Better Futures Now: Leisure, Health and Wellbeing

At Western Sydney University we take leisure seriously. We understand that leisure is essential to health and community wellbeing, and as such is a human right. We also understand that leisure is a major economic driver and provides a range of career options across numerous sectors. This Research Week Event which is supported by the Health and Wellbeing Research Theme Program will provide an opportunity to learn about the work of scholars and practitioners from different disciplinary fields on how we can capitalise on the benefits of engagement in sport, arts, music, creative practice, culture, festivals, play, tourism, recreation, and physical activity for health and wellbeing.

This event will provide an opportunity to hear from experts, ask questions and meet other researchers and practitioners from health, business, social sciences, urban planning, education, psychology, medicine, youth studies, and cultural studies who are interested in the benefits of leisure for health and wellbeing and serve as a catalyst for future supported research endeavours.

Moderated by Professor Toni Rossi, the panel members for this event

1. Professor David Rowe. Title of presentation: From Devil’s Hands to Healthy Minds and Bodies: A Social Scientific History of the Concept of Leisure
   
2. Professor Joseph Cheer. Title of presentation: Human flourishing: A conceptual touchstone toward well-being indicators for tourism destination communities
3. Professor Nicky Morrison. Title of presentation: Making the case to open up waterways for swimming
4. Professor Tonia Gray. Title of presentation: The Lost Art of Risk Taking
5. Dr Sandra Garrido. Title of presentation: Music Listening as Leisure: The Effect on Wellbeing

Join us for afternoon tea and networking from 3:30 to 4pm