Physical activity and active transport | Healthy Cities Australia

In today’s fast-paced world, boosting physical and mental wellbeing is crucial. We promote active lifestyles to prevent chronic diseases and create healthier environments. Our mission? To launch programs that get people moving, regardless of age!

We’re encouraging everyone—staff, students, and parents—to walk and cycle to schools and colleges. By addressing cost and access issues, we’re making it easier to engage in walking, cycling, public transport, and sports. Through policy advocacy, we’re shaping cities for safe walking and cycling, paving the way for healthier communities.

Small steps are good! Try the free gym equipment in your local neighbourhood and add an extra 15minutes of walking to your day! Stand up and stretch regularly and above all, chose some physical activity that you enjoy.

“Active transport is a vital ingredient in creating healthy, sustainable and equitable cities”

George Takacs

What’s preventing active, healthy communities?

When it comes to building active, healthy communities, several factors often stand in the way. By addressing these issues, we can create more opportunities for physical activity and healthier communities.

Lack of infrastructure

Many areas don’t have safe or accessible walking and cycling paths, discouraging people from using active transport.

High costs

The expense of sports equipment or gym memberships can be a barrier to physical activity.

Limited access to facilities

Some communities are far from parks, gyms, or recreational centres, making it difficult for people to stay active.

Urban planning

Cities that prioritise cars over pedestrians and cyclists can make active transport less appealing and practical.

Cultural and social norms

Physical activity may not be a strong cultural priority, leading to fewer people adopting active habits.

What We’re Doing

To address these issues, we work with partner organisations, community groups and funding bodies to develop and support the delivery of public health programs focused on physical activity and active transport.

We do this by:

Inspiring Active Lifestyles

Spearheading the creation of programs, resources, and opportunities that inspire and support everyone, across all ages and demographics, to get moving and stay active.

Promoting Active Transport

Increasing the number of people walking and cycling to educational hubs and campuses, including staff, students, and parents, for healthier and more vibrant communities.

Advocating for Safe, Accessible Travel

We increase participation in walking, cycling, and public transport by making them more affordable and accessible. We advocate for policies and urban spaces that promote safe active transport, contributing to healthier cities.

Our Programs

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Our Partners

Our partners play a crucial role in supporting and enhancing our initiatives to promote physical activity and active transport in the community.

ISATT

The Illawarra Shoalhaven Active Transport Taskforce (ISATT) aims to improve health and transportation in the region and protect the physical environment. ISATT works with government, non-government, businesses, and community groups to identify ways to reduce our reliance on motor vehicle use and improve the urban environment so that more people can use active transport.

Healthy Urban Environments Community of Practice (CoP) – Illawarra Shoalhaven

A network of skilled professionals that meet regularly to exchange best practice, innovative ideas and champion principles and practices of healthy urban planning and design.

Our Impact

Our action on physical activity and active transport in 2023-24 included:

Partnered with RedPoint Psychology to deliver Accidental Counsellor Training to 24 community members.
Supported 172 children aged between 8 and 12 years to attend Active In-Betweens, a place-based, trauma-informed after-school program
Around 40 participants took part in multiple walks in Bellambi, Lake Illawarra and Kiama.
Delivered social campaign More Than A Cyclist Illawarra that asks followers to reshare posts in order to reach those beyond the cycling community.