A NEW health warrior has arrived in Horsham in the form of a life-size blue goanna.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The lizard is part of Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative’s health promotion work.
The co-operative’s health and wellbeing programs manager Dean O'Loughlin said the Goolum Goanna was a sidekick for Deadly Dan the smoke-free man, a character created earlier this year.
Deadly Dan was part of a Goolum Goolum and Victorian Aboriginal Health Service initiative to educate communities and children about the harmful effects of smoking, and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
Mr O’Loughlin said an online comic book featuring Deadly Dan was part of the the initiative.
“At the end of the comic, Deadly Dan says he needs a friend to look after the Wimmera and Grampians area and teach Indigenous kids about the harms of smoking, sugary drinks and unhealthy lifestyles,” he said.
“That’s where the goanna came in.
“We’re hoping it can not only be at our community inclusion activities, such as Wimmera River Challenge and Ready for Learning Day, but even bigger Horsham and Wimmera-wide events such as Kannamaroo.
“We are hoping it will help us get Goolum Goolum’s message out to the wider community as well.”
The Goolum Goanna debuted at Horsham Plaza on Wednesday.
