WSLHD health promotion shine at national conference

Congratulations to the Centre for Population Health’s health promotion team who have been recognised nationally at the 2018 Australian Health Promotion Association (AHPA) Symposium.

Melissa O’Neill was the recipient of the 2018, AHPA Symposium Poster Prize, with her Healthy Higher Density Living poster. 

It was a poster that was developed in partnership with the City of Parramatta, outlining the key achievements of the joint project.

Helen Ryan and Shelley Edwards won the prestigious 2018 Ray James Memorial Award for excellence and innovation in health promotion research published in the Health Promotion Journal of Australia for their article on: “Achieving equity in Crunch & Sip: a pilot intervention of supplementary free fruit and vegetables in NSW classrooms” written together with Debra Hector and Joanne Gale, from the University of Sydney, Physical Activity Nutrition and Obesity Research Group (PANORG).

Christine Newman, Deputy Director of the Centre for Population Health and Manager of Health Promotion said it was an honour.

“Winning the awards and presenting five projects at the symposium is recognition of the quality and innovation of the work being undertaken by the health promotion team,” She said. 

“In particular, the work showcases the important partnerships Health Promotion has with a range of organisations, to address complex issues that impact the well-being of our community in western Sydney. ”

Other work accepted by the national Symposium and showcased by members of the health promotion team included rapid 3 minute presentations. 

• ‘Blended families – a union between health and justice to achieve equity’ (presenters Crystal Hillery and Natalie Virgona).
• ‘Turn Down the Heat’ (presenter Helen Ryan on behalf of the Turn Down the Heat Steering Committee).

And Posters:

• Walking in Blacktown City (Elizabeth Leece)
• A novel approach to health – partnering with Libraries (Melissa O’Neill)