Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health
Network
The Aboriginal Knockout Health Challenge (AKHC), sponsored by the Ministry
of Health and NSW Rugby League, is a primary chronic disease prevention program
targeting obesity and physical activity in NSW Aboriginal communities. Justice
Health and Forensic Mental Health Network and Corrective Services NSW formed a
partnership to adapt and pilot the AKHC at Wellington Correctional Centre
(September – November 2016).
Strategies included the provision of information for staff and inmates, a
healthy lifestyles education program and an intensive 10 week challenge for a
targeted number of inmates. 20 male and 42 female inmates participated in the
challenge, achieving a total weight loss of 84.93kg.
Challenge ambassadors provided advice to the inmates on exercise, fitness
and nutrition. Female inmates established a vegetable garden, and the Challenge
concluded with a presentation and NRL Round-Robin gala day.