Local Projects
We connect insights to action across Springfield.
Each project focuses on something that matters in everyday life. From building healthy habits to strengthening social connection and improving access to support.
While each project is local, they are part of a bigger picture. By connecting and learning from these projects over time, we can create meaningful and lasting change across Springfield.
Local projects are practical actions happening across Springfield to support health and wellbeing.
They are shaped by what we are learning from our community and delivered in partnership with local people, schools, services and organisations.
About
Big ideas, real impact.
Our Community Programs and Initiatives
GreenHearts Springfield
We are strengthening the connection between nature, physical activity and health care across Springfield.
GreenHearts focuses on how green spaces can support both movement and wellbeing in everyday life. This includes exploring how parks, walking paths and outdoor environments encourage people to be more active, spend time outside and feel more connected to their surroundings.
Working with local health professionals and other organisations, we are identifying opportunities to connect people with nature and make it easier for people to move in ways that feel enjoyable and sustainable. Over time, this helps create a healthier, more active and more connected Springfield.
To get involved or speak with the research team, email victoria.sullivan@uq.edu.au
LinkMeToHealth
We are making it easier for people to find and connect with health and wellbeing support in Springfield.
LinkMeToHealth is a community-designed app that is freely available and ready to use. It helps people navigate local services in Springfield and discover what is available to them. It brings together information in one place and supports people to take the next step, whether that is seeking advice, joining a program, or accessing care.
By improving how people connect with services, we are helping to reduce barriers and strengthen support across the community.
To get involved or speak with the research team, email d.chua@uq.edu.au
Active Choices
We are supporting veterans in Springfield to stay active, connected and well.
Active Choices focuses on creating opportunities for physical activity that are meaningful, accessible and tailored to veterans’ experiences. This includes working with local organisations and services to understand what supports participation and what may get in the way.
By creating supportive environments through peer coaching and strengthening connections, this project helps veterans engage in physical activity in ways that support both physical and mental wellbeing.
To get involved or speak with the research team, email n.gilson1@uq.edu.au
Places to Connect
We are exploring how to create more opportunities for adults to connect outside of home and work.
Places to Connect focuses on informal, welcoming environments where people can spend time, build relationships and feel part of their community. This includes understanding what types of spaces are needed and how they can be supported.
By strengthening social connection, this work contributes to improved wellbeing and a stronger sense of community.
To get involved or speak with the research team, email s.alidoust@uq.edu.au
Food for the Brain Springfield
We are exploring the connection between food, mental wellbeing and everyday life for Springfield young people.
Food for the Brain Springfield focuses on how nutrition can support how young people feel, think and function. Working with schools, community groups and local partners, we are developing and testing cooking classes as practical ways to improve diet quality in ways that are realistic and sustainable.
This includes building skills, increasing access to healthy food, and supporting confident young people who make healthy choices as easy choices. Over time, this work aims to support both mental and physical wellbeing across the community.
To get involved or speak with the research team, email puiting.wong@uq.edu.au
Community Health Checks
We are bringing simple, accessible health checks into everyday community settings across Springfield.
These pop-up opportunities provide people with a chance to better understand their health, including key indicators linked to long-term wellbeing. Just as importantly, they create a starting point for conversations about health and connect people with the services and support available locally.
By meeting people where they are, we are making it easier to take early, practical steps towards better health.
To get involved or speak with the research team, email callum.baker@uq.edu.au
Helping Those Who Help
We are supporting the wellbeing of the people who support our community - health professionals.
Helping Those Who Help focuses on the nutrition and physical activity. needs of health professionals, who play a vital role in supporting others. This work recognises that healthcare environments, shift work and busy lives can be demanding and that sustained wellbeing through healthy eating and exercise is essential for both individuals and the community as a whole.
We are working with partners to understand needs, identify pressures and develop practical ways to support this workforce over time.
To get involved or speak with the research team, email m.derry@uq.edu.au
Work and Wellbeing
We are working to understand how work patterns and financial pressures affect health and wellbeing in Springfield.
This includes exploring the experiences of people who are balancing multiple jobs or facing ongoing financial stress. We are identifying how these realities shape health behaviours, access to care and overall wellbeing.
By building a clearer picture of these challenges, we can inform practical actions that better support people in their everyday lives.
To get involved or speak with the research team, email i.koomson@uq.edu.au
Smoke-Free Springfield
We are supporting a healthier, smoke-free community across Springfield.
This work focuses on understanding local experiences of smoking and vaping, and strengthening support for people who want to quit. We are working with community members, services and partners to identify barriers, improve access to support, and create environments that make healthier choices easier.
By combining local insight with practical action, we are contributing to long-term reductions in smoking and improvements in community health.
To get involved or speak with the research team, email alifa.wijaya@uq.edu.au
Food Sharing Springfield
We are strengthening access to food while building connection across the community.
Food Sharing Springfield supports local initiatives that redistribute food, reduce waste and make healthy food more accessible. These activities bring people together and create the networks and opportunities needed for sharing, learning and supporting one another.
This work recognises that food is not just about nutrition. It is also about connection, dignity and community wellbeing.
To get involved or speak with the team, email breanna.lepre@mater.uq.edu.au
Community Gardens in Springfield
We are supporting community gardens as spaces for connection, learning and access to fresh food.
These gardens provide opportunities for people to grow food, share knowledge and spend time together outdoors. They also contribute to local food systems and support healthier eating.
By strengthening and connecting these spaces, we are helping to build more connected, resilient neighbourhoods across Springfield.
To get involved or speak with the research team, email cchw@uq.edu.au
More to come…
We are constantly working to expand our scope and provide more local programs to those who live, work, and play in Springfield.
To get involved or speak with the research team, email cchw@uq.edu.au