Pathways to improve active lives

The Department of Transport's Active Transport branch played a key role in this year’s Asia-Pacific Society for Physical Activity (ASPA) Conference combined with the Australian Walking and Cycling Conference which saw delegates from across Australia and overseas came together for three-days to explore innovative ways to advance physical activity.

Seven presentations were delivered by the team, themed around how to support active lives through urban planning, policies and practice.

DoT Director Active Transport Michelle Prior also provided a keynote address, speaking to the conference theme ‘Pathways to Impact’ and the importance of leadership, influence and opportunity for community initiatives and programs.

“The sharing and learnings from this year’s ASPA conference have been invaluable,” Michelle said.

“This year we celebrate 10 years of the WA Bicycle Network Plan, and the conference provided a platform to profile much of the work and collective outcomes during that time.

“Having the conference hosted in Perth was also a great opportunity to show off our city centre which offers a vibrant space for active exploration, whether people walk, wheel or ride.”

Some attendees were lucky enough to enjoy the sights and sounds of Matagarup and the Derbarl Yerrigan, with a ‘walk and talk’ and trishaw ride hosted by the Active Transport team together with the Heart Foundation.

As part of the activity, Whadjuk Boodja Traditional Owner Karen Jacobs shared insights about how the Matagarup Elders Group, of which she is a member, informed the design of the soon-to-be-opened Boorloo Bridge (Causeway Pedestrian and Cyclist Bridges), a transformational landmark that will be a beacon for active travel and our region’s rich Aboriginal culture.
 

Conference attendees participating in the ‘Walk and Talk the Matagarup, Boorloo’ session, enjoying trishaw rides and hearing from Whadjuk Boodja Traditional Owner Karen Jacobs.