Blacktown partnerships get the area moving
Making it easier for people to be active in their everyday lives is the goal of the new Blacktown Local Active Partnership (LAP), launched in June.
Western Sydney Local Health District played a key role at the launch, showcasing local initiatives that support active living across the Blacktown LGA.
The District’s Director of Health Promotion, Michelle Nolan, joined WentWest's Manager Strategic Priorities, Rachel Barker to present local health insights, while Health Promotion Officer Elizabeth Leece and Healthy Places Coordinator Helen Ryan shared findings from the Walking in Blacktown project.
Jane Assange, Director, Integration and Partnerships at WentWest, the Western Sydney Primary Health Network, said the event highlighted the value of collaboration.
“Primary care plays a vital role in prevention, early intervention and coordinated care, helping reduce the risk of chronic disease and supporting people to live healthier lives.”
“Physical activity is integral to improving health and wellbeing. By working together, we can break down barriers and improve access to local sport, recreation, and wellness programs for people of all ages and backgrounds," Ms Assange said
Healthy Ageing Coordinator Kitty Kaur also highlighted Walk Soccer, an innovative program supporting older adults improve their physical activity, wellbeing and social connection.
Interactive workshops encouraged participants to consider one simple but powerful question: What can we do together that we can't do alone?
Discussions identified opportunities to strengthen partnerships, better coordinate existing efforts and create communities where walking, play, recreation and everyday movement are available to everyone.
"By bringing our knowledge, experience and resources together, this partnership is about creating practical, long-term change that helps people of all ages and abilities live healthier, more active lives" said Dr Shopna Bag, Director Centre for Population Health.
The Blacktown Local Active Partnership will now begin developing collaborative actions that build on existing strengths, helping more people across Blacktown LGA move more often.