Aboriginal‑led health research

Build your research career and help improve health outcomes for Aboriginal communities.

Healthway is supporting Aboriginal‑led research through the 2026 Aboriginal Health Research Scholarships. The scholarships support Aboriginal researchers across multiple study levels to develop their skills, step into leadership and deliver research shaped by community priorities.

Applications close 2 June 2026.

In 2025, around 4,500 tonnes of tobacco were illegally imported into Australia - that’s the equivalent of around 550 shipping containers.

Tackling illicit tobacco

Healthway has made a submission to the Australian Government’s inquiry into the illegal tobacco crisis, calling for tougher enforcement and tighter licensing for tobacco sales to better protect our communities.

Whether sold legally or illegally, all tobacco products cause harm. Reducing demand is essential to help the three million Australians who smoke to quit and prevent future addiction.

Read our submission to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee Inquiry into Australia’s illegal tobacco crisis.

Shire of Capel - Dalyellup Skate Park opening.

Supporting healthier, more connected communities through public health planning

Local governments play a vital role in shaping the health and wellbeing of WA communities. 

Healthway is supporting councils with practical tools and funding to turn public health plans into action.

Public Health Plan Template - To help local governments develop a plan for healthier, more connected communities. 
Activation Grants - Funding to support existing public health plans and bring their activities to life.
Better Community Data - Supporting the expansion of the Thriving Perth Portal to improve councils’ access to data.

FORM CEO Tabitha McMullan, FORM Creative Learning Manager Laura Motherway, Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton MLA & FORM Chair Tim Shanahan. 

FORM-ing wellbeing through creativity 

In partnership with FORM, Healthway is supporting the Creative Schools program across WA for a further two years, allowing ten more schools to join the program in 2026.

By pairing teachers with creative practitioners, the program brings learning to life through art, storytelling, design and collaboration, while supporting students’ social and emotional wellbeing and strengthening their sense of identity and belonging.

Image courtesy of The Kids Research Institute Australia.

Healthy skin starts early

Early action on skin infections can make a life changing difference for Aboriginal children and families across WA.

A Healthway‑funded research project is helping to provide early support for families that turns into early action. 

The Strong Skin app, co‑designed with community and developed by the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases at The Kids Research Institute Australia, helps parents and carers recognise skin infections early and respond with confidence.

Protecting public health policy in WA

Healthway and Cancer Council WA are bringing together leading researchers, advocates and health policy experts for an event on how WA can confront the commercial determinants of health across alcohol, food, tobacco and gambling policy.

Hear from international keynote speaker Professor Mark Petticrew from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, alongside leading WA voices in public health and policy.

📅 18 May 2026 | 9.30am - 11.30am
📍 The Hub, Bentley Technology Park

Inclusive sport symposium

WA Disabled Sports Association is hosting an interactive Inclusive Sport Symposium focused on designing sport and recreation programs where people of all abilities can participate and thrive.

The symposium is suitable for coaches, umpires, volunteers, club administrators and community leaders and will provide practical tools, skills and confidence to build programs that are truly inclusive.

📅 27 May 2026 | 10.00am–2.00pm
📍 Tompkins on Swan, Alfred Cove

Tackling nicotine use among young people

Cancer Council WA and Healthway are bringing Vaping and Beyond: Tackling Nicotine Use Among Young People, a one‑day symposium focused on prevention and action.

Designed for educators, youth workers, health professionals, researchers and community and sporting organisations, the day will explore the latest evidence, policy updates and practical strategies you can apply in your work with young people. 
 

📅 23 June 2026 | 9.00am–4.00pm
📍 Claremont Football Club + online

Healing Country, Community and Self

Rural Health West's Aboriginal Health Conference registrations are now live!

This year’s theme, Healing Ourselves, Healing Country, Healing Community, recognises the deep and enduring connections between individual wellbeing, community strength and the health of Country.

The conference welcomes Aboriginal health workers, medical practitioners, academics, nurses, allied health professionals, students and stakeholders committed to improving Aboriginal health outcomes.

📅 15-16 August 2026
📍 Pan Pacific, Perth