The Kids Research Institute Australia Government Relations Advisor Fiona Roche said the BEACHES project, along with the Play Active project also being undertaken by the PLAYCE team, was a great example of how the Institute is increasingly working in partnership with Government, across a multitude of areas, to inform and influence policy issues and the delivery of services to children and families in the community.
“Professor Carapetis and leading researchers are regularly invited to provide insights and share their expertise through a range of public forums, working groups, and in key meetings with senior Ministers and Government officials,” Ms Roche said.
“Working with Government as a trusted advisor and partner is a critical part of The Kids’ work – making sure our research is useful and used and has the widest possible impact to the community.
Our work on a global level in the world-leading BEACHES report is a case in point. The Kids worked in collaboration with the State Government Department of Transport, together with other key partners, right from the beginning of the research journey.
“Such a partnership model ensures our research is directed to addressing questions that are important to Government, and by working hand in hand with Government at all stages of the research project we can have confidence that we answer the right questions to deliver real outcomes to the community.
“It’s all about presenting the strong evidence base to Government and advocating for them to inform their policies and practices based on that evidence.”
Quick facts
- The Built Environments and Child Health in Wales and Australia (BEACHES) project aims to provide evidence about how built environments contribute to low rates of physical activity and associated health problems, including overweight and obesity.
- The project is examining how more thoughtful, child-friendly planning could improve physical activity and children’s wellbeing.
- BEACHES is a joint initiative between The Kids Research Institute Australia, The University of Western Australia, and Swansea University in Wales, with collaborators from Curtin University, Monash University, The Queensland University of Technology, University of Southern Denmark, WA Department of Local Government, Sports and Cultural Industries, WA Department of Health, WA Department of Transport, WA Local Government Association, Australian Childcare Alliance, Nature Play Australia, Heart Foundation, The PLAY Spaces and Environments for Children’s Physical Activity (PLAYCE) Study, Cancer Council WA, Goodstart Early Learning, Hames Sharley, and the Commissioner for Children and Young People.
- The project is funded by UK Research and Innovation and the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.