Tasmanian not-for-profit St Lukes has taken a major step forward in delivering better health outcomes for North-West Tasmanians, today entering a formal partnership with Devonport City Council to establish Tasmania’s first collaborative wellness hub.
The announcement was made at the turning of the first soil on the Devonport Oval Sports Project, attended by Premier Jeremy Rockliff, Federal Member for Braddon Anne Urquhart, and Devonport Mayor Alison Jarman, marking the beginning of a transformative milestone for Devonport and the broader region.
St Lukes CEO Paul Lupo said the event demonstrated what was possible when federal, state, and local governments came together with not-for-profit organisations to invest in infrastructure that brought people together and supported their health journeys.
“Today isn’t just about turning soil – it’s about turning a new page in how we think about community-led health and wellness in Tasmania,” Mr Lupo said.
“We know that health doesn’t start in hospitals. It starts in our homes, our parks, our schools, our community organisations, our clubs, and on the sidelines of sporting fields.
“That’s why St Lukes is proud to be partnering with Devonport City Council to establish a St Lukes wellness hub right here as part of this sporting precinct.”
Mr Lupo said the St Lukes wellness hub, to be located within the planned Devonport Oval Sports Precinct, would be a welcoming, inclusive space where all community members can access free health and wellbeing activities that promoted movement, nutrition and social connection.
“This will be the first collaborative wellness hub of its kind in Tasmania, and it is a major step forward in our vision to make Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet,” Mr Lupo said.
“We will build on our successful St Lukes wellness hubs in Hobart and Launceston, to extend our reach to Devonport and surrounding communities.”
Mr Lupo said the location of the wellness hub presented a unique opportunity to reach those in the community who might otherwise not actively engage in their own health and wellbeing.
“Whether they be family members on the sidelines of the sports oval, or young people who aren’t part of a sporting team, the hub will help us identify and close those gaps,” he said.
“The wellness hub will also support Council’s Living Well Devonport Health and Wellbeing Strategy, enhancing existing programs with additional offerings and community outreach.”
Mr Lupo said importantly, the Devonport wellness hub would be co-designed with the community, with locals invited to help curate the activities.
“Preview pop-up events will be held in the lead-up to opening, ensuring the space reflects the needs and aspirations of the people who live in the region,” he said.
“We can’t wait to have a permanent presence in Devonport, and we’re calling on the whole community to get involved, share your voice, and help us shape something truly transformative.”
Devonport Mayor Alison Jarman welcomed the partnership, saying it represented a multi-generation investment in the health and wellbeing of the city and the broader region.
“We have a timely and unique opportunity to integrate a dedicated wellness hub into the facility that acts as an entry point to capture a broader audience who might not directly participate in the sporting complex,” Mayor Jarman said.
“St Lukes’ vision for Tasmania to be the healthiest island on the planet strongly aligns with Council’s aspiration for all our community members to be eating, moving, being, learning, and connecting with a sense of belonging and pride in the place we call home.”