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Truwala Connections is a community‑driven initiative focused on boosting health, wellbeing and social connection across the West Coast.
The project is led by an independent Advisory Committee made up of residents, service providers and health organisations, ensuring decisions are shaped by community voices and local experience.
At its core, Truwala is about helping local people bring good ideas to life, enabling the community to test ideas, build partnerships and act on priorities identified in the West Coast Health & Wellbeing Strategy 2025–2030.
The focus is on growing and sustaining initiatives that build stronger, healthier and more resilient communities and through grants of up to $2000 ideas can be trialled, events can be offered and momentum built for larger initiatives.
The Advisory Committee has also identified three long‑term priorities: transport, food literacy and connectedness. Larger projects in these areas will be shaped through community input, local data and collaborative planning.
Community groups, clubs, services and individuals are encouraged to apply for funding. Applications are open to anyone with an idea that supports health, wellbeing or connection – from events and programs to pilot projects, equipment or training.
Truwala Advisory Committee
An advisory committee guides and oversees the Truwala Connections (Healthy Tasmania) and A2HS projects, supporting and strengthening collaborative partnerships whilst offering unbiased perspectives and advocating for the community.
Members of the Advisory Committee are a conduit for communication about these projects within their own networks and communities. The Advisory Committee is committed to actively involving the community to ensure local needs and priorities inform and shape funded activities.
Membership of the Advisory Committee is fluid and currently consists of representatives from the following stakeholder groups:
- Anglicare & West Coast Service Providers
- Ochre Health
- Department of Health
- Rural Health Tasmania
- West Coast Council
- Collaboration for Impact
- West Coast Wilderness Railway
- Suicide Prevention Network
- Community Members
- A2HS
If you, or your organisation would like to know more about joining the Advisory Committee, please contact Community Services on the details at the bottom of this page.
Meetings
Interested residents are welcome to attend monthly Truwala Connections meeting. The meetings are typically held across different towns throughout the region, with attendance online where possible.
As the meeting schedule is set, updates will be provided on this page.
Truwala grant recipients
The following have received funding through Truwala Connections.
- Queenstown RSL: Men’s Health Matters Day ($1500)
- DMN EnviroRev2/Ben Mooney – Free Squash Clinics in Zeehan, Rosebery & Tullah
- Zeehan Book Chat Club
- Actively Healthy (Senior Fitness Program)
- Zeehan Amateur Art Group ($2000)
- Strahan CWA – Crafts
- Zeehan Men’s Shed: Zeehan Community Garden ($2000)
- Strahan Yoga & Fitness: Mobility Flow Yoga ($720)
- Zeehan Neighbourhood Centre: West Coast Driving Lessons Program ($1850)
- Tullah Progress Association: Christmas lunch ($700)
Please see the gallery at the bottom of this page for flyers & more information. If you would like more information on any of the below initiatives, please contact Community Services, or the funding recipient.
Truwala supported initiatives
Beyond direct grants, Truwala supports regional initiatives that meet Truwala objectives.
- Vulnerable people emergency list
- Domestic violence awareness program – Lifeline
- Regional Tech Training – Peter Buzza
- The Right Place
- Directory – Asset mapping consolidation
- West Coast Health & Wellbeing Expo
- Improved transport services
How to Apply
Truwala Connections welcomes ideas big or small that help the West Coast live well, move well, eat well, learn well and stay connected.
If you have an idea, please reach out to a member of the Advisory Committee and start a conversation. This can help refine your idea, confirm its alignment with Truwala objectives and help in completing your application.
Application forms can be downloaded here or can be requested from the Community Services team.
FAQ
West Coast Council supports the initiative by providing administrative support - managing the funding agreement and assisting with paperwork through its Community Services team - while the Advisory Committee leads planning, priorities and decision‑making.
Truwala is funded through a $300,000 Healthy Tasmania grant over three years, ending in July 2027.
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