SITE VISITS

About the Site Visit:

Urban green spaces are widely recognised for their role in supporting health and wellbeing, yet many cities continue to focus on infrastructure rather than how these spaces are actively used. This session responds to that gap by demonstrating a simple, low-resource approach to activating green spaces through facilitated nature connection practices. It introduces an entry-level model that can be delivered on-site and adapted to digital or hybrid formats.

Grounded in practitioner experience from Greater Sydney Parklands and supported by research across early childhood, adolescent and adult programs, this session explores why nature connection matters and how it can be created with minimal resources. Evidence from programs such as Guardians of the Park, Bush School and The Ian Potter Children’s WILD PLAY Garden shows that repeated, facilitated engagement with nature supports wellbeing, social connection and pro-environmental behaviour across the life course.

This hands-on workshop will be of interest to practitioners, policymakers and community organisations seeking practical and transferable approaches. Participants will leave with a clear understanding of how facilitation — rather than infrastructure — activates green spaces, and with adaptable tools that can be applied immediately in diverse urban contexts.

About the Visit

Delegates are invited to take part in a guided tour of the newly opened UNSW Health Translation Hub (HTH). The tour features a unique exhibition curated to reflect the conference themes and perspectives, offering meaningful insights and opportunities for reflection and discussion, alongside a look at the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct (RHIP).

First Nations Place and Health Exhibition

The tour begins at the Health Translation Hub with a unique exhibition curated to reflect the conference themes and perspectives, exploring First Nations place and health. Delegates will have the chance to view the works and hear about the stories and ideas behind them.

The Precinct Arts Tour

The tour makes its way down through the Precinct to the Integrated Acute Services Building (IASB) to view the ancient Hearth Stones, the surrounding landscaping, and the Jonathan Jones artwork. From there, delegates will pass Rochelle Haley’s artwork linking to the Lunar Sway installation, before continuing through the Plaza to take in Nike Savvas’ Chroma Cosmic in the SCHN foyer and the Dennis Golding / Re-Right Collective artwork on High Street. Along the way, guests will hear from artists and Precinct partners about the works and the collaborations behind them, offering a unique window into the creativity and cultural life of the Precinct.

About the Site Visit:

Journey to Western Sydney for a day exploring how communities on the city’s fast-growing region are balancing rapid urban development with accessible, health-supportive green space.

Morning

The morning begins in Blacktown with a visit to the Fairwater Estate, offering first-hand insight into contemporary residential growth in one of Sydney’s most diverse and fastest-changing local government areas. Participants will see how new housing, infrastructure and community amenity are being shaped, and consider the challenges and opportunities of delivering liveable, healthy neighbourhoods at scale.

As New South Wales’s first 6 Star Green Star certified community, Fairwater demonstrates how sustainability can be embedded into neighbourhood design through walkable streets, a renewable thermal energy system, water-saving initiatives and an extensive network of open space. A defining feature of the estate is its integrated blue-green infrastructure, where two major parklands are centred on water bodies connected by a naturalised tributary of Breakfast Creek. The restoration of the waterway from a former concrete channel has created habitat, improved water quality, attenuated stormwater flows and enabled water reuse, while also contributing to urban cooling and thermal comfort. Together, these features provide valuable insights into how sustainable neighbourhood design can support environmental resilience, community wellbeing, and long-term liveability.

Lunch

At midday, the group will gather for an authentic Aussie BBQ lunch in Western Sydney Parklands, a relaxed opportunity to share ideas, network and enjoy the outdoors the way locals do.

Afternoon

The afternoon continues at Bungarribee Park in Western Sydney Parklands. Covering more than 27 square kilometres, the Western Sydney Parklands is one of the largest urban parklands in the world. Bungarribee Park, the largest recreational space within the parklands, is a flagship destination supporting the health and wellbeing of Western Sydney’s – rapidly growing communities. The precinct is also home to Sydney Zoo, providing and opportunity to explore the role that partnerships between parks, education and conservation organisations can play in creating healthy communities.

Guided by Greater Sydney Parklands, participants will explore how the park supports recreation, biodiversity, social connection and everyday physical activity. Highlights include the extensive network of shared walking and cycling trails through restored bushland and open parkland; the award-winning nature-based adventure playground with its climbing tower, flying foxes and water and sand play areas; expansive picnic and BBQ shelters; and dedicated off-leash dog areas.

Participants will also take part in a hands-on habitat restoration experience through the award-winning Guardians of the Park program. They will hear how the program uses environmental restoration and nature connection to support young people’s wellbeing, confidence and sense of belonging, before planting native species and contributing to the creation of future habitat.

Along the way, the group will consider how the parklands are planned, activated and maintained to serve one of Australia’s most diverse and fastest-growing regions.