Forum coup for Kiama

KATINA CURTIS

IN a coup for Kiama and the Illawarra, the inaugural National Healthy Cities Forum will be held in Kiama next week.

Kiama Council has also been asked to join the International Alliance for Healthy Cities in its own right.

Mayor Sandra McCarthy said she was very excited to be hosting the forum. Cr McCarthy has a long personal history with the movement, having served as president and vice-president of Healthy Cities Illawarra, presented conference papers on the work done in Kiama and attended international conferences.

“There’s a growing movement around the world of healthy and sustainable cities and Kiama is right up with that,” she said.

“I thought (being asked to host the forum) was a wonderful opportunity and that it’s very significant because we are being recognised at an international level.”

She said it was also an opportunity to showcase Kiama Municipality – including local producers, with Cr McCarthy having bought jams from the Gerringong markets to present as gifts to the forum’s speakers.

The forum will look at solutions to the urban challenges facing Healthy Cities in Australia.

The two-day event features a series of inspirational guest speakers, site visits around the Kiama Municipality and a business meeting for the newly formed Australian chapter of the International Alliance for Healthy Cities.

The general manager of Healthy Cities Illawarra, Frank Wallner, said the forum would demonstrate Australia’s commitment to the international movement.

The forum will be held at Jamberoo Valley Lodge and the Harbourside Brighton on Thursday, May 8, and Friday, May 9, with a civic reception for delegates on Wednesday evening. People wishing to attend can contact Healthy Cities Illawarra on 4226 5000.