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HMS, HAG NSE-Bank 28

Refer to the information below as well as your own knowledge to answer the question.

City X is an urban area with a large number of young people, aged 10–24. The infographic provides information about City X.

To what extent could the application of Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education assist in improving the health status of young people in City X?   (12 marks)

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Judgment Statement

  • SDG 3 and SDG 4 can significantly improve the health, wellbeing and opportunities of young people in City X by increasing access to education, employment and health knowledge, although improvements depend on greater participation in tertiary education and positive health behaviours.

Educational and Employment Impact

  • The infographic shows that City X has high academic results in secondary school which are not reflected in participation in tertiary education.
  • SDG 4 supports young people to have equal access to all levels of education, which is particularly important given City X has a high migrant population, some of whom may speak languages other than English at home.
  • Increasing participation in tertiary education and relevant workplace training can improve employment opportunities and income.
  • Increased and stable incomes can support healthy eating and physical activity, increase the ability to access and afford healthcare services, and reduce stress.
  • Therefore, increased educational attainment can lead to positive health and welfare outcomes and support the fulfilment of SDG targets.

Health Literacy and Disease Prevention

  • SDG 3 and SDG 4 can also improve health outcomes by increasing health literacy and knowledge.
  • Greater education can improve understanding of the importance of immunisation and vaccination programs.
  • This can reduce the risks, health issues and mortality rates associated with communicable diseases.
  • Education can also increase a person’s ability to effectively use health information and increase the likelihood of engaging in positive health behaviours.

Physical Activity and Recreational Behaviour

  • The data reflects low participation in recreational activity, which can be addressed through SDG 3’s promotion of healthy lifestyles and prevention of premature mortality.
  • Greater participation in tertiary education can lead to greater employment opportunities and income, providing young people with the education and resources to choose a healthy diet and engage in physical activity through initiatives such as community sport.
  • This can reduce the risk of health issues and mortality associated with obesity.
  • The data also reflects a high proportion of unsafe recreational activity. SDG 3 supports safer recreational activities by preventing substance abuse and smoking, while SDG 4 can improve education and employment opportunities.
  • Together, these can reduce individual and family stress and reliance on harmful drugs and unsafe recreational activities.

Reaffirmation

  • Therefore, SDG 3 and SDG 4 can improve the health and wellbeing of young people in City X to a significant extent.
  • Increasing participation in tertiary education can improve employment, income, health literacy and access to healthcare while encouraging healthier behaviours and safer recreational activities.
  • The connection between SDG 3 and SDG 4 demonstrates that improved educational opportunities can contribute substantially to better health and wellbeing outcomes.
Show Worked Solution

Judgment Statement

  • SDG 3 and SDG 4 can significantly improve the health, wellbeing and opportunities of young people in City X by increasing access to education, employment and health knowledge, although improvements depend on greater participation in tertiary education and positive health behaviours.

Educational and Employment Impact

  • The infographic shows that City X has high academic results in secondary school which are not reflected in participation in tertiary education.
  • SDG 4 supports young people to have equal access to all levels of education, which is particularly important given City X has a high migrant population, some of whom may speak languages other than English at home.
  • Increasing participation in tertiary education and relevant workplace training can improve employment opportunities and income.
  • Increased and stable incomes can support healthy eating and physical activity, increase the ability to access and afford healthcare services, and reduce stress.
  • Therefore, increased educational attainment can lead to positive health and welfare outcomes and support the fulfilment of SDG targets.

Health Literacy and Disease Prevention

  • SDG 3 and SDG 4 can also improve health outcomes by increasing health literacy and knowledge.
  • Greater education can improve understanding of the importance of immunisation and vaccination programs.
  • This can reduce the risks, health issues and mortality rates associated with communicable diseases.
  • Education can also increase a person’s ability to effectively use health information and increase the likelihood of engaging in positive health behaviours.

Physical Activity and Recreational Behaviour

  • The data reflects low participation in recreational activity, which can be addressed through SDG 3’s promotion of healthy lifestyles and prevention of premature mortality.
  • Greater participation in tertiary education can lead to greater employment opportunities and income, providing young people with the education and resources to choose a healthy diet and engage in physical activity through initiatives such as community sport.
  • This can reduce the risk of health issues and mortality associated with obesity.
  • The data also reflects a high proportion of unsafe recreational activity. SDG 3 supports safer recreational activities by preventing substance abuse and smoking, while SDG 4 can improve education and employment opportunities.
  • Together, these can reduce individual and family stress and reliance on harmful drugs and unsafe recreational activities.

Reaffirmation

  • Therefore, SDG 3 and SDG 4 can improve the health and wellbeing of young people in City X to a significant extent.
  • Increasing participation in tertiary education can improve employment, income, health literacy and access to healthcare while encouraging healthier behaviours and safer recreational activities.
  • The connection between SDG 3 and SDG 4 demonstrates that improved educational opportunities can contribute substantially to better health and wellbeing outcomes.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 021

Describe TWO strategies a local council could implement to promote SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) for improving youth mental health, including indicators of success.   (4 marks)

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Strategy 1: Create youth-specific public spaces

  • Councils should build infrastructure such as skate parks, basketball courts and quiet zones with free Wi-Fi.
  • These spaces provide safe, accessible environments for social connection, physical activity and stress relief.
  • Success can be measured through electronic usage data, reduced vandalism rates in surrounding areas, youth satisfaction surveys and increased physical activity levels among local young people.

Strategy 2: Develop connected walking and cycling paths

  • These types of initiatives should prioritise linking schools, youth centres and residential areas and have adequate lighting and safety features.
  • This promotes active transport, reduces isolation and creates opportunities for incidental social interactions.
  • Success indicators could include hard data on increased pedestrian/cyclist counts or mental health presentations to emergency departments of young people.
  • Surveys could also be used as evidence of success by showing improved perceptions of neighbourhood safety.
Show Worked Solution

Strategy 1: Create youth-specific public spaces

  • Councils should build infrastructure such as skate parks, basketball courts and quiet zones with free Wi-Fi.
  • These spaces provide safe, accessible environments for social connection, physical activity and stress relief.
  • Success can be measured through electronic usage data, reduced vandalism rates in surrounding areas, youth satisfaction surveys and increased physical activity levels among local young people.

Strategy 2: Develop connected walking and cycling paths

  • These types of initiatives should prioritise linking schools, youth centres and residential areas and have adequate lighting and safety features.
  • This promotes active transport, reduces isolation and creates opportunities for incidental social interactions.
  • Success indicators could include hard data on increased pedestrian/cyclist counts or mental health presentations to emergency departments of young people.
  • Surveys could also be used as evidence of success by showing improved perceptions of neighbourhood safety.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 020

Outline how a social media campaign could be used to advocate for SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing) in reducing youth vaping rates and how its effectiveness could be measured in the short and longer term.   (3 marks)

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  • A social media campaign could enlist peer influencers who share personal stories about quitting vaping and suggest healthier alternatives.
  • Effectiveness in the short term can be measured through engagement metrics including likes, shares, comments and pre/post campaign surveys on vaping attitudes.
  • Effectiveness in the longer term can look at youth vaping statistics in the local region, school-based data on vaping incidents and health service usage for vaping-related issues as evidence of behaviour change.
Show Worked Solution
  • A social media campaign could enlist peer influencers who share personal stories about quitting vaping and suggest healthier alternatives.
  • Effectiveness in the short term can be measured through engagement metrics including likes, shares, comments and pre/post campaign surveys on vaping attitudes.
  • Effectiveness in the longer term can look at youth vaping statistics in the local region, school-based data on vaping incidents and health service usage for vaping-related issues as evidence of behaviour change.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 019

During a school placement at the local hospital, 16-year-old James observes that young people presenting to emergency with mental health crises often wait 8-10 hours before receiving appropriate care.

Describe a multi-level advocacy approach James could develop to address the lack of youth mental health services in his regional community.   (4 marks)

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Individual level:

  • James could collect stories from young people about long wait times, showing the real impact of delayed care on wellbeing and recovery.

Community level:

  • He could partner with local schools, youth groups and parents to raise awareness, organising forums or petitions calling for improved mental health services.

Government level:

  • James could present evidence and community voices to local MPs and health authorities, advocating for funding of initiatives like headspace services and youth-specific crisis teams.

Media level:

  • Using local newspapers and social media campaigns, he could highlight inequities in regional care and build broader public support.
Show Worked Solution

Individual level:

  • James could collect stories from young people about long wait times, showing the real impact of delayed care on wellbeing and recovery.

Community level:

  • He could partner with local schools, youth groups and parents to raise awareness, organising forums or petitions calling for improved mental health services.

Government level:

  • James could present evidence and community voices to local MPs and health authorities, advocating for funding of initiatives like headspace services and youth-specific crisis teams.

Media level:

  • Using local newspapers and social media campaigns, he could highlight inequities in regional care and build broader public support.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 018

Sarah, a 17-year-old student from Western Sydney, notices her grandmother frequently misses medical appointments because the closest specialist is two hours away by public transport. After researching, she discovers many elderly residents in her multicultural community face similar barriers, with some avoiding healthcare entirely due to language difficulties and transport costs.

Describe THREE strategies Sarah could implement to advocate for improved healthcare access in her community. Consider both immediate actions and long-term systemic changes.   (5 marks)

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Immediate action:

  • Organise a community transport network.
  • Sarah could coordinate with local churches, community centres and youth groups to establish a volunteer driver program. Volunteers would provide transport to medical appointments for elderly residents.
  • She could create a simple booking system using social media or phone calls to match drivers with those needing assistance.

Medium-term advocacy:

  • Partner with medical students for language support.
  • Sarah could contact Western Sydney University’s medical program to recruit bilingual students as interpreters.
  • These students could accompany elderly patients to appointments, gaining clinical experience while addressing language barriers. This creates a sustainable model benefiting both parties.

Longer-term advocacy:

  • Sarah could document the health impacts of poor specialist access through surveys and case studies and present the data to local government
  • By presenting this evidence at council meetings and to the local MP, she could advocate for mobile specialist clinics or telehealth hubs in community centres.
  • This initiative would permanently improve healthcare accessibility for her community.
Show Worked Solution

Immediate action:

  • Organise a community transport network.
  • Sarah could coordinate with local churches, community centres and youth groups to establish a volunteer driver program. Volunteers would provide transport to medical appointments for elderly residents.
  • She could create a simple booking system using social media or phone calls to match drivers with those needing assistance.

Medium-term advocacy:

  • Partner with medical students for language support.
  • Sarah could contact Western Sydney University’s medical program to recruit bilingual students as interpreters.
  • These students could accompany elderly patients to appointments, gaining clinical experience while addressing language barriers. This creates a sustainable model benefiting both parties.

Longer-term advocacy:

  • Sarah could document the health impacts of poor specialist access through surveys and case studies and present the data to local government
  • By presenting this evidence at council meetings and to the local MP, she could advocate for mobile specialist clinics or telehealth hubs in community centres.
  • This initiative would permanently improve healthcare accessibility for her community.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 014

Discuss two challenges faced by Australian communities in achieving equitable health outcomes in an urban environment and the strategies that could address these disparities.   (6 marks)

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Challenge 1: Socioeconomic disparities

  • [P] Low-income urban residents face significant barriers to accessing quality healthcare.
  • [E] This occurs because private healthcare costs too much for disadvantaged populations while public services experience long wait times.
  • [Ev] Western Sydney residents have lower median incomes and poorer health outcomes than affluent eastern suburbs.
  • [L] This demonstrates how income inequality directly impacts health equity in cities.

Strategy: Implement community health hubs in disadvantaged areas

  • [P] Establishing integrated health centres addresses multiple barriers simultaneously.
  • [E] These hubs combine medical services, mental health support and preventive programs in accessible locations.
  • [Ev] Illawarra’s Healthy Cities initiatives show multi-service approaches improve engagement.
  • [L] This holistic strategy reduces health disparities.

Challenge 2: Cultural barriers limiting healthcare access

  • [P] Culturally diverse urban populations often underutilise mainstream health services.
  • [E] Language barriers and cultural misunderstandings prevent effective healthcare delivery.
  • [Ev] ATSI Peoples report lower satisfaction with healthcare despite availability.
  • [L] Cultural competency gaps create inequitable health outcomes.

Strategy: Develop culturally responsive healthcare services

  • [P] Training healthcare workers in cultural competency improves service delivery.
  • [E] This ensures providers understand diverse health beliefs and communication styles.
  • [Ev] Employing bilingual health workers and interpreters increases service utilisation.
  • [L] In this way, culturally appropriate care reduces barriers and improves health equity.
Show Worked Solution

Challenge 1: Socioeconomic disparities

  • [P] Low-income urban residents face significant barriers to accessing quality healthcare.
  • [E] This occurs because private healthcare costs too much for disadvantaged populations while public services experience long wait times.
  • [Ev] Western Sydney residents have lower median incomes and poorer health outcomes than affluent eastern suburbs.
  • [L] This demonstrates how income inequality directly impacts health equity in cities.

Strategy: Implement community health hubs in disadvantaged areas

  • [P] Establishing integrated health centres addresses multiple barriers simultaneously.
  • [E] These hubs combine medical services, mental health support and preventive programs in accessible locations.
  • [Ev] Illawarra’s Healthy Cities initiatives show multi-service approaches improve engagement.
  • [L] This holistic strategy reduces health disparities.

Challenge 2: Cultural barriers limiting healthcare access

  • [P] Culturally diverse urban populations often underutilise mainstream health services.
  • [E] Language barriers and cultural misunderstandings prevent effective healthcare delivery.
  • [Ev] ATSI Peoples report lower satisfaction with healthcare despite availability.
  • [L] Cultural competency gaps create inequitable health outcomes.

Strategy: Develop culturally responsive healthcare services

  • [P] Training healthcare workers in cultural competency improves service delivery.
  • [E] This ensures providers understand diverse health beliefs and communication styles.
  • [Ev] Employing bilingual health workers and interpreters increases service utilisation.
  • [L] In this way, culturally appropriate care reduces barriers and improves health equity.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 013

Outline three strategies that could be used to advocate for improved health outcomes in a rural Australian community.   (3 marks)

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Answers could include any three of the following:

  • Establish community health committees that bring together local residents, healthcare workers, and council representatives to identify priority health issues and develop solutions.
  • Organise petition campaigns and meetings with state MPs to secure funding for essential services such as mobile health clinics.
  • Partner with local media to raise awareness about health disparities, sharing community stories that highlight the need for improved healthcare access and infrastructure.
  • Implement school and youth-based advocacy programs that empower young people to promote healthy lifestyles.
Show Worked Solution

Answers could include any three of the following:

  • Establish community health committees that bring together local residents, healthcare workers, and council representatives to identify priority health issues and develop solutions.
  • Organise petition campaigns and meetings with state MPs to secure funding for essential services such as mobile health clinics.
  • Partner with local media to raise awareness about health disparities, sharing community stories that highlight the need for improved healthcare access and infrastructure.
  • Implement school and youth-based advocacy programs that empower young people to promote healthy lifestyles.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 012

Explain how two lessons from Healthy Cities Illawarra's community health initiatives could be adapted to improve health outcomes in your local community. Provide specific examples of implementation.    (5 marks)

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Answers could include two of the following:

Lesson – Use holistic approach

  • Integrating multiple SDGs produces synergistic health improvements. This happens when programs simultaneously address health, education, equity and sustainability.
  • For example, Safe Routes to School combines physical activity (SDG 3), road safety education (SDG 4), equal access (SDG 10) and sustainable transport (SDG 11).
  • Therefore, one initiative achieves multiple community benefits efficiently.

Lesson – Target specific age groups

  • Targeting specific age groups with tailored programs creates more effective health interventions. This works by addressing the unique developmental needs of different populations.
  • For instance, when my local community implements an “Active In-betweens” style program for 8-12 year olds, it could focus on “after school” junior sports clubs. By tailoring physical activity to a targeted group of children, they are more inclined to willingly participate during their crucial developmental years.
  • The reason for this is that age-specific programs engage participants more effectively than generic approaches. Consequently, children develop healthy habits early and achieve better long-term health outcomes.

 Lesson – Build collaborative partnerships

  • Building collaborative partnerships enables comprehensive health solutions. This occurs because multiple organisations bring different resources and expertise.
  • There is a direct link between multi-sector collaboration and sustainable program delivery. As a result, initiatives receive broader community support and funding.
  • More specifically, my community could unite schools, local health services and sporting clubs. This process ensures programs address health holistically and benefit from broad community awareness.
Show Worked Solution

Answers could include two of the following:

Lesson – Use holistic approach

  • Integrating multiple SDGs produces synergistic health improvements. This happens when programs simultaneously address health, education, equity and sustainability.
  • For example, Safe Routes to School combines physical activity (SDG 3), road safety education (SDG 4), equal access (SDG 10) and sustainable transport (SDG 11).
  • Therefore, one initiative achieves multiple community benefits efficiently.

Lesson – Target specific age groups

  • Targeting specific age groups with tailored programs creates more effective health interventions. This works by addressing the unique developmental needs of different populations.
  • For instance, when my local community implements an “Active In-betweens” style program for 8-12 year olds, it could focus on “after school” junior sports clubs. By tailoring physical activity to a targeted group of children, they are more inclined to willingly participate during their crucial developmental years.
  • The reason for this is that age-specific programs engage participants more effectively than generic approaches. Consequently, children develop healthy habits early and achieve better long-term health outcomes.

 Lesson – Build collaborative partnerships

  • Building collaborative partnerships enables comprehensive health solutions. This occurs because multiple organisations bring different resources and expertise.
  • There is a direct link between multi-sector collaboration and sustainable program delivery. As a result, initiatives receive broader community support and funding.
  • More specifically, my community could unite schools, local health services and sporting clubs. This process ensures programs address health holistically and benefit from broad community awareness.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 011

Describe how a community initiative can provide a holistic approach incorporating three Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's) to improve health outcomes.   (5 marks)

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  • The ‘Safe and Active Routes to School’ program addresses SDGs 3, 10 and 11 by creating protected walking and cycling paths to schools.
  • This infrastructure promotes children’s physical activity (SDG 3) while ensuring equal access to safe transport regardless of socioeconomic status (SDG 10).
  • These routes connect to broader community cycling networks, enabling families to adopt active transport for daily activities. This reduces car dependence, lowering emissions and creating more sustainable urban environments (SDG 11).
  • Drug Action Teams complement this by delivering school-based workshops that help students manage stress and avoid risky substance use (SDG 3). They also target culturally diverse communities, reducing health inequalities (SDG 10).
  • The interconnection occurs through a shared Healthy Cities approach, where councils, schools and health services work together. Both initiatives address the underlying causes of poor health rather than treating illness (SDG 3, 10).
  • Together, these initiatives holistically create environments where healthy choices become easier, prevention education reaches young people early, and all residents can participate equally in community life (SDG 3, 10, 11).
Show Worked Solution
  • The ‘Safe and Active Routes to School’ program addresses SDGs 3, 10 and 11 by creating protected walking and cycling paths to schools.
  • This infrastructure promotes children’s physical activity (SDG 3) while ensuring equal access to safe transport regardless of socioeconomic status (SDG 10).
  • These routes connect to broader community cycling networks, enabling families to adopt active transport for daily activities. This reduces car dependence, lowering emissions and creating more sustainable urban environments (SDG 11).
  • Drug Action Teams complement this by delivering school-based workshops that help students manage stress and avoid risky substance use (SDG 3). They also target culturally diverse communities, reducing health inequalities (SDG 10).
  • The interconnection occurs through a shared Healthy Cities approach, where councils, schools and health services work together. Both initiatives address the underlying causes of poor health rather than treating illness (SDG 3, 10).
  • Together, these initiatives holistically create environments where healthy choices become easier, prevention education reaches young people early, and all residents can participate equally in community life (SDG 3, 10, 11).

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 009

Discuss how geographic isolation impacts healthcare delivery in rural and remote Australian communities. In your response, examine both the barriers created and the potential solutions available, explaining how these relate to Sustainable Development Goals.   (6 marks)

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Challenges of geographic isolation on healthcare access:

  • [P] Geographic isolation creates significant barriers to healthcare services (SDG 10).
  • [E] Remote communities often lack basic medical facilities and specialists, forcing residents to travel hundreds of kilometres for treatment.
  • [Ev] Western NSW covers about one-third of the state’s land area but holds less than 4% of its population, so hospital and specialist services are clustered in a small number of larger regional centres.
  • [L] This demonstrates how distance becomes a major obstacle to accessing timely healthcare (SDG 3).
     
  • [P] Workforce shortages worsen healthcare inequities in isolated areas (SDG 10).
  • [E] Healthcare professionals often prefer urban positions, leaving rural communities understaffed.
  • [Ev] In Western NSW, dozens of small towns are at risk of losing their only GP, and life expectancy is almost three years below the NSW average (SDG 3).
  • [L] This highlights how isolation compounds existing health disparities.

Opportunities to address these inequities:

  • [P] Telehealth technology offers promising solutions (SDG 10).
  • [E] Digital consultations can connect remote patients with specialists without travel.
  • [Ev] Expanding broadband infrastructure (SDG 11) enables diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care remotely.
  • [L] This shows how technology can bridge geographical gaps in healthcare delivery.
     
  • [P] Rural medical training programs (SDG 4) create sustainable workforce solutions.
  • [E] Training healthcare professionals locally increases retention in rural areas.
  • [Ev] Students trained in rural settings are more likely to practice there after graduation.
  • [L] This demonstrates how targeted education initiatives can address long-term workforce needs.
Show Worked Solution

Challenges of geographic isolation on healthcare access:

  • [P] Geographic isolation creates significant barriers to healthcare services (SDG 10).
  • [E] Remote communities often lack basic medical facilities and specialists, forcing residents to travel hundreds of kilometres for treatment.
  • [Ev] Western NSW has only around 400 GPs serving over 400,000 square kilometres, with services concentrated in larger cities (SDG 10).
  • [L] This demonstrates how distance becomes a major obstacle to accessing timely healthcare (SDG 3).
     
  • [P] Workforce shortages worsen healthcare inequities in isolated areas (SDG 10).
  • [E] Healthcare professionals often prefer urban positions, leaving rural communities understaffed.
  • [Ev] Remote areas experience higher preventable hospitalisation rates due to limited preventive care access (SDG 3).
  • [L] This highlights how isolation compounds existing health disparities.

Opportunities to address these inequities:

  • [P] Telehealth technology offers promising solutions (SDG 10).
  • [E] Digital consultations can connect remote patients with specialists without travel.
  • [Ev] Expanding broadband infrastructure (SDG 11) enables diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care remotely.
  • [L] This shows how technology can bridge geographical gaps in healthcare delivery.
     
  • [P] Rural medical training programs (SDG 4) create sustainable workforce solutions.
  • [E] Training healthcare professionals locally increases retention in rural areas.
  • [Ev] Students trained in rural settings are more likely to practice there after graduation.
  • [L] This demonstrates how targeted education initiatives can address long-term workforce needs.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 008

Describe a mentorship program that connects local professionals with students at risk of leaving school early. Explain how this approach addresses SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing) in communities facing educational disadvantage.   (5 marks)

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  • Mentorship programs create regular one-on-one connections between at-risk students and working professionals. This occurs because students receive personalised support and see real-world applications of education. As a result, they develop stronger motivation to continue their schooling.
  • This process ensures students gain both academic guidance and career insights. The reason for this is that mentors share their educational journeys and workplace experiences. Consequently, students understand how education connects to future opportunities.
  • Regular mentor meetings generate improved mental wellbeing among participants. This happens when students build trusting relationships with supportive adults outside their usual circles. Therefore, anxiety about the future decreases while self-confidence grows.
  • This shows a clear connection between educational support (SDG 4) and health outcomes (SDG 3). More specifically, students who feel supported academically experience less stress and depression. This demonstrates why addressing educational disadvantage simultaneously improves psychological health.
  • The underlying reason is that education and wellbeing are interconnected. Hence, programs targeting school completion naturally support both SDG 4 and SDG 3.
Show Worked Solution
  • Mentorship programs create regular one-on-one connections between at-risk students and working professionals. This occurs because students receive personalised support and see real-world applications of education. As a result, they develop stronger motivation to continue their schooling.
  • This process ensures students gain both academic guidance and career insights. The reason for this is that mentors share their educational journeys and workplace experiences. Consequently, students understand how education connects to future opportunities.
  • Regular mentor meetings generate improved mental wellbeing among participants. This happens when students build trusting relationships with supportive adults outside their usual circles. Therefore, anxiety about the future decreases while self-confidence grows.
  • This shows a clear connection between educational support (SDG 4) and health outcomes (SDG 3). More specifically, students who feel supported academically experience less stress and depression. This demonstrates why addressing educational disadvantage simultaneously improves psychological health.
  • The underlying reason is that education and wellbeing are interconnected. Hence, programs targeting school completion naturally support both SDG 4 and SDG 3.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 007

Describe how expanding telehealth services addresses both SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) in remote Australian areas.   (4 marks)

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  • Telehealth services enable remote residents to access specialist consultations and follow-up care without lengthy travel (SDG 3).
  • This occurs because digital technology connects patients with healthcare providers across vast distances (SDG 3).
  • As a result, chronic conditions are better managed and preventable hospitalisations decrease (SDG 3).
  • This creates more sustainable communities by allowing people to remain in rural areas while receiving quality healthcare (SDG 11).
  • Consequently, rural populations become more viable and resilient (SDG 11). 
Show Worked Solution
  • Telehealth services enable remote residents to access specialist consultations and follow-up care without lengthy travel (SDG 3).
  • This occurs because digital technology connects patients with healthcare providers across vast distances (SDG 3).
  • As a result, chronic conditions are better managed and preventable hospitalisations decrease (SDG 3).
  • This creates more sustainable communities by allowing people to remain in rural areas while receiving quality healthcare (SDG 11).
  • Consequently, rural populations become more viable and resilient (SDG 11). 

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 015 MC

Why is telehealth infrastructure considered an effective strategy for Western NSW communities?

  1. It trains local doctors to stay in rural areas
  2. It ensures all residents complete Year 12
  3. It reduces long travel distances to access healthcare
  4. It replaces the need for Aboriginal Medical Services
Show Answers Only

\(C\)

Show Worked Solution
  • C is correct. Telehealth reduces long travel distances by allowing residents in rural areas to access healthcare consultations and follow-up care online.

Other options:

  • A is incorrect – Rural training programs are a separate strategy to encourage doctors to remain in rural areas, not a function of telehealth.
  • B is incorrect – Completing Year 12 is linked to education initiatives, not healthcare access through telehealth.
  • D is incorrect – Telehealth complements existing Aboriginal Medical Services rather than replacing them, as culturally appropriate care is still essential.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 014 MC

The Age Friendly Illawarra program contributes to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) because it:

  1. Builds hospitals in rural areas
  2. Creates inclusive public spaces and accessible transport
  3. Provides education programs for school children
  4. Reduces drug-related crime in the region
Show Answers Only

\(B\)

Show Worked Solution
  • B is correct. The program supports SDG 11 by creating inclusive public spaces and improving transport accessibility, ensuring older adults can participate fully in community life.

Other options:

  • A is incorrect – Building hospitals in rural areas addresses healthcare access (SDG 3), not sustainable cities and communities.
  • C is incorrect – Education programs for children align more closely with SDG 4 (Quality Education).
  • D is incorrect – Reducing drug-related crime is the focus of community drug action teams, not the Age Friendly Illawarra program.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 013 MC

Which combination of factors most likely contributes to the health inequities experienced by people living in remote Australian communities?

  1. Lower levels of education and more GPs per person than in cities
  2. Longer travel distances to healthcare and higher median incomes
  3. Shortages of healthcare workers and higher rates of school completion
  4. Healthcare services concentrated in major cities and lower median incomes
Show Answers Only

\(D\)

Show Worked Solution
  • D is correct. Healthcare services are concentrated in major cities which limits access for remote residents. Combined with lower median incomes, this makes it harder to afford travel, treatment and preventive care.

Other options:

  • A is incorrect – Lower education levels do contribute, but remote areas have fewer GPs per person than cities, not more.
  • B is incorrect – Longer travel distances are a real barrier, but median incomes generally fall as remoteness increases.
  • C is incorrect – Healthcare worker shortages are a real barrier, but school completion rates are lower in remote areas.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 012 MC

A rural community implements free driving lessons for Aboriginal youth. This initiative would most directly support which SDG outcomes?

  1. SDG 4 by reducing inequities in imprisonment, and SDG 10 by building job-ready skills
  2. SDG 4 by building job-ready skills, and SDG 10 by reducing inequities in imprisonment
  3. SDG 4 by building job-ready skills, and SDG 11 by reducing inequities in imprisonment
  4. SDG 3 by building job-ready skills, and SDG 10 by reducing inequities in imprisonment
Show Answers Only

\(B\)

Show Worked Solution
  • B is correct. Driving lessons build practical, job-ready skills that support employment (SDG 4). Helping young people get licensed legally also reduces the over-representation of Aboriginal youth in the justice system for driving offences, which addresses unequal outcomes (SDG 10).

Other options:

  • A is incorrect – The SDGs are reversed. Building skills belongs to SDG 4, and reducing inequities in imprisonment belongs to SDG 10.
  • C is incorrect – Reducing inequities in imprisonment is a reduced inequalities outcome (SDG 10), not a sustainable cities outcome (SDG 11).
  • D is incorrect – Building job-ready skills is an education outcome (SDG 4), not a health outcome (SDG 3).

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 009 MC

Which initiative by Healthy Cities Illawarra specifically targets children aged 8-12 years?

  1. Age Friendly Illawarra
  2. Active In-betweens
  3. Safe and Active Routes to School
  4. Drug Action Teams
Show Answers Only

\(B\)

Show Worked Solution
  • B is correct. Active In-betweens is explicitly designed to engage children aged 8-12 (the ‘in-between’ age group) in physical activities and healthy living.

Other options:

  • A is incorrect – Age Friendly Illawarra targets older adults, not children.

  • C is incorrect – While this involves children, it focuses on school transport safety for all ages, not specifically 8-12 year olds.

  • D is incorrect – Drug Action Teams work with priority populations on substance misuse, not specifically targeting this age group.

HMS, HAG 2023 HSC 32ai

Describe the contribution of intersectoral collaboration to the sustainability of ONE health promotion strategy.   (3 marks)

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Sample answer

Intersectoral collaboration in health promotion occurs when multiple sectors work together toward a common health goal.

  • The Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide campaign’s sustainability benefits from collaboration between:
    • Government funding ($10 million)
    • Cancer Council Australia’s implementation expertise
    • Schools’ educational outreach
    • Media partners’ promotional support
  • This collaboration ensures program continuity, resource sharing, broader community reach, and consistent messaging across multiple settings.

Show Worked Solution

  • Intersectoral collaboration in health promotion occurs when multiple sectors work together toward a common health goal.
  • The Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide campaign’s sustainability benefits from collaboration between:
    • Government funding ($10 million)
    • Cancer Council Australia’s implementation expertise
    • Schools’ educational outreach
    • Media partners’ promotional support
  • This collaboration ensures program continuity, resource sharing, broader community reach, and consistent messaging across multiple settings.

♦ Mean mark 52%.

HMS, HAG 2023 HSC 26

Explain how ONE government health promotion initiative addresses social justice by reorienting health services. Provide examples to support your answer.   (8 marks)

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  • The National Immunisation Program demonstrates how government initiatives reorient health services toward prevention while addressing social justice principles. This program works by providing free vaccines to eligible Australians which shifts focus from hospital-centred treatment to community-based prevention approaches.
  • Service reorientation occurs because the NIP establishes multiple community access points including schools, Aboriginal health services, and local GP clinics. This approach creates greater accessibility by bringing prevention services directly to communities rather than requiring hospital visits. The Australian Immunisation Register enables integrated federal tracking which allows healthcare providers across all jurisdictions to access patient histories seamlessly.
  • Social justice principles are addressed through equity-focused strategies that ensure equal access regardless of socioeconomic status. Free HPV vaccines demonstrate this approach because all Australian adolescents receive protection nationwide without financial barriers. Tailored strategies work by providing culturally appropriate services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities alongside multilingual resources.
  • These reorientation efforts result in measurable health equity improvements. Childhood immunisation rates have increased substantially nationwide because prevention services became more accessible. Most significantly, the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous immunisation rates has narrowed markedly, demonstrating how service reorientation can effectively address historical health inequities through systematic prevention-focused approaches.
Show Worked Solution
  • The National Immunisation Program demonstrates how government initiatives reorient health services toward prevention while addressing social justice principles. This program works by providing free vaccines to eligible Australians which shifts focus from hospital-centred treatment to community-based prevention approaches.
  • Service reorientation occurs because the NIP establishes multiple community access points including schools, Aboriginal health services, and local GP clinics. This approach creates greater accessibility by bringing prevention services directly to communities rather than requiring hospital visits. The Australian Immunisation Register enables integrated federal tracking which allows healthcare providers across all jurisdictions to access patient histories seamlessly.
  • Social justice principles are addressed through equity-focused strategies that ensure equal access regardless of socioeconomic status. Free HPV vaccines demonstrate this approach because all Australian adolescents receive protection nationwide without financial barriers. Tailored strategies work by providing culturally appropriate services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities alongside multilingual resources.
  • These reorientation efforts result in measurable health equity improvements. Childhood immunisation rates have increased substantially nationwide because prevention services became more accessible. Most significantly, the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous immunisation rates has narrowed markedly, demonstrating how service reorientation can effectively address historical health inequities through systematic prevention-focused approaches.

♦♦♦ Mean mark 33%.