Residents will soon be better supported to live and age well, with the announcement that the Healthy Towns program is launching in the Murwillumbah community.
Local community leaders will gather in Murwillumbah on Tuesday 21 July to celebrate the program – a Healthy North Coast commissioned initiative – funded by the Australian Government through the Primary Health Network program, delivered in partnership with Tweed Shire Council, Murwillumbah Family Doctors, general practices, community organisations, local businesses and other local health services.
This joint initiative focuses on improving the health, wellbeing and social connection of the Murwillumbah community over time. It’s about strengthening community networks and connections – so vital in reducing avoidable chronic conditions that impact wellbeing – and reducing future pressure on the health system.
A core component of Healthy Towns is an investment in ‘social prescribing’ aimed at reducing social isolation and better connecting older locals with non-medical supports like social groups, arts and culture, physical activities and volunteering opportunities.
There is growing evidence that proves reducing loneliness and increasing community participation plays a critical role in addressing many of our region’s most pressing health challenges. Studies show that the impacts of social isolation on physical health are comparable to the impacts of smoking, obesity and lack of exercise.
Murwillumbah was chosen as one of two North Coast pilot sites for Healthy Towns due to:
- Its size. A population of nearly 10,000 creates an opportunity to impact significant numbers of people, whilst still small enough to achieve coverage in two years
- It is an area forecast to have a higher-than-average growth in ageing population (Murwillumbah’s population aged 65 and over is 25%, compared to the NSW average of 16%)
- Its higher prevalence of chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease (5%), diabetes (6%), stroke (2%) and dementia (1%)
- Clear evidence of community need, including social isolation and limited access to supports and activities
- Support from Tweed Shire Council.
Healthy Towns builds on the success of previous investments into social prescribing on the North Coast, including Healthy Me, Healthy Community and the first iteration of Healthy Towns in six locations in 2018.
With partnerships confirmed, in the coming months Healthy North Coast will be working with older people and stakeholders across Murwillumbah to design a healthy ageing plan for the town. Communities, organisations and services will be brought together to determine what exists, what is needed and to build a roadmap to make Murwillumbah a Healthy Town.
Healthy Towns is a $977,000 investment in the Murwillumbah community which is being funded by Healthy North Coast through the North Coast PHN program.
Healthy Towns was also launched in Wauchope in June 2026.
Key components of Healthy Towns
- Developing a Town Plan that meets the needs of community through co-design and consultation
- Establishment of a community-wide working party to steer and drive the Action Plan and identify new opportunities for Murwillumbah
- A dedicated link worker to help those who would benefit from social prescription as part of their health and wellbeing. Based at Murwillumbah Family Doctors, but out and about in the community and open to patients and non-patients alike
- A Community Development Officer employed by Tweed Shire Council, dedicated to building community connections, activities and volunteering opportunities in Murwillumbah, matched to community needs.
- A formal evaluation of the impact of the Healthy Towns program, providing recommendations for sustaining and scaling the Healthy Towns model in Murwillumbah and beyond.
Quotes
Justine Elliot MP, Member for Richmond:
“Healthy Towns is a great initiative to help improve people’s health and wellbeing by supporting stronger connection while reducing social isolation.
“As your local MP, I’m proud to be delivering $977,000 in federal funding from the Albanese Labor Government for Healthy North Coast to provide this program in Murwillumbah.”
Healthy North Coast CEO Monika Wheeler:
“Healthy Towns is about helping people stay connected, active and well as they age, and we’re excited bring the program to Murwillumbah.
“We know many older people in Murwillumbah experience social isolation and face challenges accessing local activities and support. By working alongside Tweed Shire Council, local organisations, Aboriginal community partners and residents, we can build on the town’s strengths and create more opportunities for people to stay healthy, connected and independent.”
Chris Cherry, Tweed Shire Mayor:
“Tweed Shire Council is pleased to partner with Healthy North Coast and local health and community organisations to bring Healthy Towns to Murwillumbah. This program recognises the importance of social connection, active ageing and community-led solutions in helping residents live well.
“Murwillumbah has a strong community spirit, and Healthy Towns will build on that strength by creating more opportunities for older residents to connect, participate and access the supports they need close to home.”
Kayleigh Thompson, Practice Manager Murwillumbah Family Doctors
“As a general practice, we see every day how loneliness and social isolation affect our patients’ health – not just their mental wellbeing, but their physical health too. Having a dedicated link worker to connect our patients with community supports means we can look beyond the consult room and address other areas driving poor health outcomes.
“Healthy Towns gives our community’s GP clinics another avenue to support patients holistically. We’re looking forward to working alongside Tweed Shire Council and the wider Murwillumbah community to help our patients stay well, connected and independent as they age.”
