World Health Day Webinar: Tackling Inactivity and Inequity – A Systems Approach from Western Sydney
Join us for a practical and thought-provoking session exploring how Western Sydney is tackling physical inactivity and inequity through a whole-of-system approach, aligning with World Health Day.
WSYD Moving is a systems-oriented health promotion charity bringing together over 120 organisations and 450+ members across health, sport, local government, and community to create the conditions for more active lifestyles and connected communities.
Grounded in a co-authored White Paper with the Centre for Western Sydney at Western Sydney University, this work moves beyond programs to focus on aligning systems, strengthening local networks, and enabling place-based action.
What You Will Learn
- Why inactivity and inequity are systems challenges, not just program challenges
- How parks and leisure services can act as connectors within a broader local system
- Practical examples from Western Sydney, including Local Active Partnerships, place-based collaboration, and the role of systems leadership in driving change
- How to better align existing assets, partners, and resources for greater collective impact
- What systems leadership looks like in practice and how it can be applied in your context
About WSYD Moving
WSYD Moving is a health promotion charity focused on a healthier and more equitable Western Sydney community.
Its vision is Everyone moving. Everyone belonging. Everyone thriving
Key initiatives include:
- Local Active Partnerships – place-based, community-led coalitions uniting organisations to tackle inactivity
- A Systems Leadership Program – building capability across sectors to lead change locally
- A growing Community of Practice – connecting practitioners across Western Sydney
- Annual WSYD Moving Symposium – flagship cross-sector event uniting the Western Sydney physical activity system
- A systems-based White Paper and roadmap guiding coordinated action
This work recognises that inactivity is not just an individual issue, it is shaped by systems, environments, and access, with an estimated $1.5 billion annual cost to the Western Sydney economy.
Why Attend
If you work in parks, leisure, or community wellbeing, this session will challenge and support you to think differently about your role, not just as a provider of programs, but as a key contributor to a wider system of change.
You’ll leave with:
- A clearer understanding of systems thinking applied to parks and leisure
- Practical, real-world examples from a place-based approach already in motion
- Ideas to strengthen collaboration, alignment, and impact in your local area
Who Should Attend
- Local government and recreation professionals
- Parks and leisure managers
- Community development and health practitioners
- Anyone working to create more active, connected, and equitable communities
Presenters
David Burns – Founder and CEO of Collective Leisure
David Burns brings 24 years of extensive experience in the sport, leisure, and physical activity sectors, having worked across England and Australia. His career spans Local Government, peak bodies, the private sector, social enterprise and charity sectors, showcasing his versatility and commitment to improving community health and well-being.
David is recognised as a systems leader with a track record of uniting diverse groups and executing projects that benefit underserved communities.
David is the Founder and CEO of Collective Leisure, a certified social enterprise dedicated to reducing health inequity within our communities.
He also the Founder and Convenor of WSYD Moving, a registered Health Promotion Charity leading a whole of system initiative to tackle inactivity and inequity in Western Sydney.
David also serves as the Director of DB Consulting, where he provides capacity building, leadership, and strategic support for Local Government and the Leisure industry.
Michael Wilkins – Chair of WSYD Moving and Director of media advisory Playbook Advice
Michael Wilkins is Chair of WSYD Moving and a director of media advisory Playbook Advice. One of a handful of media executives in Australia with a background in senior journalism combined with commercial, regulatory and employee relations acumen, Michael transformed legacy media into platforms to serve new audiences and created business and cultural change to meet the challenges of one of the most dynamic industries in the world.
He is a former NSW State Political Reporter, Managing Editor of The Daily and Sunday Telegraphs, General Manager of North Queensland Newspapers and Managing Director of News Corp NSW. He led News Corp’s National Sports Network as MD until 2024.