Tackling Inactivity and Inequity at Westmead Hospital Week
WSYD Moving Deputy Chairperson Scott Walters recently presented at the Westmead Hospital Week Symposium, joining public health, policy and youth health leaders to explore the theme, Tackling the Commercial Determinants of Health for Chronic Disease Prevention. Drawing on insights from the Tackling Inactivity and Inequity in Western Sydney White Paper, Scott highlighted how physical inactivity is shaped not only by individual choices, but by broader social, economic and environmental factors that disproportionately impact communities across Western Sydney.
The presentation examined the links between physical inactivity, health inequity and chronic disease, particularly its effects on the youth of our region, while showcasing WSYD Moving's systems-based approach to change. With Western Sydney home to a young, culturally diverse and rapidly growing population, Scott outlined the need for coordinated action across health, local government, education, sport and community sectors to create, but more importantly activate, environments that make active lifestyles easier, more accessible and more equitable.
The session also highlighted practical initiatives already underway through WSYD Moving, including the development of Local Active Partnerships, systems leadership programs and regional collaboration structures designed to build long-term capacity for prevention. A key message resonated throughout the presentation: the challenge is not a lack of effort, but the need to better connect people, organisations and opportunities to create lasting system-wide change.
Reflecting on the event, Scott thanked the organisers for creating a forum that brought together diverse perspectives on prevention and adolescent health:
"I'd like to sincerely thank Smita Shah and the Prevention Education and Research Unit (PERU) team for bringing together such an important conversation and for inviting WSYD Moving to contribute. Addressing the complex drivers of chronic disease requires collaboration across sectors, and forums like this provide a valuable opportunity to share ideas, build connections and strengthen our collective response to health inequity across Western Sydney."
