The Symposium will bring together thought leaders, policy makers, researchers and innovators from all over the world, united in their commitment to improve health and well-being.

Make sure you are part of the conversation!

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 (left), 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 (right) from the Hunter Research Institute. The health-enhancing or therapeutic effects of stimulating environments has gained increased attention in recent years. Such enriched environments provide physical, social and cognitive stimulation which together demonstrate positive effects on, for example, stress and functional brain recovery. These effects are the result of plastic changes and reorganisation of brain networks leading to potential beneficial consequences throughout the entire life span. The multifactorial relationship between architecture and neuroscience is an important and evolving area that opens on to social issues in regard to aged-care, health and accessibility. The reciprocal interaction between humans and the multisensory influence from the built environment and urban green space can be further harnessed and conceptualised to facilitate brain resilience and, in novel programs, support prevention and recovery of functions.

Mr Sam Bowen (left) from the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. Amazing new technologies, changing consumer preferences and demands, and increasing funding pressures are driving significant change right across the healthcare sector.  What does the future hold?  Who (or what!) will be providing health care?  Who are the patients of tomorrow?  How will healthcare be delivered?  And where?  

These are questions all healthcare sector participants are asking, including the institutions that finance the sector such as governments, investors, and banks.  How do these capital providers see the evolution of the organisations, equipment and facilities they finance? And how do they need to adapt to finance the healthcare eco-system of the future? 

Professor Evelyne de Leeuw (right) from the Centre for Health Equity Training, Research and Evaluation (CHETRE) at the University of NSW. What creates a great city for health - one that gives everyone the best opportunity to get out of life what its potential holds?