28 January 2026
Delivering you the latest in health promotion news, funding opportunities, events and more!
We’re excited to share the journeys of our local partners who are changing the lives of Western Australians through Healthway-funded initiatives. Follow us on social media to see these inspiring stories unfold!
Creating healthy futures across the Western Desert
“It’s important to me and the elders to put a plan in place and look after our young ones. The future will come if we set up a foundation for the kids and train them up on how to do the right thing." - Bruce Booth, Chairperson Ngurra Kujungka.
First nations communities in the Western Desert of the East Pilbara may be separated by big distances, but Ngurra Kujungka makes sure each of its far flung groups stay connected. Healthway has been a consistent supporter - funding programs that promote healthy eating, active living through sport and reduce smoking and vaping. Each year these efforts come together in the form of the Martu Youth Festival. Watch the magic here.
Arts Against Vaping
Healthway is relaunching a targeted grant initiative that helps people understand the real impacts of vaping and navigate misinformation.
We’re looking to partner with local arts groups, community organisations and local governments to support bold, creative projects that spark dialogue and raise awareness about the harms of vaping.
Dalyellup Skate Park Opening Credit: Abby Murray
Empowering local governments to build a healthier WA
Local governments play a vital role in shaping a healthier, more connected Western Australia — and Healthway is here to help bring that vision to life.
We’ve launched a new Public Health Plan template to support councils to develop and deliver plans that make a real difference in their communities.
Our recent audit of WA local government websites revealed that fewer than 1 in 3 councils currently have a Public Health Plan in place. That’s not just a gap — it’s a golden opportunity to lead the way in community health.
Backing WA communities with bold reform
Australians lose more on gambling products than any other nation. WA fares better than other states, but there’s still more we can do to protect our kids and communities.
In WA, we can lead the way by (among other things):
- maintaining bans on pokies in community
- removing gambling from venues serving alcohol
- enforcing mandatory maximum loss limits.
Read Healthway’s recommendations in our recent submission on the Review and Reform of WA’s gambling laws.
Driving health impact on social media
Social media now shapes how people learn about health. With support from Healthway, Curtin University has just launched a new online course to help professionals craft clear, compelling public health messages.
Learn how to frame public health messages and use social media platforms to engage with your audience, disseminate health information, and have an impact.
Line Nielsen, Assistant Professor at the Department of
Psychology, University of Copenhagen.
A Healthway‑funded fellowship is bringing Line Nielsen to Perth!
Act Belong Commit and Curtin University are hosting a practical, evidence‑informed session on strengthening youth wellbeing. The session on Wednesday, 18 February will unpack the ABCs of Mental Health – Denmark’s adaptation of Act Belong Commit – and how it can be applied in schools and community settings.
Guest presenter Line Nielsen will share the latest research and demonstrate why whole‑school approaches are essential to improving mental health outcomes.
Healthy Schools program is back!
The 2026 Healthy Schools program opens Monday, 9 February 2026.
WA public schools can apply for $3,000–$5,000 in funding for projects that promote health and wellbeing for students and the school community.
Start planning today:
Visit our website to explore project ideas and register your school in our Grants Portal before the program opens so
you’re ready to apply.
🔗Health experts to lead on WA’s first preventative health strategy
🔗Violent crime spreading to regional towns as WA waits for strengthened tobacco laws
🔗WA government announces Department of Health taskforce to crack down on illicit tobacco trade
🔗Social media's impact on Australian teenagers' wellbeing isn't black and white, new study finds
🔗WA health report card exposes where the state is struggling most
🔗Australia needs a school lunch program – like many other high-income countries
🔗Walk while you work: are the extra steps on an under desk treadmill worth the cost?
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Acknowledgment of Country
Healthway acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People as the original custodians of this country, recognising their connection to land, waters and community. We respect their cultures and Elders, past and present.
Ngala kaaditj Whadjuk moort keyen kaadak nidja boodja - We acknowledge Whadjuk Noongar people as the original custodians of the land on which we are based.