Healthy Cities Australia

Collaboration and Partnership

We’re for preventing chronic disease and reducing hospitalisations.

In 2022, chronic diseases accounted for 171,500 deaths in Australia – around 90% of all deaths. Prevention is better, and cheaper, than cure delivering $14 for every $1 invested. Building a healthy city starts with prevention. The root causes of chronic disease and health inequity are influenced by a variety of factors including the social, and economic environments and the interplay between the systems in which we live. Australia’s health system is experiencing huge pressures and treatment costs are rising. Prevention lowers these costs, and most importantly, helps people to live their best life by creating environments where the healthy choice is the easy choice, a key foundation of a healthy city.

Our Programs

We’re for advocacy and public health leadership.

We are the champions of the global Healthy Cities movement in Australia. Urban health and public health are multifaceted issues that require a collaborative approach to create a healthy city. By bringing together diverse groups, we address health challenges comprehensively, paving the way for enduring improvements.

About us

We’re for healthy people and healthy cities

Healthy cities are places that support positive health and wellbeing for people. By 2050, nearly 70% of the world’s population will live in urban environments – cities. Healthy cities are the result of healthy public policy and empowering individuals through public health initiatives that promote wellbeing and drive positive change.

Why Healthy Cities?

Our Priorities

We believe that healthy individuals are the cornerstone of robust communities and thriving cities, where the focus is on

fostering positive population health and wellbeing.

Healthy cities can be achieved through a variety of public policy and community action which empower individuals through

public health initiatives that promote well-being and drive positive change.

Healthy Eating and Food Security

Improving nutrition and health outcomes through advocating for a more sustainable food system, access to fresh food, improving cooking skills and, nutritional knowledge.

Physical Activity and Active Transport

Enabling physical and mental wellbeing through active transport, movement, and participation.

Community Wellbeing

Fostering social cohesion and resilience through opportunities for belonging, connection and engagement.

Community Focus,  Global Impact

By focusing on prevention, HCA helps communities across Australia thrive, reducing the burden on healthcare systems. That means more resources for the things that truly matter – A healthy environment, healthy individuals, vibrant communities, and a brighter future for all Australians.

Collaboration and Partnership

We aim to establish and nurture genuine partnerships to deliver impactful health and wellbeing outcomes where they’re needed most. We believe meaningful change comes through collaboration. By enhancing our research alliances with the University and the health sector, we aim to enrich the evidence base of our initiatives, influencing policy and driving transformation. Strengthening connections with all levels of government, industry, other community organisations, and individuals enables us to advocate for healthier environments and reduce chronic diseases.

We thank the organisations whose financial support is vital to our mission.