Celebrating One Year of Pasifika Moving
Collective Leisure is proud to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Pasifika Moving a culturally responsive physical activity and wellbeing program led by and for Pasifika women in Western Sydney.
As the lead organisation of a passionate consortium that includes Western Sydney Local Health District, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Wesley Mission, and Blacktown City Council, and with support from local groups like the Pacific Islands Mt Druitt Action Network (PIMDAN), we are honoured to support this grassroots movement that continues to grow in strength, purpose, and impact.
Born from a structured co-design process (see publication on this process here: HPI Publication) Pasifika Moving was created to address the specific needs and aspirations of Pasifika mums. Over the past 12 months, the weekly program at Emerton Youth Recreation Centre has offered a safe, welcoming space that provides movement-based sessions, while integrating core Pasifika values and practices, such as, Pasifika music, faith, food, laughter and peer support. The program also provides free childcare removing a key barrier to participation and enabling women to prioritise their health.
Since its inception, Pasifika Moving has supported Pasifika women across the age spectrum to feel more connected, confident, and physically active all while celebrating their culture. The initiative was proudly recognised as a finalist for both the 2025 Parks and Leisure NSW/ACT Community Initiative of the Year and the 2025 ZEST Award for Outstanding Project CALD Communities.
We are also pleased to share that a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with Healthicare, a GP Health Hub at the Blacktown Exercise, Sports and Technology Hub. Healthicare will promote the program and deliver health education, mental health support, and social prescribing for Pasifika mums—further strengthening the program’s holistic approach and improving healthcare access for Pasifika communities.
As we celebrate this milestone, we acknowledge the remarkable Pasifika women who have co-designed and led this initiative with courage, compassion, and cultural pride. Their leadership is shaping a healthier, more connected future for their families and communities.
Here’s to the first year of Pasifika Moving and the beginning of many more. Led by culture, powered by community, and uplifted by Pasifika women.