WSYD Moving initiative makes its way to NSW Parliament

Following the launch of WSYD Moving as a Health Promotion Charity in November 2024, the organisation continues to build momentum, demonstrating its ‘bias for action’ in tackling physical inactivity and inequity across Western Sydney.

Despite operating without dedicated funding, WSYD Moving is actively advancing the recommendations outlined in its recently released White Paper, Tackling Inactivity and Inequity in Western Sydney: A Systems Approach, co-authored by WSYD Moving Convenor, David Burns and the Centre for Western Sydney at Western Sydney University.

Burns, who has been featured on multiple radio platforms, including ABC and 2GB, discussing the White Paper’s findings and highlighting the estimated $1.5 billion annual cost of physical inactivity, has been advocating for urgent, system-wide solutions to reduce this growing health and economic burden.

He explains “physical activity is ultimately an equity issue.

“It’s not just about individual choice; it’s about how the system works. Greater cross-sector collaboration is our superpower.

“As a charity, we have yet to receive funding support, but we must keep the momentum going.

“However, we urgently need investment to get started on turning this around.”

Forming Local Active Partnerships
One of the key next steps for WSYD Moving is establishing Local Active Partnerships (LAPs) at the local government area (LGA) level. These place-based networks unite local organisations, community groups, and stakeholders under a shared vision: to make movement, physical activity, and sport more accessible and inclusive for all. Each LAP is tailored to the unique needs, challenges, and opportunities within its respective LGA, ensuring community-led solutions that drive meaningful impact.

The first LAP was convened in December 2024 at Liverpool Council Chambers, where stakeholders committed to bi-monthly, in-person meetings to sustain collaborative efforts.

The second meeting took place in February 2025 at Lurnea Community Centre, featuring Charishma Kaliyanda, State Member for Liverpool, as the special guest.

Her presence underscored the importance of local political leadership in advancing systemic efforts to combat inactivity and inequity in Western Sydney.

Recognition in NSW Parliament
At the Lurnea event, Kaliyanda presented Burns with a Private Members’ Statement she delivered in NSW Parliament, recognising WSYD Moving’s efforts.

An excerpt from her address stated “I acknowledge and commend the authors of the report, as well as WSYD Moving and David Burns, for their effort in putting together the research and the goal of inspiring movement in the region.”

Cross-Sector Collaboration Driving Change
WSYD Moving’s commitment to collaboration was further highlighted through its 15th virtual ‘Community of Practice’ session.

The session attracted 90 participants, including practitioners, academics, and researchers. Professor Melody Ding from the University of Sydney delivered a compelling presentation titled ‘Active Research vs. Inactive Population: An Honest Reflection by a Physical Activity Researcher’.

These ‘community of practice’ sessions create an environment of collaboration, information sharing and building of a vision of equality for Western Sydney.

Strategic Direction for WSYD Moving
As WSYD Moving looks ahead, its Board of Directors has finalised the charity’s inaugural strategy, reinforcing its commitment to addressing inactivity and inequity in the region.

Emphasising the importance of action and collaboration in overcoming these challenges, Chairperson, Lori Modde advised “the power of WSYD Moving lies in its ability to unite sectors, organisations, and communities under a shared vision for a healthier Western Sydney. While funding remains a challenge, we are proving that momentum and collaboration can drive real change. Now, we need investment to scale these efforts and make an even greater impact.”

WSYD Moving continues to push forward, proving that meaningful action can occur even in the absence of funding.

However, to sustain and expand its impact, the charity is calling for urgent investment to ensure that Western Sydney residents have equitable opportunities to lead active, healthier lives well into the future.

Click here to download the full Tackling Inactivity and Inequity in Western Sydney: A Systems Approach White Paper.

Images: Attendees at WYSD Moving's inaugural Liverpool Local Active Partnership in December.