About the project

In 2023 following a successful application for funding, a collaborative partnership was established between the Westmead Health Precinct and the Safer Cities program, a state-wide program funded by Transport for NSW.

 The aim of the project was to deliver initiatives that help make Westmead feel safer and more welcoming for all people, but in particular for women, girls and gender diverse people.

'Walk' shops

The project began in August 2023 and included an extensive consultation and engagement process including surveys, ‘walk' shops with staff, students and the community. The purpose of this was to identify potential areas of concern across Westmead.

The Safer Cities Program brought people together from all organisations at Westmead, investigating and then co-designing interventions to make it a safer place for everyone.

Ingrid Mikulec
Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD)

Co-designed solutions

After the initial investigations (surveys and 'walk' shops), solutions were co-designed for the identified areas.

Place-based interventions

In August 2024, several place-based improvements were installed across Westmead, including:

  • An upgraded pathway, including new handrails and lighting upgrades near Entrance 4 at Westmead Hospital.
  •  New footpaths and crossings to improve pedestrian safety near Westmead Hospital’s staff car parking, including new decorative light features.

Staff and community engagement

In September 2024, the Westmead Health Precinct hosted the ‘Chalk up Westmead’ event, a chalk drawing day for staff and the community to celebrate the launch of place-based interventions unveiled as part of the Safer Cities program.

More than 100 people participated at multiple locations, encouraged to draw ‘what safety means to them’. The result was a myriad of drawings featuring green spaces, community, love, bike paths, lighting and more. The event proved to be a fun and engaging way to have important discussions about safety, share the great work that’s happened, and think about what more can be done – at Westmead and beyond.

Discover more