The annual Health Hackathon returned to Westmead Hospital in June, bringing together bright young minds from Western Sydney schools to take charge of a healthier future for their communities.
This two-day event is led by the Prevention Education and Research Unit (PERU), a division of the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) and proudly funded by the Western Sydney Primary Health Network (WSPHN), WentWest.
Initiatives like the Health Hackathon give students valuable insights into the evolving health challenges facing Western Sydney. They also provide a platform for students to co-design innovative health solutions – all while inspiring them to consider careers in health and wellbeing.
WentWest representatives Simon Jarvis, Provider Success Manager, and Dr Michael Fasher, Clinical Director, were among those in attendance and impressed by the students’ enthusiasm and leadership.
“WentWest is proud to be a long-term partner with PERU and a long-term investor in its work. These young people’s newfound leadership is contributing to the culture of their schools. Evidence tells us that this engagement in their school communities is a positive determinant of their own lifelong health and wellbeing,” said Dr Fasher.
A new highlight this year was the Speed Networking session. This gave students the opportunity to connect directly with a diverse range of health professionals – from doctors and nurses to allied health, public health, and digital health leaders.
Congratulations to Model Farms High School and Blacktown Girls High School, who shared first place with their winning presentations!
If you’d like to get involved and learn more about other PERU programs, visit the PERU website: https://peru-programs.sydney.edu.au/