Armed with $410,000 in federal government funds, Hume Council will tackle some of the chronic conditions and diseases associated with obesity in the municipality, including one of the biggest silent killers - diabetes.

Over the past nine years, the number of Hume residents with diabetes has increased by almost 70per cent, from 3330 cases in 2001 to 5623 last year.

There are nine new cases of diabetes diagnosed each week in Hume, which is ranked seventh-highest out of 31 metropolitan councils in the state, according to Diabetes Australia.

The federal funding was announced last week to help the council build community gardens and kitchens and a healthy food co-op.

Calwell MP Maria Vamvakinou said the funding would also be used to run "Healthy Hume Festivals" and a learning caravan that would provide information to people on healthy lifestyles.

The funding will target disadvantaged groups, particularly unemployed and most at risk of developing lifestyle-related chronic diseases.

Hume mayor Geoff Porter said the 'Healthy Hume' initiative would bring to the forefront the matters of healthy eating and physical activity that he had earmarked as a key priority.

"Healthy Hume is all about getting the wider community involved in projects like community gardens, community kitchens and a healthy food, fruit and vegetable co-op," he said.

Leisure centres would also be involved, offering open days with health checks and access time for the disadvantaged, as well as taking part in the Healthy Hume Festival, focusing on physical activity and healthy eating.

Cr Porter said other projects to be rolled out from May included recycling of preloved sporting equipment and education campaigns.

Details: 92052200 or visit Hume Council.