It’s time for 1970s nostalgia freaks to rejoice, as one of Australia’s most successful community health promotion campaigns, Life Be In It, returns to the airwaves (and YouTube).
Yes, one of Australia’s all-time favourite community service health campaigns will be back on Australian screens from New Year’s Day, bigger and better than ever. A group of Norm’s closest friends have recreated the iconic original TV ads, originally envisioned by Phillip Adams and created by legendary artist, Alex Stitt in 1975.
The new versions are all in widescreen HD and carry the same gentle reminders to get outside and exercise. All major networks have the new TV ads on hand. They are also all accessible on YouTube (see link to the series of eight short films at end of this story).
The original campaign was largely funded by the Victorian government and is still fondly remembered by Australians who were around in the ’70s.
Considered possibly the most effective health initiative ever in Australia, the ads used humour to promote simple messages (like get up off the couch and get active) without preaching or being accusatory.
Michele Levine, CEO of research organisation Roy Morgan, has agreed to Co-Chair Life Be In It™ with the existing Chairman, Dr Colin Benjamin OAM.
Time to live more of your life?
Roy Morgan has announced a new index to track Australians’ health to coincide with the relaunch of this important community health initiative, ‘The Life Be In It Wellness Index’™.
Roy Morgan data scientists have analysed over a quarter of a million in-depth interviews with Australians since 2007.
This robust study shows that the lockdowns have had a negative impact on Australians’ choices in terms of food and exercise resulting in a decline in overall health and wellbeing. It seems the time is right for a few friendly reminders and to support programs aimed at helping Australians become healthier and happier.
Michele Levine said, ‘I have spent my 40 year career in research, essentially an independent “observer” – systematically asking people questions, listening to what they say and seeking to understand and report people’s views faithfully to ensure decision makers are making the best possible evidence-based decisions.
‘I’m now delighted to be part of what I believe will be a powerful movement – to help us all live more of our lives and, in doing so, stave off so many of the ills of our modern lives – and have fun doing it,’ she said.
Charity reborn
Life Be In It™, a registered Australian charity, has an overall aim of engendering health, hope and happiness for all Australians, with a strong focus on family, children, parents, and community.
The organisation intends to have a positive influence in five key spheres – Health, Sport and Recreation, Work, Education & Community.
- Life Be In It aims provide or support programs to:
- Reduce chronic illness and improve health
- Increase engagement in, and enjoyment of, sport and recreational activities
- Reduce long term and intergenerational unemployment
- Improve overall education outcomes
- Engage and empower communities
‘Norm’ and many endearing characters of Life Be In It hit Australian screens again from New Year’s Day, thanks to the generosity of all major Australian television networks who have enthusiastically embraced the relaunch campaign.
For further information visit LifeBeInIt.org.
Check out the remastered HD ads on YouTube below:
