Centre launch to boost city’s health

Research into the health of Ipswich will be under the spotlight this week at the official launch of the Healthy Communities Research Centre at The University of Queensland’s Ipswich Campus.

Government, community, business and university representatives will attend the launch of the Centre, which will be officially opened by the Mayor of the City of Ipswich, Cr Paul Pisasale this Friday, August 8.

In operation under 12 months, the Centre is becoming well-established within the University and the Ipswich community for its contributions to practical day-to-day research solutions for a healthier lifestyle.

Healthy Communities Research Centre Director Professor Robert Bush said the Centre was fortunate to have the support of the people of Ipswich through the Ipswich Hospital Foundation, which has generated a sense of ownership and enthusiasm for local research being undertaken by the Centre.

Professor Bush said he aimed to see the Ipswich Campus as an international hub of health research focusing on promoting well-being and avoiding preventable diseases such as heart disease and type-two diabetes.

“We’re already beginning to see outcomes,” he said.

“Health researchers from across The University of Queensland and further afield have already been collaborating with local Ipswich organisations gathering information on different approaches to healthy workplace practices.

“It is important to promote well-being at a practical community level with the aid of quality health science research, at an international level.”

Cr Paul Pisasale said Ipswich City Council was highly supportive of the research being conducted by the Healthy Communities Research Centre.

“Ipswich wants to be known as Australia’s healthiest community and the research centre will help our city to reach that goal,” Cr Pisasale said.

“We will work together in partnership with the Healthy Communities Research Centre to help our City reach that goal.”

The official opening of the Healthy Communities Research Centre will be held from 12pm on Friday, August 8 in Building 1, The University of Queensland’s Ipswich Campus, Salisbury Road, Ipswich.

Media: Contact UQ Ipswich Marketing Manager Loretta Porche on 0418 772 819 or l.porche@uq.edu.au