About Us

Health Promotion Connections (HPC), formally known as Healthier Bowen Shire Partnership (HBSP) Inc, is a community based health promotion organisation originating from a two year Health Promotion Queensland (Queensland Health) funded project. The organisation became formally incorporated in August 2002 and has since been administered by a local management committee.

Aims and Objectives

HPC aims to improve the health and well-being of residents within the Whitsunday and Burdekin region.

The organisation's goal is to prevent chronic diseases such as Type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers by assisting the local community to undertake projects and participate in programs that promote positive healthy lifestyles.

To achieve this goal HPC Inc will:

• Develop partnerships for health action
• Guide the implementation of local projects to improve the wellbeing of residents
• Support the implementation of Queensland Health lifestyle programs and other chronic disease related initiatives
• Utilise strategies to identify and address health issues
• Build capacity to support sustainable projects

Partnerships

HPC works within a partnerships framework to achieve its aims and objectives through shared benefit, values, vision and support.  We work closely with local government, Queensland Health, other local health networks, a wide variety of local community organisations, businesses, and other government and non-government agencies. 

Strategic Plan

HPC is guided by a 5-year strategic plan which can be accessed here.

HPC Membership

Health Promotion Connections continues to seek new and ongoing financial and volunteer members to be part of our vibrant and innovative organisation.

By being part of HPC you will receive monthly newsletters and health information, opportunities to meet other like minded people helping build a healthy vibrant community, and become involved in local community projects improving health and well-being.

Click here to download a membership form.

HPC Volunteers

The work at HPC could not be done without the tireless work of our fabulous volunteers. Volunteering at HPC enables community members who are interested in healthy lifestyles to be involved in a variety of community programs and events. The work is extremely varied and is tailored to suit each volunteer's interests, strengths and abilities. For insurance purposes all volunteers have to be members of HPC and receive a HPC shirt and hat. Please email us on admin@hpcinc.com.au or phone 07 4786 5941 if you would like further information about being a volunteer.

HPC Management Committee

HPC is administered by a local management committee who volunteer their valuable time to guide the organisation towards its goal. The 2011-12 management committee includes:

• President - Pauline Maude
• Vice-President - Mark Gaudry
• Treasurer - Oliver Pring
• Secretary - Angie Crowther
• Community Representative - Maria Conroy
• Community Representative - Sue Collier
• Community Representative - Megan Mattingly

HPC Staff

HPC currently employs the following positions:

• Coordinator - Teniele Oates
  HPC Coordinator is responsible for the day-to-day coordination of the organisation and the promotion and development of the HPC Corporate Health and Wellbeing Programs.
• Program Coordinator (Healthy Lifestyles) – Kathy Hansen
  The Program Coordinator is responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating healthy lifestyle programs within the Bowen, Collinsville and Burdekin regions.
• Community Nutritionist – Grace Campbell
  The community nutritionist is involved in actvities and projects related to food and health that are based on the local needs of the community, as well as state and national health priorities. This position services the Bowen, Collinsville and Burdekin regions
• Office Coordinator - Margaret Thicker
  The Office Coordinator administers the day to day running of the organisation of the daily basis.