AusLeisure

The work of two health coalitions, one focused on promoting a safer community drinking culture and the other dedicated to reducing obesity in Australia, were recognised at the annual Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth) awards last month.

The Alcohol Policy Coalition was joint winner of the 2009 VicHealth Award for Advocacy for its stand against a Jim Beam advertisement known as 'The Stalker'. The Coalition complained to the Advertising Standards Bureau that the advertisement associated alcohol with dangerous behaviour, with the complaint upheld and the ad taken off air.

The Obesity Policy Coalition shared the Advocacy Award for its submission to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission where, together with the Australian Dental association and the Parents Jury, it argued that a 'Myth Busting' advertisement by Coca-Cola was in breach of the Trade Practices Act. The Commission said it considered the advertising was potentially misleading and deceptive and asked Coca-Cola to give court-enforceable undertakings to publish corrective advertising in newspapers across the country.

VicHealth Chief Executive, Todd Harper explained "with these awards we recognise outstanding achievements and innovative contributions being undertaken by VicHealthâs partners to promote good health around the State.

"The work of the Alcohol and Obesity Policy Coalitions demonstrates that by developing well-researched and compelling arguments, small but determined groups can partner together and successfully hallenge the advertising and marketing practices of big businesses.

"These are text book cases of David triumphing over Goliath and they represent victories for health over profits."

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.