Latrobe Health Assembly

Ashlea King

Project Officer

What is your connection to the Latrobe Valley? Do you live, work or play here?

I grew up in a small town on the border of the Latrobe Valley and Baw Baw and have lived there my entire life. I have always worked in the Latrobe Valley, and I have had the privilege of working across a range of partner organisations and projects dedicated to preventing ill health and improving community health and wellbeing in Latrobe.

What inspires you to work with the Latrobe Health Assembly?

I’m inspired by the Latrobe Health Assembly’s genuine commitment to centre the voices, experiences, and strengths of the Latrobe community to guide and shape local health initiatives. Our work begins with listening and deeply understanding the unique needs of the people in our community. With a background in health promotion, health communications, and preventative health, I’m passionate about improving health outcomes and supporting those facing the greatest barriers to live healthier, more connected lives. I’m grateful to work for an organisation that truly values lived experience and embraces new ways of working to create meaningful change with community, for community. I also feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside and learn from some of the most amazing, smart and knowledgeable people in our community.

What brings you joy outside of work hours?

My children and family are my greatest source of joy. I am a working mum, with two small children. My happiest days are the ones spent at home with them, playing, creating and exploring outdoors. I love experiencing the world through their little eyes and watching them grow and learn and seeing their imagination come to life. I also find a lot of joy in building a connection to and understanding of my family’s Fijian culture. Nurturing my children’s connection to their Fijian culture, especially as they grow up bilingual, feels like a meaningful way to honour their culture and heritage. Outside of my children and family I also find much joy in spending time connecting with my friends, travelling when I get the opportunity and discovering new delicious local places to eat.

Where is your favourite place to visit in the Latrobe Valley?

At this current stage of life, any park, playground and bike or walking track is a hit in our house. Any chance to get outside for some fresh air and connect with nature is great for our wellbeing. One in particular place we love visiting for a play and picnic is the Moe Botanical Gardens. We also like to visit the Moe Library for rhyme time, and all the other great free programs they have to offer young kids.

What gives you hope for the future of health and wellbeing in Latrobe Valley?

What gives me hope is knowing that the choices we make today can shape a healthier future for our children. As a parent of a young family, I want to believe that the community that will they grow up in will offer better health outcomes and support to meet the diverse health needs, and a community that prioritises wellbeing. Prevention is a long game, we might not see shifts straight away, but it’s where the biggest impact lies. By focusing on changing the system now, by shifting from reacting to illness to preventing it, we give today’s children the chance to live healthier, fuller lives. Having the opportunity to work in a community-led model and seeing more conversations, initiatives, and community voices pushing for this kind of change makes me optimistic about the future.