2026 Annual General Meeting & Annual Report

Building Momentum for Healthier Communities

Healthy Cities Australia staff, volunteers, members and supporters came together this past Tuesday, 27 October for our Annual General Meeting, reflecting on a year of growth, impact and transformation.

Just one year after launching under our new name and vision – Healthy Cities Australia from Healthy Cities Illawarra – we are already seeing strong momentum as a national voice for healthy, sustainable and connected communities.

Chaired by Board Chair Dr Lina Engelen and presentation by CEO Kelly Andrews, the AGM welcomed three new board directors, Andrew Harvey, Don Purglut and Mike Zederberg, who join Healthy Cities Australia following a highly competitive national recruitment process. Their expertise will help strengthen our leadership as we continue to grow our reach and impact.

The AGM also provided an opportunity to recognise the contribution of departing board member Franca Facci, whose dedication, expertise and thoughtful leadership have helped shape the organisation.

Making Prevention Impossible to Ignore

A key theme of the meeting was the challenge facing the preventive health sector: success is often invisible.

When prevention works, communities experience fewer illnesses, injuries and health challenges. Yet these victories rarely make headlines because the outcomes are things that do not happen.

This challenge sits at the heart of Healthy Cities Australia’s work. Through stronger evidence, stronger partnerships and stronger communities, we are helping demonstrate the enormous social, health and economic value of prevention.

Looking Ahead

The AGM concluded with a note of optimism for the future. With a refreshed strategic direction, new board expertise, growing national recognition and the continued support of members, partners, funders and volunteers, Healthy Cities Australia is well positioned to expand its impact in the years ahead.

View the AGM presentation here.

2026 Annual Report