In the Media

Our mission to build healthier, more connected communities is being recognised across Australia. This page brings together our latest media releases, news features, and public impact.

Media Coverage

Our official media statements, announcements, and updates about our programs, partnerships, and public health initiatives.

Ride to Work Day kickstarts a journey to health, savings and sustainability

The Illawarra Flame

“Cycling to work delivers three major benefits: you get to work, you complete your recommended weekly physical activity and you save money on petrol and vehicle maintenance. Seriously, what’s not to like?”

October 23 2025

The top Illawarra playgrounds where everyone is included in the fun

Region Illawarra

“Play Illawarra, an initiative of Healthy Cities Australia, has taken the hard work out of finding inclusive playgrounds, publishing a list of 10 play places across the region, from north to south.”

October 18 2025

Here’s how Pasifika rhythms and dance will help Illawarra women form friendships

Region Illawarra

“Pasifika Island dance, rhythms and cuisine will take centre stage in Wollongong next month as Illawarra women from all backgrounds gather to celebrate culture “

August 26 2025

Berkeley school pilots healthy lunch program to change how Aussie kids eat

Region Illawarra

“Berkeley Public School is serving up more than simply lessons this year, it’s piloting a healthy, hot school lunch program that could reshape how Australian children eat”

August 17 2025

Mornings – ABC Listen. School Lunch Project Pilot

ABC Listen

“School Lunch Project Pilot – listen from minute 1hr 8min”

August 7 2025

Food for thought: Could Berkeley Public’s cooked lunch pilot become a school staple?

The Illawarra Flame

“Healthy cooked meals are being served three times a week as part of a ground-breaking school lunch project, which principal Melanie Bowden said has been “really positive” for children, teachers and parents.”

August 4 2025

‘Lungs on the line’: Wollongong petition pushes for electrification

Region Illawarra

“More than 350 residents have signed a petition calling on Wollongong City Council to use its planning powers to ensure new developments in Wollongong are all-electric, with the petition presented at a council meeting by Councillor Ann Martin.”

August 3 2025

The state government’s been forced to reverse its decision on a multi-million dollar bridge, following a months-long community campaign.

WIN News Illawarra

“Funding’s now been secured for the shared path, now back on the table of a major infrastructure project.”

August 1 2025

Illawarra asthma program helping kids to stay out of hospital this winter

Region Illawarra

“Illawarra families are learning to breathe easier through a community asthma awareness program aimed at reducing preventable hospitalisations and emergency department presentations, as cold and flu season hits its peak.”

July 28 2025

A local health group hopes a petition to ban gas appliances in new homes will keep the topic on the front-burner

WIN News

“A local health group hopes a petition to ban gas appliances in new homes will keep the topic on the front-burner as Wollongong Council reviews its development policies.”

July 24 2025

Safe Streets to School

ABC listen

“Graham McCabe shared some really important insights, and it was great to hear him speaking with Melinda James on Illawarra Breakfast about the work we’re doing. If you missed it, the audio is well worth a listen, he captures the heart of the program so well..”

July 23 2025

Step into Lake Illawarra’s heritage with guided walks

Region Illawarra

“Lake Illawarra’s rich cultural and ecological heritage will be explored through a Berkeley edition of the popular 5×5 community walk series”

July 21 2025

For healthy people, cities and hospitals, charity prescribes prevention

The Illawarra Flame

“With the Healthy Cities approach, we are reducing risk and preventing illness over time. We’re doing our job well if there’s a heart attack that never happened, or a hospital stay that can be avoided.”

June 8 2025

Mt Ousley residents campaign to Save Our Trees

The Illawarra Flame

Shocked by the enormity of land clearing for the $390 million Mt Ousley interchange upgrade, residents have banded together in a group called Save Our Trees.

May 20 2025

How to find a volunteering role that suits your lifestyle, no matter your age

Region Illawarra

Healthy Cities Australia runs a Youth Volunteering Program, giving young people who’ve left the free after-school program Active In-Betweeners an opportunity to return as mentors.

May 20 2025

Health concerns drive calls for new homes to be all-electric

The Flame Illawarra

” On the eve of World Asthma Day, about 50 people rallied outside Wollongong City Council’s Burelli Street offices.”

May 07 2025

ABC Illawarra – World Asthma Day

ABC Illawarra

“Illawarra Breakfast with Melinda James”

May 06 2025

Nine perfect parks for Easter egg hunts in the Illawarra

Region Illawarra

“The excitement of Easter egg hunts is the perfect opportunity to get our kids outside and active,”

April 13 2025

New taskforce launched to tackle food insecurity in the Illawarra Shoalhaven

National Tribune

“With food insecurity rising across the region, a newly established Illawarra Shoalhaven Food Futures Taskforce is taking urgent action to ensure everyone has access to healthy, sustainable, and culturally appropriate food.”

April 2 2025

Healthy Cities Illawarra sets its sights on the nation after transformation

Region Illawarra

“Almost 40 years ago the Illawarra was selected to be part of an international experiment. Now we’re taking our achievements to the national stage.”

March 28 2025

Illawarra kids going hungry as alarming statistics show the extent of food insecurity

Illawarra Mercury

“Children are going hungry in Illawarra and Shoalhaven homes as new research reveals that more than a third of households in the region grapple with food insecurity.”

March 5 2025

Less meat, shopping around: How Illawarra residents cope as high food costs bite

Illawarra Mercury

“Illawarra residents are changing their eating and shopping habits in response to the climbing cost of food, leading to concerns about the impact on their diets and health.”

March 3 2025

Play Illawarra

Win News

“Meet the family who visited 20 Illawarra parks in just one day, making some cash in the process.”

January 20 2025

Looking for a Comment or Expert Opinion?

For media enquiries, contact loreto@healthycities.org.au

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