Queensland communities transforming food and drink environments at A Better Choice Conference
On Tuesday, 19 August 2025, Queensland’s food and beverage landscape marked a shift toward healthier choices for schools, sports clubs and healthcare settings as national experts and members of the community gathered in for the A Better Choice Conference.
Held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, this full-day event focused on transforming food and drink environments within our schools, sports clubs, and healthcare settings. Hosted by Health and Wellbeing Queensland, the Queensland Government’s prevention agency, the conference inspired and highlighted successful strategies for encouraging healthier eating habits across the state.
The event brought together changemakers, including health professionals, educators, sports leaders, community volunteers and policymakers, with the shared goal of creating environments supporting nutritional choices.
Dr Robyn Littlewood, Chief Executive of Health and Wellbeing Queensland, expressed the importance of shaping the places where people, particularly children and families, spend their time.
‘Healthy food environments matter, they shape what’s available, what’s promoted, and ultimately what people consume,’ she said. ‘This conference brings together inspiring real-world examples of how policy and practical action can work hand in hand to improve health and wellbeing across Queensland.’
The day’s agenda featured a variety of interactive panels, success stories, and expert speakers, with each segment addressing different facets of food policy and its role in improving public health. One of the key highlights was the discussion on how food outlets in healthcare, schools, and sports canteens have successfully transformed to offer healthier options, even when working with limited resources.
Conference highlights
Health and Wellbeing Queensland’s Pick Me campaign, a demonstrated strategy that boosts healthier food and drink choices, was a focal point of the conference. Attendees also learned about digital platforms designed to nudge consumers toward better menu options, and a business case for retail outlets selling healthier items.
One popular segment of the conference was led by Adam Ferrier, a marketing expert and behavioural psychologist. As the Founder of Thinkerbell Agency and a regular guest on ABC TV’s Gruen, Mr Ferrier shared evidence-based insights on how behavioural science can drive powerful and lasting changes in consumer choices. His talk helped attendees better understand how to influence behaviour and promote healthier eating habits within their retail environments.
‘This is a day of practical ideas, lived experiences, and powerful motivation for anyone working to create healthier food environments,’ Dr Littlewood noted.
The event featured inspiring success stories from regional health services that have implemented healthier changes to food outlets, as well as schools and sporting clubs that have made strides in improving nutrition despite tight budget constraints.
The conference encouraged attendees to implement the lessons learned and continue working towards healthier food choices in their own sectors. The A Better Choice program, which supported the event, is part of Health and Wellbeing Queensland’s broader purpose to align food and drink supply with the national health guidelines across the state.
