The NSW Council for Pacific Communities and Anoulack Chanthivong MP will today launch the PHEAST - Pacific Healthier Eating Active Stronger Together. The project is aimed at empowering members of the Pacific community to improve their long-term health through sharing experiences, good nutrition and exercise and inspiring others to lead a healthier life.

Anoulack Chanthivong MP, Member for Macquarie Fields, said south west Sydney is home to many Pacific families who have made a wonderful contribution to our diverse community.

“PHEAST is just another example of our community coming together and working towards long-term solutions to improve public health,” Mr Chanthivong said.

“Our local Pacific community faces some of the greatest health challenges in NSW with higher than State averages in mortality for avoidable health conditions, type II diabetes and coronary heart disease.

“PHEAST’s health ambassadors will work with the wider Pacific community, our local health providers and community organisations to recruit others to join the journey in making a positive change to their health. It is hoped that PHEAST will continue to grow and that we will see more people take on the responsibility in becoming health ambassadors.

“I’m proud to partner with the NSW Council for Pacific Communities, the South West Multicultural and Community Centre and a host of other local providers to deliver PHEAST. This project is a fabulous community health initiative that empowers our community and will help improve public health outcomes,” Mr Chanthivong said.

PHEAST will launch at the Minto Community Centre, 4 Surrey Street, Minto, on Friday 31 March from 12 noon to 2pm.