Priority

Community wellbeing

Community wellbeing sits at the heart of healthy, thriving societies. When communities are connected, supported, and empowered, people experience better mental health, stronger social relationships, improved life outcomes, and greater resilience across the lifespan.

At Healthy Cities Australia, we deliver community wellbeing initiatives that bring people together, strengthen social cohesion, and address the complex factors that influence health — from housing and economics to culture, environment, and access to services.

Across Australia, many communities are experiencing rising levels of poor mental health, including anxiety, depression, and social isolation. These challenges are often intensified by:

Limited access to services
Economic hardship
Housing instability
Reduced social support
Environmental stressors

Mental wellbeing is shaped not only by healthcare, but by the environments people live in, the relationships they have, and their sense of belonging within social communities.

Supporting mental health requires community-led, evidence-based approaches that respond to individual needs, cultural context, and local conditions.

“We’re excited to deliver culturally-appropriate and safe opportunities to connect with other women in the community, undertake group activities and access information that will support them to improve their health and wellbeing.”

SCARF Refugee Support

Assessing Community Wellbeing

Assessing community wellbeing means looking beyond individual health outcomes to understand how social, cultural, economic, environmental, and physical factors interact to influence people’s lives.

Our work is informed by:

Public health research and evidence
Community consultation and participation
Collaboration with local governments, stakeholders, researchers, and service providers

This refined, evidence-based approach helps identify gaps in access, capacity, and support, particularly for women, children, older people, rural communities, and groups experiencing disadvantage.

Social Connection and Social Cohesion

Strong social connection is essential to overall wellbeing. Communities with high levels of social cohesion experience:

Lower rates of social isolation
Better mental health outcomes
Stronger relationships and social support networks
Increased participation and civic engagement

Conversely, social isolation can contribute to loneliness, depression, reduced physical activity, and poorer health outcomes.

Our programs create opportunities for community members to connect through shared experiences, community events, volunteering, education, and inclusive activities that strengthen relationships and build trust.

Community Wellbeing Challenges

Many factors can limit community wellbeing and health, including:

Social isolation and poor mental health

Rising loneliness, anxiety, and depression across age groups.

Chronic diseases and sedentary lifestyles

High rates of heart disease, diabetes, and physical inactivity.

Limited access to healthcare and nutritious food

Barriers to services, food security, and preventative care.

Economic and housing pressures

Unemployment, financial stress, and unstable housing affecting wellbeing.

Low community engagement and support

Reduced opportunities for connection, involvement, and social support.

Environmental and safety concerns

Exposure to unsafe environments, pollution, or lack of green space.

What We’re Doing

Healthy Cities Australia works across a broad range of settings to support community wellbeing initiatives that are inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to local needs. We work alongside:

Local governments
Community groups
Health services and healthcare providers
Researchers and universities
Funding bodies and stakeholders

Together, we develop and deliver programs that strengthen social communities, improve access to resources, and support long-term wellbeing.

Creating Connected Communities

We design and deliver free and accessible community events, programs, and shared spaces that foster connection, participation, and belonging for people of all ages, abilities, and cultural backgrounds.

Supporting Long-Term Health and Wellbeing

Our initiatives focus on prevention, addressing physical activity, mental wellbeing, social isolation, and chronic disease risk factors to support healthier lives and sustainable outcomes.

Amplifying Local Voices

We empower residents and citizens by creating opportunities for education, consultation, volunteering, and collaboration. Through this work, communities contribute directly to shaping the projects and services that affect their lives.

Our Programs

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Our Partners

Community wellbeing is a core pillar of public health. By strengthening social support, access, safety, and participation, communities can reduce pressure on healthcare systems and improve population health outcomes.

Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District

The Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) is a key partner in promoting health and providing healthcare across the region. ISLHD manages public health services in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven areas, covering primary to tertiary care. Services include emergency and surgical care, mental health support, chronic disease management, and community health programs focused on prevention and early intervention.

From urban centres to rural areas, Healthy Cities Australia supports communities to thrive by building capacity, strengthening social bonds, and addressing the root causes of poor health.

Community wellbeing is not a single program, it is a foundation for healthier societies, stronger relationships, and better life outcomes for everyone.

Our Impact

Our action on community wellbeing in 2023-24 included:

Supported 172 children aged between 8 and 12 years to attend Active In-Betweens, a place-based, trauma-informed after school program
Supported Fit for Life program run by PCYC in Bulli, North Wollongong and Oak Flats for 10–17-year-olds
Supported BOOST program run by Australian Community Support Organisation (ASCO) for 14–17-year-olds who have been issued an apprehended violence order (AVO)