iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Lucy Westerman @lucywesterman.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

The Global Week for #Action on #NCDs is ON. Chronic conditions are the main cause of early death & illness in #Australia. We need leaders to invest in promoting health & better care, & to be accountable. Commitments are just the start; action changes lives! #ActOnNCDs #LeadOnNCDs

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Reposted by Lucy Westerman

Melissa Sweet @melissasweetdr.bsky.social · 29/12/2025

“an outcry … calling on the Victorian Government to reverse its decision and save VicHealth but to even go further, and bolster the level of investment it currently receives” onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...

onlinelibrary.wiley.com

VicHealth Is a Health Promotion Exemplar: Evidence Demands Bolstering Investment (Not Eroding It)

Click on the article title to read more.

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Reposted by Lucy Westerman

Dr Tim Read MP @timreadgreens.bsky.social · 29/01/2026

I spoke to the ABC about my recent cancer diagnosis, my decision to step down as Greens MP for Brunswick at the next state election, and my fury at the state Labor Government for slamming the door on preventative health by abolishing VicHealth. (1/2) www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01...

abc.net.au

MP battling cancer says condemned health agency could have saved him

Victorian Greens MP Tim Read reveals he will retire from politics at this year's election after he was diagnosed with metastatic cancer — but not before one last political fight.

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Women's Agenda @womensagenda.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

It’s seen as a “global template for how to get health promotion right,” with 38 years of health promotion work, including on smoking prevention, and the successful This Girl Can initiative. But now the standalone VicHealth is set to be abolished. womensagenda.com.au/latest/eds-b...

womensagenda.com.au

VicHealth axing is a blow to equity, women’s sport and prevention measures

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Reposted by Lucy Westerman

Croakey Health Media @croakeynews.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

Victorian Government faces massive fight over VicHealth bombshell www.croakey.org/victorian-go...

croakey.org

Victorian Government faces massive fight over VicHealth bombshell

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Toyo / Tom @toyoau.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

VicHealth has been a pretty importsnt part of my professional life. I’ve been incredibly grateful for everything I’ve been able to do with them. Disestablishing VicHealth would be a huge misteke for health in this state. savevichealth.org

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Lucy Westerman @lucywesterman.bsky.social · 13/12/2025

🤔 Want to help #SaveVicHealth? 6️⃣ This article lists 6 things you can do. ✍️ Today I wrote to my local MPs to urge them to help keep #VicHealth #independent. 🗺️ No matter where you live in the world, if you care about having a strong VicHealth, your voice can help. 🙋🏽‍♀️ Get involved! #SDOH #CDOH

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Aimee Brownbill @aimeebrownbill.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

Keep VicHealth Independent and Strong for a Healthier Future - Sign the Petition! www.change.org/p/keep-viche... #SaveVicHealth

change.org

Sign the Petition

Keep VicHealth Independent and Strong for a Healthier Future #SaveVicHealth

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🍎 Lisa Brassington @agperiurban.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

Let's be very clear: this is not cost-saving - it's cost-adding. It's a false economy that only makes people sicker. #SaveVicHealth 🎯 Actions • Read Open letter to Premier docs.google.com/document/d/1... • Sign Open letter docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F... • Sign Petition c.org/w9M7r8Y86K #auspol

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🍎 Lisa Brassington @agperiurban.bsky.social · 06/12/2025

#VicHealth needs to maintain a certain level of independence. 🎧 Listen to what an unexpected State budget move means for preventive health more broadly. Guests Rob Moodie, Nicola Roxon & others. Listen to #ABCradio www.abc.net.au/listen/progr... #SaveVicHealth #springst #auspol #health #Victoria

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Reposted by Lucy Westerman

Aurélie Pankowiak, PhD @aureliepanko.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

Open letter to fellow Victorians, from a current #VicHealth Early Career Research fellow (me). Dear Victorians, please help #savevichealth ... Sign the petition here: www.change.org/p/keep-viche... SHARE the petition. Follow Friends of VicHealth on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/frie...

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Difficult & Problematic @fladdle.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

If you think that getting rid of Vic Health is a short-sighted and ultimately costly decision, one thing you can do is sign the petition. #SaveVicHealth #VicPol #SpringSt

change.org

Sign the Petition

Keep VicHealth Independent and Strong for a Healthier Future #SaveVicHealth

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Reposted by Lucy Westerman

Friends of Really Excellent Dentistry (FRED) @fredaustralia.bsky.social · 11/12/2025

This week our Co-Founders Dr Alexandra Jones and @jo-joia-le.bsky.social signed an open letter calling on the Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allan to keep VicHealth independent, strong & fully funded. 🧵 1/6

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Melissa Sweet @melissasweetdr.bsky.social · 11/12/2025

Some interesting comments on the petition to #SaveVicHealth: www.change.org/p/keep-viche...

change.org

Change.org

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Melissa Sweet @melissasweetdr.bsky.social · 11/12/2025

Bookmark this link to track our ongoing coverage of efforts to #SaveVicHealth. www.croakey.org/category/pub... And see some of the comments below:

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Lucy Westerman @lucywesterman.bsky.social · 13/12/2025

3750 people from Australia & 32 other countries have signed a @change.org petition urging the Victorian government to keep global health promotion leader #VicHealth independent, & not ‘absorb’ it into the Dept. of Health. Search #SaveVicHealth to learn why, then sign the petition: c.org/9VZkNDXLDf

c.org

Sign the Petition

Keep VicHealth Independent and Strong for a Healthier Future #SaveVicHealth

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Lucy Westerman @lucywesterman.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

#VicHealth is more than government agency - it’s part of who we are as Victorians, & world leading incubator & innovator for #HealthPromotion & #PublicHealth. But @vicgovau.bsky.social wants to shut it down. Join other friends of VicHealth to raise our voices and #SaveVicHealth c.org/YkpGWMTPfH

c.org

Sign the Petition

Keep VicHealth Independent and Strong for a Healthier Future #SaveVicHealth

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Lucy Westerman @lucywesterman.bsky.social · 03/10/2025

Australia showed up for #HLM4 on #NCDs & #MentalHealth. Hayley Jones (McCabe Centre for Law & Cancer) & I shared a recap with @croakeynews.bsky.social Want to hear more? Join our webinar cohosted w The George Institute on 15 October: georgehub.zoom.us/webinar/regi... #ActOnNCDs #LeadOnNCDs #UNGA80

georgehub.zoom.us

Note: Since your browser does not support JavaScript, you must press the Continue button once to proceed.

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Lucy Westerman @lucywesterman.bsky.social · 24/09/2025

#UNGA80 is underway, the #NCDs & #MentalHealth High Level Mtg is tomorrow & it’s #NCDAlliance’s Global Week for Action. Hayley Jones, Diane Shelton (McCabe) & Veronica LeNevez (TGI) & recapped our recent event on what it looks like to #ActOnNCDs #LeadOnNCDs in Australia actonncds.org/stories/blog...

actonncds.org

Australia’s Role in Global NCD Action highlighted at Parliamentary Event

Get a closer look at how Australia is stepping up to support global action on NCDs, with highlights from a major event at Parliament House. This blog shares inspiring stories, practical strategies, an...

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Lucy Westerman @lucywesterman.bsky.social · 05/09/2025

Australia may be far from the UN, but chronic disease & mental health are shared global challenges. 40+ orgs have backed a call to the Australian Government to act with ambition, ahead of (& beyond) the UN #HLM4 on #NCDs in 3 weeks. 🔗 www.georgeinstitute.org/our-impact/p... #ActOnNCDs #LeadOnNCDs

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Lucy Westerman @lucywesterman.bsky.social · 28/07/2025

With < 2 months to the 4th #UNHLM on #NCDs & #MentalHealth, I’m pleased to be in Canberra as part of the TGI & McCabe team hosting tomorrow’s parliamentary breakfast on Australian leadership to elevate ambition & accelerate action to #ActOnNCDs & #LeadOnNCDs www.georgeinstitute.org/news-and-med...

georgeinstitute.org

Parliamentary Breakfast: Australia's Role in Tackling Global Health Threats

A parliamentary breakfast, hosted by The George Institute for Global Health and the McCabe Centre for Law and Cancer, will be held on Tuesday, 29th July 2025...

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Lucy Westerman @lucywesterman.bsky.social · 08/07/2025

To improve health, we need to stop using the word #lifestyle when discussing disease and risk factors. It oversimplifies complex #health isues, and distracts from broader causes that must be addressed for meaningful change. #ActOnNCDs #LeadOnNCDs #NCDs #UNHLM www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-re...

linkedin.com

Why Retiring the Word "Lifestyle" Would Improve How We Talk About Health

Words matter. And when it comes to discussing health, illness, and risk, one word is particularly problematic: "lifestyle".

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Lucy Westerman @lucywesterman.bsky.social · 07/07/2025

A crucial #4Corners examination of #cancer diagnoses in young people. What is behind it? Understanding can help reduce the impact of #NCDs like cancer for current and future generations, but requires looking beyond 'health' to our environments. Best wishes to those sharing their stories. #ActOnNCDs

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Lucy Westerman @lucywesterman.bsky.social · 04/06/2025

During #WHA78 discussions countries incl Australia expressed high ambitions for the 2025 UN #HLM4 on #NCDs & #MentalHealth. With political declaration negotiations underway, Veronica Le Nevez, Hayley Jones & I share some improvements we hope to see: @croakeynews.bsky.social #LeadOnNCDs #ActOnNCDs

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Lucy Westerman @lucywesterman.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

One of the highlights & most human moments of @australianlabor.bsky.social swearing in ceremony - watching the Governor General Sam Mostyn usher in Anika Well’s three children to see their mum take up comms & sport portfolios. (🤞 for unhealthy marketing & social media reforms!) @albomp.bsky.social

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Reposted by Lucy Westerman

Harry Rutter @harryrutter.bsky.social · 12/05/2025

Excellent @who.int webinar launching their impressive new toolkit for promoting walking and cycling. www.who.int/publications... Great to hear mention of the WHO HEAT tool during the discussion. www.who.int/tools/heat-f...

Screenshot showing Prof Fiona Bull from WHO describing the seven policy action areas in the toolkit:

1. Integrate walking and cycling into all relevant policies Embed walking and cycling objectives across transport, health, environment, education, and tourism policies. Establish clear, measurable targets and crossgovernment coordination mechanisms.

2. Provide safe and connected walking and cycling networks Develop well-connected, well-maintained infrastructure that links homes to key destinations (e.g. schools, transit, workplaces). Integrate green spaces and apply inclusive and sustainable urban design principles.

3. Design inclusive and safe streets for all Use human-centred design principles to create streets that accommodate all users, including pedestrians and cyclists of all ages and abilities. Implement safe system approach to improve road safety including best practice legislation to reduce speed limits where necessary.

4. Improve safe road user behaviour Enforce speed limits, tackle distracted and impaired driving, and promote safe use by all road users.

5. Protect and prioritize walking and cycling Create, maintain and protect allocation of road space to walking and cycling, implement pedestrian zones, and enforce parking regulations.

6. Facilitate integrated transport options Ensure walking and cycling are part of a seamless transport experience through integration with public transport and shared mobility services.

7. Promote and incentivize walking and cycling Create a culture of walking and cycling through communication campaigns, events, financial incentives, and workplace and school programmes.

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Lucy Westerman @lucywesterman.bsky.social · 12/05/2025

Always curious to see who sponsors @politico.com London Playbook dispatches according to what is politically salient, usually used to slip tailored messages to political audiences. This one is that they are global & local, economically important & helping British people to reduce sugar consumption 🤔

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Lucy Westerman @lucywesterman.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

Concluded #Prevention2025 watching the sun set on Parliament House. Thanks @publichealthaus.bsky.social & conference committee for coordinating an interesting program & so many allies to explore how health is political & how that may require alternative approaches to securing solutions to problems.

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Lucy Westerman @lucywesterman.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

In what world would anyone ‘recommend’ any type of alcohol to reduce the risk of one disease knowing it would simultaneously increase the risk of others (like cancer). It’s like tobacco in the 1920s again. A dangerous inference that will be irresponsibly repeated over & over.

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Lucy Westerman @lucywesterman.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

We can’t fix online marketing overnight but we know what needs to be done & have a tobacco act as a model that could be emulated for other sectors (not voluntary). We should also fix an online ad model that thrives in a evolving harmful information ecosystem. #Prevention2025 @kbackholer.bsky.social

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Lucy Westerman @lucywesterman.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

💡 In public health we often consider power in the sense of power ‘over’ but as a sector we have enormous potential if we lean into the concepts of power ‘with’, power ‘to’ and power ‘despite’. - Anne Marie Thow 💪 🤝⚡️Read more: www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti... #Prevention2025

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Lucy Westerman @lucywesterman.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

We have a window of opportunity for public health actors to engage in international trade & investment debates, eg around food. To do this we need to understand & navigate alternative policy paradigms incl through knowledge, legitimacy & public priorities. - Anne Marie Thow #Prevention2025

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Lucy Westerman @lucywesterman.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

Commercial determinants of health #CDOH are broader than naming products that harm, it’s also less visible ways they operate, incl. through trade & investment policy, incl. at international level, using tactics to ‘chill’ & lobby for specific policy. Anne Marie Thow @sydney.edu.au #Prevention2025

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Lucy Westerman @lucywesterman.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

Gambling operators aren’t the only ones benefiting in the gambling ecosystem. Charles Livingstone encourages everyone to think broader when mapping stakeholders, to better understand why and how they interact and influence problem definitions and (enable/obstruct) policy responses. #Prevention2025

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Lucy Westerman @lucywesterman.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

We must fix a distorting #gambling paradigm - ‘problem gambling’ & ‘problem gamblers’ are closely linked to the flawed concept of ‘responsible gambling’ - which blames victims, delays & dilutes regulatory responses. #Prevention2025 Read by Charles Livingstone: theconversation.com/the-responsi...

theconversation.com

The ‘responsible gambling’ mantra does nothing to prevent harm. It probably makes things worse

‘Responsible gambling’ depicts gambling harm as an issue for a small minority of people: so-called problem gamblers.

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Lucy Westerman @lucywesterman.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

In declaring funding and affiliations before presenting, Charles Livingstone @monashuniversity.bsky.social notes that gambling is nowhere near the list and that: “We need to stop taking money from the people contaminating the evidence.” (Same goes for alcohol, UPFs, etc) #Prevention2025 #CDOH

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Lucy Westerman @lucywesterman.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

What does potassium enriched salt look and taste like? Ask Terry Slevin, @publichealthaus.bsky.social who received a jar of a faux-Himalayan version from Bruce Neal @georgeinstitute.bsky.social. Updates requested. #Prevention2025

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Lucy Westerman @lucywesterman.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

Most discretionary salt (~50%) consumed around the world is from salt *added during cooking & at the table*. Ultra processed food is only one part the wider picture. Sodium discussions & solutions must take a wide view of dietary sources. Bruce Neal, @georgeinstitute.bsky.social #Prevention2025

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Lucy Westerman @lucywesterman.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

A practical & pragmatic way to reduce sodium intake is replacing table salt with low sodium, potassium enriched salt, says Bruce Neal, @georgeinstitute.bsky.social. It’s a very promising intervention, but needs to be navigated carefully. #Prevention2025

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Lucy Westerman @lucywesterman.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

Bruce Neal from @georgeinstitute.bsky.social: The world eats too much salt. Why does it matter? High sodium diets contribute to high blood pressure. Hypertension is a risk factor for NCDs incl. stroke, cardiovascular & kidney diseases. But reducing sodium intake is proving hard. #Prevention2025

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Lucy Westerman @lucywesterman.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

On grappling with resistance to change, Fiona Cornworth, ANU, suggests: “slow down to speed up”. Take time to lay the groundwork, gat ducks in order, then move forward. #Prevention2025

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Lucy Westerman @lucywesterman.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

💯: If you don’t innovate, and look at changing the way you are doing things, you will never change the outcome. - Renee Williams, TorresHealth. #Prevention2025

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Lucy Westerman @lucywesterman.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

Thanks to the community leadership embedded in the development & implementation of the Tackling Indigenous Smoking initiative, since 2004 23,000 lives have been saved & there are almost 50,000 fewer daily smokers. It’s a demonstrable success. - Prof Tom Calma. #Prevention2025 tacklingsmoking.org.au

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Lucy Westerman @lucywesterman.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

How are the major parties tracking on commitments to First Nations’ priorities? Tom Calma points to @croakeynews.bsky.social article on 2025 Federal Election scorecards: www.croakey.org/before-votin... Including from ANTAR: antar.org.au/resources/20... #Prevention2025 #AusPol #AustraliaVotes

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Lucy Westerman @lucywesterman.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

Despite Australia’s health system being renowned as being one of the better ones in the world, Universal Health Coverage (UHC) has *still* not been achieved for Aboriginal and a Torres Strait Islander People. #CloseTheGap - Prof Tom Calma. #Prevention2025

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Lucy Westerman @lucywesterman.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

Renee williams, TorresHealth prompts delegates to contemplate: What are we willing to give up to move Australia forward? - Renee Williams, Torres Health #Prevention2025

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Lucy Westerman @lucywesterman.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

The political climate is giving racism permission. But this is not inevitable and must not be tolerated. How to overcome racism & dysfunctional systems, structures & priorities to improve Indigenous health through prevention? Community control works. - Renee Williams, TorresHealth #Prevention2025

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Lucy Westerman @lucywesterman.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

“Indigenous health is not just a technical issue, it’s a political issue.” Disparities are not accidents. They are results of disposition, underinvestment, and struggles for justice, sovereignty and freedom. - Renee Williams, Torres Health Indigenous Corporation #Prevention2025

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