Bringing together thought leaders, policy makers, researchers and innovators from all over the world, united in their commitment to improve health and wellbeing.

The relationship between people’s health and their built environment is complex. The literature on this subject is extensive, and the list of issues long - ranging from practical to more subtle topics. 

In this mix are: car-dominated transport, reduced opportunity to exercise, increased fast food availability, lack of social connection, safety, housing, employment, public transport, heathcare facilities and hospitals, airports, schools and land use around schools, shops, swimming pools, playgrounds, activity centres, footpaths, stairways, ‘destinations’, (safe) open spaces, (safe) walking/cycling facilities, urban agricultural lands, advertising signage, sense of custodianship, and opportunity for social encounters.

 

Governments are acting on this topic. The NSW Government has a ‘Healthy Urban Development Checklist’ for planning and proposals, and a ‘Premier’s Council for Active Living’. There is also an awareness to address the needs of an ageing population and of children and young people – for which there is a NSW Advocate.

 

The opening address in this session will be delivered by

Ms Lucy Turnbull AO (right), who will draw out these issues in the context of the Greater Sydney Commission and its vision for the future, as the centre of gravity of Sydney inexorably shifts to the west – with an evolving, identifiable and inter-connected sub-structure. 

Ms Lucy Turnbull AO will be followed by keynote speakers:

Professor Michael Nilsson (left) from the Hunter Research Institute, who

will discuss what our brain needs from our environment to live well.

Mr Sam Bowen (right) from the Commonwealth Bank of Australia who will discuss the important role of an aware finance sector in meeting public expectations. 

Professor Evelyne de Leeuw (left) from the Centre for Health Equity Training, Research and Evaluation (CHETRE) at the University of NSW. Professor de Leeuw is the former Director of the World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Research on Healthy Cities and has a research background in public health and urban and regional studies.