New Strategic Partnership with Smart Connection Consultancy
Smart Connection Consultancy named Inaugural Sponsor of the WSYD Moving Systems Leadership Program
WSYD Moving is proud to announce Smart Connection Consultancy as the inaugural sponsor of the Systems Leadership Program, marking the beginning of a strategic partnership grounded in shared values, and a commitment to creating healthier, more active communities across Western Sydney.
Smart Connection Consultancy is one of Australia’s most respected community sport and leisure consultancies, focused on creating places and spaces for people to be more active, whether that be sports grounds or built facilities. Smart Connection Consultancy also owns The National Sports and Physical Activity Convention (NSC), which explores global approaches to encouraging more people to be more active in more places annually and is now the largest event in the Southern Hemisphere. Smart Connection Consultancy aligns strongly with WSYD Moving’s mission to tackle inactivity and inequity.
The Systems Leadership Program is a nine-month learning journey designed to equip current and emerging leaders with the skills to navigate complexity, build cross-sector relationships, and translate systems thinking into real-world action. The program brings together leaders from health, local government, community, sport, academia and leisure and commences in February 2026.
Martin Sheppard, Managing Director of Smart Connection Consultancy, said the decision to support the program reflects a long-term view of impact:
“At Smart Connection Consultancy, we are passionate about making a difference in creating opportunities for people to be more active and, through that, have more amazing lives. The only way that will work in Australia is to empower the next generation of leaders to embrace a systems approach with collaborators, city by city. This is why we are sponsoring the WSYD Moving Systems Leadership Program.”
For WSYD Moving, the partnership represents an important step in deepening engagement with the private sector as an active contributor to system change.
Michael Wilkins, Chair of WSYD Moving, welcomed the partnership and the opportunity it creates:
“Smart Connection Consultancy’s support reflects the kind of private-sector leadership we want to see values-led and committed to long-term community outcomes. This partnership strengthens our ability to bridge sectors and demonstrates how industry expertise can play a meaningful role in tackling inactivity and inequity across Western Sydney.”
The partnership also honours the legacy of Adj. A/Prof Bill Bellew, Founding Director of WSYD Moving, to whom the Systems Leadership Program is dedicated. Bill was a strong advocate for cross-sector collaboration and evidence-informed action—principles that sit at the heart of this partnership.
WSYD Moving looks forward to working closely with Smart Connection Consultancy throughout the program and beyond, as we continue to build the leadership capability and system connections required to enable healthier, more active lifestyles across Western Sydney.