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Speaking at the 2023 GWS Future Health Forum, delivered by the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue in partnership with local health districts, The Hon. Ryan Park MP said the investment was critical to support a sustainable healthcare system in Sydney’s booming West.

“Greater Western Sydney is one of our state’s fastest growing regions and will be home to more than six million people by 2041,” Mr Park said.

“As the communities of Greater Western Sydney grow, the NSW Government is committed to ensuring their essential services, like healthcare, grow with them.

“That’s why we have committed a landmark $3 billion towards new and upgraded hospitals across Greater Western Sydney – delivering 600 new hospital beds across the region and the first new adult public hospital to be built in Western Sydney in 40 years, at Rouse Hill.”

“This historic investment will boost the health system’s capacity to meet the long-term needs of this fast-growing region, but we also recognise we need to support the healthcare needs of these communities now, which is why we’re focussed on relieving pressure on our hospital emergency departments.”

Held at Commbank Stadium in Parramatta and attended by more than 300 local health practitioners, leading academics, industry and community stakeholders, the annual conference discussed opportunities in the care economy in Greater Western Sydney, the importance of creating active and healthy communities, and creating hospital infrastructure to support contemporary healthcare models and attract and retain top talent.

Adam Leto, Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue CEO, welcomed the focus on providing tailored healthcare services to meet the growing and diverse needs of one of Australia’s fastest-growing populations.

“It is critical that we continue to take a holistic approach to providing the healthcare services the communities of the West need and, importantly, to plan for future needs,” Mr Leto said.

“Today we brought together leading experts to shine a light on the critical health issues impacting Western Sydney, as well as the medical research opportunities that will ensure we’re on track for the region to be a world leader in innovation and continue to create local jobs.”

Key issues explored during the forum’s speeches, panel sessions and presentations included:

• Understanding the role of planning, design, transport and amenity in improving health outcomes
• The role of sport in improving community health outcomes, and leveraging the private sector for grass-roots growth
• Infrastructure and services needed to help safeguard communities from the effects of extreme heat
• Untapped opportunities within the care economy to spark productivity, improve efficiencies and address cost-of-living pressures
• Attracting investment, supporting research innovation health and retaining talent in Western Sydney.

The Forum was supported by the Greater Western Sydney Health Partnership, established by South Western Sydney, Western Sydney and Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health Districts in 2019 to understand and address the health needs of Greater Western Sydney’s communities.

At the event, Dialogue Chairman Christopher Brown AM presented the Patrons’ Prize for Corporate Civic Leadership to Richard Alcock AO, former Chair of the Western Sydney Local Health District, and the Chairman’s Prize for Public Administration and Corporate Civic Leadership to Kay Hyman, former Chief Executive, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, and Amanda Larkin, former Chief Executive, South Western Sydney Local Health District.

“It was an honour to recognise the invaluable contribution of these distinguished healthcare leaders,” Mr Brown said.

“Their tireless efforts and professionalism have enriched the region’s health services, while their leadership has inspired the next generation to continue to advocate for the communities of Greater Western Sydney.”