Kempsey Shire covers an area of 335,000 hectares, with a population of 29, 361 (as of June 2013). 11.1% of this population is of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island descent. This last figure is of particular importance given the high rate of diabetes in the community. During public and school holiday periods, our population increases considerably, particularly along our popular coastal towns, where we have 5 large tourist parks.
Project Evaluation Report
This project was aimed at both increasing the quality, capacity & number of disposal bins in the Kempsey shire and improving the community's knowledge of their location and of safe sharps disposal by producing safe sharps disposal brochures.
This project has provided the opportunity for the development of a valuable partnership between health and council staff which otherwise may not have occurred. The broad community support for the project has also been rewarding.
The promotional materials and 5 x 240L metal sharps bins were purchased by the council via funding provided by the Community Sharps Management Program. Bins were installed by the Council and brochures distributed by our key partners, Mid North Coast Local Health District Harm Reduction staff, to all medical and pathology practices, pharmacies, tourist parks and information, Aboriginal Medical Service, diabetes and other health services. Council provided education to their workforce in bin maintenance procedures.
We have been surprised that the sharps bin placed at the Waste Management Facility was filled within a fortnight, and we have received feedback that placement of the bin in particular is much appreciated by the community. We will continue to monitor weight audit data to ensure we have placed bins at the most appropriate locations.
Download A Guide to Safe Disposal.
