Introduction

The East Gippsland Community Wellbeing Plan provides a framework in which community wellbeing can be considered within Council and more broadly in the community. The framework provides a mechanism for considering the impact that Council decisions and activities have on the community.

The East Gippsland Community Wellbeing Plan is about supporting activities that improve our community. It recognises that Council activities play a role in supporting community wellbeing and identifies the role of Council to provide leadership and facilitate, plan and advocate in partnership to promote activities that make our communities a great place to be.

Community Wellbeing is defined as…

"Wellbeing refers to the condition or state of being well, contented and satisfied with

life. Wellbeing has several components, including physical, mental, social and spiritual. Wellbeing can be used in a collective sense to describe how well a society satisfies people's want and needs."

Measuring Progress: Is Life Getting Better? (1998)

What does the Community Wellbeing Plan mean for Council?

The East Gippsland Community Wellbeing Plan is about supporting initiatives that improve our

community. It recognises that Council activities play a role in supporting community wellbeing

and identifies the role of Council to work with the community to determine future directions

and priorities to meet community needs (plan); take a lead on key community issues

(provide leadership); promote partnership approaches to address key issues (facilitate); and

talk to State and Federal Government, organisations and groups to influence activities in order

to meet the needs of the community (advocate).

What the Community Wellbeing Plan doesn’t mean for council?

Although Council has a clear role in supporting and working towards community wellbeing, this

does not mean that Council will necessarily be responsible for all wellbeing issues, nor does it

mean that Council will deliver a range of health services.