The Minister was joined by the Acting CEO of Diabetes Australia, Professor Greg Johnson, to officially launch National Diabetes Week. Carlton and the Western Bulldogs are both supporting this important week and helping to promote the health message and alert people to the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Kernahan said the Club’s involvement was another important part of Carlton’s work with the community.
“Working with National Diabetes Australia is part of the Carlton Football Club community program that aims to improve the lives of many people in all walks of life. Other similar support is provided through the Richard Pratt Cup, in support of prostate cancer and the Peter Mac Cup which supports the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre,” Kernahan said.
“We also have ongoing support of the Royal Children’s Hospital and Challenge - supporting kids with cancer.
“Importantly the new facilities at Visy Park have enabled Carlton to extend this community support much further in 2010. This year over 6,000 students will visit Visy Park and use the facilities as part of our two school programs, the Visy Enviromaniacs Live at Carlton and the Carlton Multicultural Program.
Kernahan confirmed the Club was in discussions for more community groups to benefit from the facilities now available at Visy Park.
“We are holding discussions with the Royal Melbourne Hospital and the City of Melbourne to implement a program for the use of the therapy rehabilitation pool at Visy Park that will suit the needs of specific groups.
Kernahan said he was extremely disappointed with a recent critical column regarding community use of Visy Park.
“The community access to Visy Park is on a group managed basis. The Carlton Football Club is part of a national competition and our objective is to work with the community and improve the lives of as many people in all walks of life, to work with the community at large.”
