Western NSW Building Healthy Communities Challenge

Building Healthy Communities Challenge

Local ideas can make a big difference. The Building Healthy Communities Challenge helps bring great community health ideas to life.

Each year, two rural or regional communities across Western NSW are selected to take part in the challenge. With funding and support from the Health Promotion team, towns can deliver a local initiative that helps people live healthier, more connected lives.

What this challenge is looking for

The challenge is designed to support local initiatives that help people in the community live healthier lives.

To be eligible, proposals must focus on at least one of the following areas:

Improving the Healthy Built Environment (e.g. outdoor spaces, walking paths)
Increasing community physical activity
Promoting healthy eating
Supporting people to quit smoking or vaping
Strengthening community connection and wellbeing

Who can apply

To be eligible, you must meet these criteria:

Be from a rural or regional town within Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) and is serviced by WNSWLHD
Your town must have a population under 5,000
Only one application per town will be accepted
Only one application per Local Government Area will be selected as a finalist
Previous towns who were selected as finalist towns are not eligible to apply

If more than one person is interested from your town, that’s okay! Submit your Expression of Interest and the Health Promotion Team will connect you so you can work together.

What your town could get

If selected, your town will receive:

Up to $10,000 to implement your idea
Hands-on support from the Health Promotion team
Promotional resources to help you get the word out
A chance to win an extra $4,000 to grow your project

How to submit an expression of interest

Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the 2025/26 Building Healthy Communities Challenge are now closed.

To express interest:

Confirm your town meets the eligibility criteria
Contact the Health Promotion Team
An EOI form will be provided for completion
Submit the completed form before the closing date
If eligible, further assistance will be provided to support the development of a full application

Only one application can be submitted per town. If more than one person from your town has shown interest, the Health Promotion Team will connect you so you can work together on one application.