Impact today.

A health legacy for tomorrow.

Established in 2019 as the state’s dedicated prevention agency, Health and Wellbeing Queensland delivers high impact programs and initiatives, easing pressure on the health system and creating a legacy of a healthier Queensland. 

What we know

Investing in prevention is good economics

Prevention is a solution for today. Chronic disease rates are increasing, contributing to the need for hospital admissions in Queensland.1 The number of chronic conditions per person is also increasing; if left unchecked, costs will continue to increase. The good news is almost 40% of the disease burden in Australia could be avoided or reduced through prevention.2 

Queensland adults live with overweight or obesity3
0 in 3
predicted cost of obesity to Australian economy within 40 years4
$ 200 b
of all deaths are caused by chronic disease5
0 %
of awarded grants by Health and Wellbeing Queensland5
$ 47 m

What we do

Innovative models of care

Health and Wellbeing Queensland have embedded initiatives in every region from the Torres and Cape to the Gold Coast. From health education and health checks to programs supporting healthy behaviours, Health and Wellbeing Queensland have seen a big impact through our innovative pilots and program partners, delivering real health impact for Queenslanders.

Our governance

Health and Wellbeing Queensland was established on 1 July 2019 as an independent statutory body within the portfolio of the Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services to improve the health and wellbeing of the Queensland population. 

Our approach

Contributing to a stronger health system and a healthier Queensland

Health and Wellbeing Queensland’s approach sees impact for today and tomorrow. Programs in urban and regional communities take the pressure off the health system, while initiatives and partnerships provide a pathway to a health legacy. 

Our Strategic Plan

The strategic plan sets the direction and priority objectives for Health and Wellbeing Queensland to achieve our vision of Making Healthy Happen for Queensland.

Our Reconciliation Action Plan

Reconciliation is a responsibility requiring ongoing attention to what respect, relationships, and opportunities mean to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Our performance

Our performance is measured against our strategic plan and reported in our annual reports, which outline our progress and outcomes achieved.

Education in prevention

Health and Wellbeing Queensland’s University Student Engagement Program is our commitment to developing professionals who will drive innovation and excellence in health and wellbeing. 

Since 2021, more than 100 students have joined our program for real-world experience, mentoring and collaboration on projects to make a difference.

Research and impact

At Health and Wellbeing Queensland, research plays a vital role in shaping effective prevention initiatives. It underpins our work to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for people in Queensland communities.   

Our impact

Prevention for the here and now

Our greatest strength is assisting people in starting and maintaining healthy behaviours around physical activity and healthy eating, and connecting them to federally funded primary care and other services. By linking people to these prevention services early, they avoid a hospital stay.

Fewer hospital admissions
Fewer bed days
Lower future services demand
Healthier Queenslanders

Media and news

Explore recent articles

Read the latest Health and Wellbeing Queensland news, opinions and media releases.

Corporate information

As part of our commitment to accountability and transparency, we publish registers relating to corporate gifts. Public service employees cannot be offered, accept, or give gifts and benefits that affect, could affect or be perceived to affect them doing their jobs impartially. 

Sources

  1. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Health conditions prevalence [Internet]. Canberra: ABS; 2022 [cited 2026 May 15]. Available from: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/health-conditions-prevalence/latest-release.
  2.  Australia Institute of Health and Welfare. Australian burden of disease study 2024 [Internet]. AIHW; 2024 [updated 2024 Dec 12; cited 2026 May 12]. Available from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/burden-of-disease/australian-burden-of-disease-study-2024/contents/about.
  3. Australian Bureau of Statistics. National health survey [Internet]. Canberra: ABS; 2022 [cited 2026 May 15]. Available from: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/national-health-survey/latest-release.
  4. The Obesity Collective. Obesity in Australia: a time for action [Internet]2024 [cited 2026 May 15]. Available from https://theobesitycollective.org.au/2024/03/a-time-for-action-new-obesity-collective-report/Reference details.
  5. Australia Institute of Health and Welfare. Chronic disease [Internet]. AIHW; 2024 [updated 2024 June 17; cited 2026 May 12]. Available from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/chronic-conditions.