also notes that Aboriginal staff members continue to experience barriers to self-determination and lack of respect for their perspectives inside VicHealth, and that a shared organisational definition of 'community-led' has not yet been established — indicating this shift is early-stage and partial.
Evidence (5 items)
- The First Nations Health Promotion Systems team is building VicHealth's internal capability, providing guidance and embedding cultural safety and equity into decision making
- VicHealth identified the need for a shared definition, rationale and rubric for what they mean by community led and informed, including understanding community expectations of this approach
- VicHealth engaged lived experience community members as QBU speakers to deepen relationships and connections, demonstrating strategic alignment with being community-led through identification, approach, confirmation, and remuneration of community speakers.
- Aboriginal staff members at VicHealth are experiencing barriers to self-determination in decision-making and lack of respect for their perspectives, lived experiences, and expertise.
- VicHealth built new and strengthened connections with community leaders regarding Racism and Health through consultation process for RTC (Request to Commission).
Local food producers in Surf Coast Shire gained new advocacy support and access to additional sales channels
Shifts in: Policies and practices · Connections
What changedThe Common Ground Project Food Hub expanded its role beyond food distribution to actively advocate for local producers — participating in parliamentary inquiries and connecting producers with sales channels beyond the hub itself. This shift, observed during August 2023 to July 2024, represents a move from distribution-only activity to also influencing the conditions producers operate within.
Why it's importantWhen a food hub takes on an advocacy function, producers gain a voice in policy processes they would not typically access alone, and new market pathways reduce their dependence on any single outlet. This broadens the economic resilience of local regenerative food producers in Surf Coast Shire and strengthens the case for their interests in formal policy settings such as parliamentary inquiries.
Evidence (3 items)
- Common Ground Project Food Hub increased support for producers through advocacy efforts, including participating in parliamentary inquiries and connecting producers with other sales channels
- Common Ground Project Food Hub increased affordability of local regenerative food by reducing prices for Low Cost Markets and pricing below organic/independent grocery stores
- Common Ground Project recruited Youth Team Members and consulted the community on what they would like to see for a Food Hub through online surveys and facilitated sessions, producing a report based on findings
Vaping rates amongst young people are dropping following federal reforms
Shifts in: Policies and practices · Mental models
What changedFederal vaping reforms implemented in 2024 produced measurable reductions in youth vaping rates: SAHMRI data shows rates among 15–29 year-olds fell by one-third in 2024 compared to 2023, and Gen Vape data shows declining rates among 14–17 year-olds with a growing share of 'never-vapers'. Alongside this, a Victorian PAEC Inquiry into vaping and tobacco — initiated by MPs using VicHealth's annual report as leverage — resulted in the Victorian Government supporting 8 of 27 recommendations that aligned with VicHealth's submission (1 in full, 5 in part, 2 in principle).
Why it's importantBehavioural change is now visible at population level, with fewer young people vaping and more never starting. The Victorian Government's response to the PAEC Inquiry signals growing institutional commitment to stronger vaping and tobacco controls at the state level. VicHealth contributed to this work through advocacy and submission to the PAEC Inquiry, with its annual report used directly as a lever to initiate the inquiry.
Evidence (3 items)
- Federal vaping reforms achieved significant reductions in youth vaping rates, with SAHMRI data showing 2024 vaping rates reduced by a third compared to 2023 (15-29 year-olds), and Gen Vape data showing declining rates among 14-17 year-olds with increasing 'never-vapers'.
- Victorian PAEC Inquiry into vaping and tobacco was initiated by MPs using VicHealth's annual report as leverage, with 8 of 27 recommendations aligning with VicHealth's submission and receiving government support in various forms.
- Victorian Government supported 8 of VicHealth's aligned recommendations from the PAEC Inquiry into tobacco and vaping controls - 1 in full, 5 in part, and 2 in principle.
Young people in Pakenham and Berwick gained direct experience of food growing — and a changed relationship with where food comes from
Shifts in: Connections · Mental models
What changedUbuntu Food Hub established partnerships with Beaconhills College (Berwick and Pakenham campuses) and Pakenham Secondary College, bringing approximately 141 students onto the farm for hands-on activities including harvesting and farm maintenance between May and August 2024. Students who had never encountered unfamiliar vegetables or engaged with farming reported increased knowledge about food origins and expressed a desire to return — a shift from disengagement to active interest.
Why it's importantWhen young people have no direct experience of food growing, their understanding of food systems remains abstract. These school–farm partnerships created a new pathway for students in outer south-east Melbourne to connect with food production in a practical, embodied way. The student feedback — curiosity about crops they had never seen, enthusiasm to return — suggests a shift in mental models about food and farming that classroom learning alone rarely produces. VicHealth contributed to this work through direct support of Ubuntu Food Hub.
Evidence (2 items)
- Ubuntu Food Hub established partnerships with schools including Beaconhills College and Pakenham Secondary College, engaging approximately 141 students in farm-based learning activities and food system education
- Ubuntu Food Hub demonstrated significant impact on youth engagement in food systems, with students showing increased knowledge about food origins and farming practices through school partnership programs
A national regulator rejected an industry code that would have allowed 800 more hours of alcohol advertising on television each year
Shifts in: Policies and practices · Power dynamics · Mental models
What changedIn April 2025, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) rejected Free TV Australia's revised Commercial TV Industry Code of Practice, which would have permitted an additional 800 hours of alcohol advertising on television annually. The existing, more restrictive code was maintained. Community, health and children's organisations — including FARE — successfully advocated for this outcome, and VicHealth contributed directly to this work.
Why it's importantThis is described as the first time in a long time that ACMA has pushed back on industry preferences, signalling a possible shift in the regulator's willingness to resist industry narratives on alcohol advertising. The decision protects existing restrictions on alcohol advertising exposure for the Australian public, including children and young people. It also demonstrates that coordinated public health advocacy can influence regulatory decisions against well-resourced industry lobbying.
Evidence (2 items)
- Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) rejected Free TV Australia's revised code of practice that would have allowed 800 more hours of alcohol ads on TV annually, maintaining current code
- Community, health and children's organisations successfully advocated for ACMA to reject the new Commercial TV Industry Code, representing the first time in a long time that ACMA has pushed back on industry preferences, particularly flagging softer alcohol advertising restrictions as problematic.
Australia's voluntary infant formula marketing agreement is being replaced with mandatory controls
Shifts in: Policies and practices · Mental models
What changedThe Federal Department of Health announced it will replace the Marketing In Australia for Infant Formula (MAIF) agreement — a voluntary industry code — with stronger mandatory controls to protect the health of mothers and babies. The ACCC found the MAIF agreement is no longer fit for purpose, and there is now formal recognition that the agreement had reflected industry's agenda rather than public health priorities. This shift moves infant formula marketing regulation from a voluntary to a mandatory framework at the federal level.
Why it's importantReplacing a voluntary industry agreement with mandatory controls closes a long-standing regulatory gap that allowed commercial actors to shape the terms of their own oversight. Mandatory controls are more likely to be enforced and harder for industry to circumvent, offering stronger protection for mothers and babies from misleading infant formula marketing. The shift also signals a broader change in how regulators and government view the role of industry self-regulation in this space — recognising that voluntary codes can embed industry interests at the expense of public health.
Evidence (2 items)
- The Marketing In Australia for Infant Formula (MAIF) agreement will be updated after ACCC noted it is no longer fit for purpose, with the Federal Department of Health replacing it with stronger mandatory controls to protect mothers and babies.
- The Marketing In Australia for Infant Formula (MAIF) agreement replacement represents a recognition of industry's agenda and a significant shift in mental models regarding the need for increased regulation of commercial actors in the infant formula space.
Groundwork laid for replacing VicHealth's ageing financial and payroll systems with integrated, automated platforms
Shifts in: Policies and practices
What changedVicHealth began implementing a new ERP system to replace the 15-year-old Sage 300 system, and a new payroll system that integrates with it. Both systems are designed to automate previously manual workflows, improve data accuracy, and connect with Salesforce as part of VicHealth's ICT strategy. As of the reporting period, both implementations are in progress and not yet complete.
Why it's importantOnce implemented, these systems are expected to reduce manual administrative burden, improve the accuracy and timeliness of financial and payroll data, and create more integrated internal operations. This lays the foundation for more efficient internal processes at VicHealth.
Evidence (2 items)
- VicHealth is implementing a new ERP system to replace the 15-year-old Sage 300 system, designed to automate key workflows, improve data accuracy, and integrate with Salesforce.
- VicHealth is implementing a new payroll system that integrates with the ERP system and automates previously manual tasks for timely and accurate payroll management.
A policy window opened for stronger regulation of supermarket pricing
Shifts in: Policies and practices · Mental models
What changedEvidence contributed through a VicHealth Research Fellowship with Christina Zorbas — including submissions to food policy inquiries and advocacy work — shifted the political narrative around food pricing, opening a policy window that led to parliamentary consideration of expanding the ACCC's power to regulate supermarket prices.
Why it's importantWhen research evidence shapes political narrative and opens policy windows, it creates conditions for structural change in how food prices are regulated — changes that could improve food affordability for people across Australia. VicHealth contributed to this shift through its Research Fellowship with Christina Zorbas.
Evidence (2 items)
- Research Fellowship with Christina Zorbas contributed evidence to various food policy submissions and inquiries, contributing to the political narrative and opening a policy window for change in food pricing policies, leading to parliamentary consideration of increasing ACCC's power to regulate supermarket prices.
- Research Fellowship with Christina Zorbas contributed to shifting mental models around food pricing policies through evidence contribution to policy submissions and advocacy work, creating political narrative change.
A food hub in Towong Shire connected local farmers, backyard growers and youth trainees into a shared supply chain that did not previously exist
Shifts in: Connections · Resource flows
What changedAcres and Acres Co-op, operating in Towong Shire in 2022–23, recruited youth trainees and established partnerships with local farmers, suppliers and backyard growers to sell surplus produce through its food hub. These activities created new supply chain relationships linking producers who had previously operated without a shared local outlet.
Why it's importantBy bringing together farmers, backyard growers and young people in a single supply chain, the hub created a local food distribution pathway that was not there before — increasing access to surplus produce, providing a market for small and informal producers, and giving youth trainees a practical role in the local food economy. VicHealth contributed to this work.
Evidence (1 item)
- Acres and Acres Co-op recruited youth trainees and established partnerships with local farmers, suppliers and backyard growers to sell surplus produce through the food hub, creating new supply chain relationships
A food project in Surf Coast Shire began connecting with local councils and youth organisations to reach young people
Shifts in: Connections
What changedThe Common Ground Project began collaborating with local councils and youth-focused organisations in Surf Coast Shire on youth programs. This represents an early-stage connection between a community food initiative and existing youth-sector structures that had not previously been linked.
Why it's importantConnecting a community food project with local councils and youth organisations creates pathways to reach young people through trusted institutions, potentially embedding food literacy and access into existing youth programs. These new relationships lay groundwork for more sustained, system-level change.
Evidence (1 item)
- Common Ground Project collaborated with the community including local councils and youth focused organisations on youth programs
A structured process now exists for managing CEO speaker requests, including culturally relevant information gathering
Shifts in: Policies and practices
What changedVicHealth created a CEO speaker request form that enables stakeholders to specify what they need from the CEO at speaking engagements, including which First Nations Country they are from and what is required on a panel. Previously, no such structured intake process existed.
Why it's importantThe form standardises how external requests are handled and ensures culturally relevant context — particularly around First Nations Country — is captured before engagements. This supports more informed and appropriate preparation for the CEO's public-facing role.
Evidence (1 item)
- CEO speaker request form created to enable stakeholders to provide what was desired from the CEO, including gathering information such as which First Nations country they are from and what is needed on a panel.
Community visit planning became a cross-organisational process, replacing siloed decision-making
Shifts in: Policies and practices · Connections
What changedVicHealth's planning for community visits shifted from being handled in silos to involving multiple parts of the organisation early in the process — including SMC, Policy and Government Relations, HPS, PBA, and PSI — to collectively determine which initiatives and VicHealth-funded programs should be visited.
Why it's importantBringing together different organisational levels and teams at the planning stage means community visits are better informed, more strategically aligned, and more likely to reflect the breadth of VicHealth's work. This cross-organisational approach reduces duplication and missed opportunities, and builds shared understanding across teams about what is happening in communities.
Evidence (1 item)
- Community visit planning shifted from working in silos to engaging varying levels of the organisation early (SMC, Policy and Gov Rels, HPS, PBA, PSI) to understand what initiatives and VicHealth funded programs should be visited.
Gambling came to be understood more widely as a public health issue requiring government regulation
Shifts in: Mental models
What changedA Research Fellowship with Hannah Pitt has provided regular media commentary on young people and gambling, contributing to a shift in how gambling is framed in public discourse — from a personal or consumer issue to a significant health issue that warrants government regulation.
Why it's importantWhen gambling is understood as a public health issue rather than a matter of individual choice, it becomes easier to justify and sustain regulatory intervention. Shifting this narrative — particularly in relation to young people — creates conditions for stronger policy action. VicHealth contributed to this work through the Research Fellowship.
Evidence (1 item)
- Research Fellowship with Hannah Pitt regularly provides media commentary on young people and gambling issues, supporting the narrative around gambling as a significant health issue requiring government regulation.
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