April Falls event brings community together at UNSW Health Translation Hub
Published on the 17 May 2026
April Falls participant tries NeuRA SmartStep an interactive cognitive-motor training tool by NeuRA. Photo by Katherine Griffiths for UNSW
A free community event connected over 100 older adults, carers, researchers, clinicians, students and partner organisations to share practical ways to reduce falls risk and support healthy ageing.
Held on 29 April as part of April Falls Month, the event welcomed community members to the UNSW Health Translation Hub in Randwick for an afternoon of education, demonstrations and conversation.
Falls are a leading cause of death and injury among older Australians, with 17 people dying and 400 hospitalised every day. Falls also cost the Australian health care system $3 billion annually.
The event focused on practical, evidence-informed strategies to help people assess their falls risk, improve balance, stay active and reduce the likelihood of injury. Attendees had access to balance and movement assessments, fall prevention tips for the home and opportunities to speak directly with health clinicians, students and researchers.
Information and activities were provided by a wide range of UNSW and partner groups, including the UNSW School of Optometry & Vision Science, School of Health Sciences, School of Population Health, Falls Prevention Alliance, NSW Falls Prevention and Healthy Ageing Network, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, NeuRA and Tyree IHealthE.
Feedback from the event was positive, with 78% of participants saying they had improved their understanding of falls prevention. One participant shared, “Personally it will help me and encourage me to follow your suggestions. A big tick!”
UNSW Randwick Health Precinct Clinics Manager Chloe Yarwood said the event reflected the role of the UNSW Health Clinics in connecting education, research and community care.
“Falls prevention is something we can all play a role in, by bringing together clinicians, researchers, students, community organisations and local residents, we can share practical knowledge that helps people stay active, independent and connected for longer.”
The UNSW Health Clinics based in the UNSW Health Translation Hub provide a range of health and wellbeing services to the community while also supporting student learning and research opportunities. To obtain a referral to one of the UNSW Health Clinics please visit our website or email HTH-Clinics@unsw.edu.au for further information.
Photos by: Katherine Griffiths for UNSW
The UNSW Health Translation Hub is a transformational project within the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct, boldly reimagining the future of health