On Thursday the Warrnambool Civic Green will host local Close the Gap activities from 11am to 2pm.

The program includes health checks, music, games, dancing, painting and food in what will be a strong line-up of entertainment to promote the message of good health.

South West Healthcare will be the event driver, supported by the Gunditjmara Aboriginal Co-operative, Kirrae Health Service, the Indigenous Family Violence Regional Action Group, Brophy Family & Youth Services, Deakin University, Headspace Warrnambool, OzChild, Playgroup Victoria, Victoria Police, Warrnambool City Council and Warrnambool College. 

Close the Gap is a national action plan to bridge the difference between indigenous and non-indigenous health levels through spreading community information.

South West Healthcare family support worker Adeline McDonald said it was the third year a Close the Gap day had  been held in Warrnambool.

She said the event was a great opportunity to live up to what Close the Gap was all about.

“It is great to have the support of all these major services. It really does help add a lot of weight to what the day is trying to achieve,” Ms McDonald said.

“The battle to improve indigenous health continues and everything we can do to positively influence that, such as the Close the Gap day, is a good thing.”

The headline music act at the Close the Gap day in Warrnambool will be Lee “Sonnyboy” Morgan, a Framlingham-born performer who has gone on to forge both a live and recording a career at a national level.

Morgan’s family links to the south-west run deep, given he is the grandson of the legendary Banjo Clarke.

The Close the Gap day will also include free children’s entertainment, with a barbecue lunch available.