Figures revealed that Cessnock residents had the second highest incidence of death from cardio-vascular disease in the state and were 12th highest in the state for the incidence of the disease. 

These alarming figures prompted the formation of the Cessnock LGA Healthier Oils Initiative – a partnership between the city’s council and the Heart Foundation – in 2011.

The foundation’s regional health promotion co-ordinator Penny Milson said food business owners could make a contribution to the health of their customers and help to lower the risk of CVD by using healthier oils that contained more of the poly and monounsaturated fats. 

“There is a link between the amount of saturated fat that a person eats and their risk of heart disease – the more you eat the greater the risk,” she said.

Cessnock City Council environmental health officer Abigail Bagnall said the businesses had been responsive. 

“I would estimate about half a dozen businesses have switched to healthier oil options,” she said. 

But more needs to be done and that’s where Rover Coaches comes in.

The company’s bus No.28 will sport a new look on the back in the form of a slogan – Is it time for an oil change?

Working party member Shayne Herring said the bus advertisement was designed to raise the profile of the healthier oils initiative.

“We are hoping that the bus ad will not only get the attention of local food business owners but also encourage the general community to get behind the initiative,” she said. 

“We are very grateful to Rover Coaches for their generous support of our campaign.”

The working party includes representatives from the council, the Heart Foundation NSW, Hunter New England Health Local Health District, Coalfields Healthy Heartbeat, KFC (Cessnock) and Peden’s Hotel.