Development of the collaboration

This collaboration between the North Coast Area Health Service (AHS), Bellingen Shire Council and the Heart Foundation developed after representatives from these organisations attended a 2008 healthy planning workshop run by the Premier's Council for Active Living (PCAL) in Coffs Harbour.

Facilitated by the Heart Foundation, which also engaged a planning consultant to assist with the process, the organisations decided to continue their relationship and work together to explore how the healthy planning ideas discussed at the workshop could be incorporated into Councils various plans and policies for the local area. During the year following the workshop, participants met on several occasions, and communicated regularly by phone and email to progress their ideas.