VicHealth

VicHealth Focused on promoting good health. VicHealth acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government Welcome to VicHealth’s page.

We’re the world’s first health promotion agency, and we’re here to help improve the health and wellbeing of all Victorians. When using this page, you agree to comply with the Social Media Community Guidelines. They’re available to read here: https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/about-us/social-media-community-guidelines

This page is managed and moderated by the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth). We’re online during business hours (9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday). We’ll do our best to respond to all queries within 3 business days; however, we may take longer during busy periods. We appreciate your patience. All health promotion advice shared on our platforms is general in nature. We are unable to offer specific or personalised advice in any health situation. Questions relating to the Victorian Government, the Department of Health, or other government bodies may be referred to the relevant Department for a response. As an independent statutory authority, VicHealth remains politically neutral and does not participate in political discussions.

“Hot enough to fry an egg on the pavement” is a line most of us know well - a joke we roll out every summer as the heat ...
28/01/2026

“Hot enough to fry an egg on the pavement” is a line most of us know well - a joke we roll out every summer as the heat rises.

But beneath the humour lies a serious truth: Extreme heat isn’t just a weather event – it physically reshapes our communities.

Daily routines change as people avoid the hottest parts of the day, spaces not designed for extreme heat turn from places of refuge into sources of risk.

Research by VicHealth fellow Dr Rongbin Xu shows that extreme heat hits some communities harder than others - particularly older people, those with health conditions, and people working outdoors.

So as the hot weather continues for parts of Victoria, how can we stay safe?
💧 Drink water regularly
🌳 Spend time in cool, shaded or air-conditioned spaces
🏃 Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat
🤍 Check in on friends, family and neighbours who may need extra support

Small actions can make a big difference - for you and for the people around you.

For more tips on staying cool, follow Victorian Council of Social Service, Victorian Department of Health and Monash Health.

We all know that it’s important to drink water on hot days like today. But what happens if you don’t? That’s when dehydr...
27/01/2026

We all know that it’s important to drink water on hot days like today.

But what happens if you don’t?

That’s when dehydration can strike – and it can be life-threatening, particularly for our littlest and oldest Victorians.

You can help avoid dehydration by drinking small amounts of water frequently, and avoiding things that dehydrate you further like caffeine and alcohol.

If you’re worried about yourself or a loved one, you can call Nurse-on-Call for free advice from qualified nurses at any time 1300 60 60 24, visiting a Priority Primary Care Clinic or calling 000.

Today can be a hard day for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  As Victoria’s health promotion agency, we kno...
25/01/2026

Today can be a hard day for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

As Victoria’s health promotion agency, we know how important it is to protect your mental health and wellbeing.

If you need to disconnect from the internet, avoid the news or even delete your social media apps today to support your mental health – we encourage you to do so.

If you find yourself needing to speak to someone, you can call:

13 Yarn: 13 92 76

Yarn SafeNstrong: 1800 959 563

Headspace, Yarn safe: 03) 9027 0100

Heading out on a coffee run? You can still cop some serious UV damage. So remember to slip, slop, slap, seek and slide ☕...
22/01/2026

Heading out on a coffee run? You can still cop some serious UV damage.

So remember to slip, slop, slap, seek and slide ☕️👏

Racism has no place in community sport. But this week’s alarming events at a local footy club in Box Hill   expose the s...
21/01/2026

Racism has no place in community sport.

But this week’s alarming events at a local footy club in Box Hill expose the serious harm caused by racism and the importance of calling it out.

Being involved in community sport has so many benefits for our mental and physical health – but when racism exists, people don’t feel safe to participate.

Our message is simple: when racism happens, act.

Research we’ve supported with , , , .for.multicultural.youth Sport and shows more than half of people involved in community sport have witnessed or experienced racism - yet nearly two thirds didn’t report it.

Whether you’re playing, coaching, officiating or cheering from the sidelines, we all have a role to play.

Call it out.
Support those affected.
Commit to genuine change.

If you need support, the offers a free, online course on responding to racism in community sport. Learn more https://www.ausport.gov.au/integrity_in_sport/inclusive-sport/anti-racism/anti-racism-dealing-with-the-moment

Real change starts with listening.  That’s why VicHealth backed City of Greater Geelong to work alongside young people a...
20/01/2026

Real change starts with listening.

That’s why VicHealth backed City of Greater Geelong to work alongside young people and the community to reduce the harms of va**ng.

By listening to local students and young leaders, the Youth V**e Prevention Project created posters, videos and social media posts informed by young people, for young people — and now shared across schools, libraries and community spaces.

Because when we act early and meet young people where they are, we help create healthier futures before harm takes hold. 💚

Learn more here: https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/youth/article/item/8de066d449e80e8.aspx

Turns out, kids aren’t just hungry for food ... they’re also hungry to help!  To better understand their appetite for ge...
19/01/2026

Turns out, kids aren’t just hungry for food ... they’re also hungry to help!

To better understand their appetite for getting involved in the kitchen, we surveyed 500 families with young kids.

The result?

🥣9 in 10 kids want to be more involved with cooking at home
👪 But only 7 in 10 parents thought their kids would want to

We also discovered that kids care about the planet and want to help with food scraps by composting!

Research like this is vital for helping us shape programs that meet Victorian families where they are, and set kids up for healthy, happy lives.

These holidays, here are some tips for getting kids involved in the kitchen 🥬🍅🥕

Need to get out of the house? Head to Boronia Library Your Library this week to check out our Secret World of Food experience.

Details here: https://events.yourlibrary.vic.gov.au/event?id=76952

Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation Playgroup Victoria YMCA Victoria Farm My School The Community Grocer Museums Victoria Costa Georgiadis Official

POV: You’ve been supporting Victorians to enjoy fresh, nutritious food for almost 40 years! In the 90s, we championed 2 ...
16/01/2026

POV: You’ve been supporting Victorians to enjoy fresh, nutritious food for almost 40 years!

In the 90s, we championed 2 fruit ’n 5 veg, today we’re about changing food policies and environments, so everyone can enjoy tasty, healthy food.

This evolution has looked like...

🍊Teaching kids across 2010-20's where food comes from

🥑 Advocating for mandatory Health Star Rating labels from 2010s to today

🍎 Guiding companies in the 2010s to reduce salt levels

🍓 Partnering with local food enterprises in 2020s to grow, share and celebrate food that reflects culture and community

🍋Supporting local suppliers and markets in 2020s to make food more affordable, accessible and culturally appropriate.

Because when nutritious, fresh, culturally appropriate food is easy to access and affordable in the places we live, learn and play, it’s easier for Victorians to eat well and thrive.

14/01/2026

Health and wellbeing grow when people feel connected, confident and included 💚

That’s why VicHealth supports community-led programs that bring people together through food, skills and shared experience.

That’s exactly what this 6-week food systems course delivered by Whittlesea Community
Community Connections set out to do. With support from VicHealth, young people in the Adult Migrant Education Course at Melbourne Polytechnic built skills, made connections and grew their confidence — all through food.

From cooking and gardening to barista skills and learning about food systems, students explored new pathways and tried something new every week.

And to finish? A Masterchef-style cook-off 🍳🧑‍
Fresh produce, 30 minutes, and plenty of creativity - celebrating culture, teamwork and pride on the plate.

A joyful, hands-on program growing the next generation of foodies and creating healthier futures, together.

School holidays don’t have to mean big spend or big stress 💚 From free local council activities to getting outside, cook...
13/01/2026

School holidays don’t have to mean big spend or big stress 💚

From free local council activities to getting outside, cooking together and fun days out, we’ve pulled together six easy, budget-friendly ideas to keep the whole family active, connected and feeling good these holidays.

Whether it’s riding bikes, exploring a local park or making learning fun with a day out, there’s something for every family.

👉 Read the full list on our website: https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/our-health/be-healthy-blog/six-school-holiday-activities-for-the-whole-family

12/01/2026

How does ni****ne affect our brains? 🧠

When you have ni****ne from vapes, ci******es or ni****ne pouches, our brain gets a hit of dopamine – the “feel-good” chemical.

But that hit doesn’t last. Enter cravings, poor focus and a “vicious cycle” of dependence.

🎥 Watch Dr Lexi, pediatrician and VicHealth Child Health Advisor, explain the cycle of ni****ne.

👉 For more info and tips to help you or your teen quit, visit https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/our-health/be-healthy-blog/how-does-ni****ne-affect-brain-development

Heat does more than make you sweat – it can also rewrite our bodies and even speed up aging.  We know that extreme weath...
09/01/2026

Heat does more than make you sweat – it can also rewrite our bodies and even speed up aging.

We know that extreme weather can cause heatstroke and exhaustion. But did you know that if your body struggles to cool down, it can also strain your heart, kidneys, immune system and push our biological clock forward?

Research by one of our fellows, Dr Rongbin Xu, shows that people most affected by heatwaves are often older, have pre-existing health conditions, or work outdoors. For these groups, a heatwave isn’t just a few scorching days, it’s also a risk to long-term health.

So what can you do to stay safe in the heat and help others?
✅ Drink plenty of water
✅ Stay in shaded or air-conditioned spaces
✅ Check in on vulnerable family, friends and neighbours
✅ Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat

Small steps can help you and those around you stay safe during extreme heat.

Read more about this research here: https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/our-health/be-healthy-blog/why-extreme-heat-is-more-than-just-a-hot-day and for more tips follow Victorian Council of Social Service

Address

355 Spencer Street
Carlton, VIC
3008

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

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