Experts from across the health, government, and academic sectors are meeting today as part of the 2026 NSW Preventive Health Summit to strengthen approaches towards preventive health.
The summit, held in Parramatta over two days, comes as the number of people in NSW aged 85 years and over is projected to almost double between 2026 and 2041, and the number of people living with two or more chronic conditions is expected to markedly increase.
Attendees will focus on identifying opportunities to boost, scale and embed preventive health approaches for people across all stages of life, and keep people healthier for longer. The forum will explore opportunities to boost health and wellbeing outcomes, including opportunities for healthcare professionals to work to the full extent of their training and expertise.
The NSW Government will also release the Health of the People of NSW 2026 Report, which provides a key snapshot of the health of the state's residents and their preventable risk and protective factors.
The Report will support discussions with experts who will explore practical solutions to prevent chronic disease, support mental health and wellbeing and healthy ageing. The Summit will focus on priority population groups and how to address differences in health outcomes.
The Summit forms part of the NSW Government's response to the Special Commission of Inquiry into Healthcare Funding on how to prevent disease and improve health outcomes with a strong focus on health equity for the people of NSW.
NSW Health will prepare a report following the summit which will be presented to the NSW Government.
In the lead up to the summit the Minns Labor Government yesterday announced it will establish a new health hub at Campbelltown. The Hub will deliver non-acute healthcare services such as primary care, preventative care, chronic disease management and early intervention services in one location making it easier for the community to access, to reduce pressures on Liverpool and Campbelltown Hospitals, which are among the busiest in Australia, allowing higher acuity care to be prioritised for those who need it most.
This morning, the Minns Labor Government announced $7.2 million into an early intervention allied health pilot as part of its $35.7 million Aged Care Response Package, to help older patients recover safely at home and avoid prolonged hospital stays.
The Health of the People of NSW 2026 Report is available at the NSW Health website.
More information on the Summit is available at NSW Preventive Health Summit 2026.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"This summit gathers leaders from across the sector. The purpose of this summit is not merely to exchange ideas. It is to challenge assumptions and identify practical actions.
"This includes work underway to expand scope of practice across a range of professions, including paramedics and allied health practitioners. These reforms recognise a simple reality - highly trained health professionals should be empowered to use their skills where they can have the greatest impact.
"Every opportunity to support people in the community is an opportunity to avoid more serious illness and hospitalisation later."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:
"We know the earlier people can get mental health support, the better. No one should have to wait until they're in crisis to get help.
"We're focused on breaking down the barriers that can stop people seeking support, whether that's cost, or simply knowing where to turn.
"Looking after our mental health isn't only about what happens when something goes wrong. Things like eating well, staying active and getting enough sleep can all support our wellbeing, but we also know that in busy lives those things aren't always easy, or even understood as part of looking after our mental health."
Quotes attributable to NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM:
"The NSW Preventive Health Summit will play an important role in bringing together key stakeholders and experts to consider new approaches to supporting preventive health for the people of NSW.
"Strong health and wellbeing starts with prevention and I look forward to seeing the outcomes from the valuable discussions over the next two days.
"This is just one step in building a sustainable health system by identifying practical system-wide solutions to boost health prevention initiatives that will keep people healthier for longer, and reduce pressure on NSW hospitals."
Quotes attributable to NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant:
"It is critical that we strengthen health prevention and early intervention, improve health equity and support all people in NSW to live healthier lives.
"The NSW Preventive Health Summit is an important part of broader health prevention work underway across government, sectors and communities, and I look forward to seeing how discussions at the Summit can further strengthen these efforts."
