MEDIA COVERAGE
06.08.2023 The Sydney Morning Herald featuring Professor Thomas Astell-Burt: "Generation Lonely: Two in five young adults are flying solo." https://www.smh.com.au/national/generation-lonely-two-in-five-young-adults-are-flying-solo-20230803-p5dtli.html
27.07.2023 City of Sydney News featuring Professor Thomas Astell-Burt: "How our city trees are improving your health. Growing a bigger urban forest is about more than just creating green shade." https://news.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/articles/how-a-daily-dose-of-trees-can-do-wonders-for-your-health
24.07.2023 The Sydney Morning Herald article featuring Professor Thomas Astell-Burt "Daily temperatures around Sydney can vary by 10 degrees: How does your suburb compare?" https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/daily-temperatures-around-sydney-can-vary-by-10-degrees-how-does-your-suburb-compare-20230720-p5dpuo.html
16.07.2023 7weekender.com Professor Xiaoqi Feng and Professor Thomas Astell-Burt feature in Channel 7's '7WEEKENDER'. The feature titled "Fun ways to get your steps up!" aired on Sunday 16 July, 2023 https://7weekender.com/fun-ways-to-get-your-steps-up/
19.04.2023 ABC Radio National with interview with Life Matters. The presenter is Hilary Harper. Speaking with Prof Xiaoqi Feng. “Spending more time in nature, on doctor's orders” https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/lifematters/spending-more-time-in-nature-on-doctor-s-orders/102235332 https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/lifematters/spending-more-time-in-nature-on-doctor-s-orders/102235332?utm_campaign=abc_radionational&utm_content=link&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_source=abc_radionational
10.04.2023 The Project #MentalHealth #TheProjectTV. “Pharmaceuticals have become a common treatment for mental health illnesses, but now more people are turning to nature prescriptions, as research shows the great outdoors is one of the best things for you.” #TheProjectTV #MentalHealth #NaturePrescriptions" & “Rise In Nature Prescriptions, The Personalised Healthcare Plans To Spend More Time Outside” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6t6gVJMqY8 & https://10play.com.au/theproject/news/2023/rise-in-nature-prescriptions-the-personalised-healthcare-plans-to-spend-more-time-outside/tpv230410aqzot
10.04.2023 ABC Radio Drive ABC Radio Drive with Mary Gearin and Prof Xiaoqi Feng https://www.abc.net.au/melbourne/programs/drive/drive/102184080
10.04.2023 The Sydney Morning Herald "Is it time for your doctor to give you a ‘nature prescription’? By Sarah Berry" https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/is-it-time-for-your-doctor-to-give-you-a-nature-prescription-20230406-p5cyle.html
05.04.2023 The Green Desk Radio “The Green Desk: Prescribing nature with Professor Xiaoqi Feng.” https://95bfm.com/bcast/the-green-desk-prescribing-nature-with-professor-xiaoqi-feng-april-5-2023
05.04.2023 ibtimes - International Business Times “Nature Prescription Benefits Both Mental And Physical Health, Study Finds” https://www.ibtimes.com/nature-prescription-benefits-both-mental-physical-health-study-finds-3683379
04.04.2023 The Guardian “Prescribed time in nature linked to improvements in anxiety, depression and blood pressure” https://amp.theguardian.com/environment/2023/apr/04/prescribed-time-in-nature-linked-to-improvements-in-anxiety-depression-and-blood-pressure
04.04.2023 The Canberra Times “Nature prescriptions' improve patient health: study” https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/8147257/nature-prescriptions-improve-patient-health-study/
04.04.2023 Illawarra Mercury PANDA 'Nature prescriptions' improve patient health: study https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/8147257/nature-prescriptions-improve-patient-health-study/
04.04.2023 Illawarra Mercury “Prescription to spend time in nature may improve diabetes, heart disease: UOW study” https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/8147052/prescription-to-spend-time-in-nature-may-improve-diabetes-heart-disease/
04.04.2023 1news TVNZ “Take a walk not a pill - nature prescriptions on the rise” https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/04/04/take-a-walk-not-a-pill-nature-prescriptions-on-the-rise/
04.04.2023. ABC Mornings Radio Interview with Professor Feng - Discussing Nature Prescriptions and the PANDA Trial. https://www.abc.net.au/sydney/programs/mornings/mornings/102154212
April 2023 RACGP – “Nature prescribing in general practice” Volume 52, Issue 4. https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2023/april/nature-prescribing-in-general-practice
24 March 2023 The Sydny Morning Herald - The Age: "A nature prescription could be just what the doctor ordered"
https://www.theage.com.au/national/a-nature-prescription-could-be-just-what-the-doctor-ordered-20230322-p5cu79.html15 March 2023 UOW Media release: "UOW ‘nature prescription’ randomised trial for chronic disease management receives $1.5 million"
https://www.uow.edu.au/media/2023/uow-nature-prescription-randomised-trial-for-chronic-disease-management-receives-15-million.php
12 February 2023 The Guardian: "Prescribing nature: the restorative power of a simple dose of outdoors" https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/feb/12/prescribing-nature-the-restorative-power-of-a-simple-dose-of-outdoors
20 January 2023 ABC Radio Sydney: Professor Feng speaks with James Valentine on ABC Radio Sydney Breakfast with James Valentine. See PowerLab website - Videos and Audio
14 January 2023 SBS News: “Healthier hearts' for city dwellers who live closer to trees. Australian researchers find out why” https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/healthier-hearts-for-city-dwellers-who-live-closer-to-trees-australian-researchers-find-out-why/zsvsqwp95
12 January 2023 Eastside Radio: Professor Feng talks about her research and latest publications in an interview with Eastside Radio 89.7FM . See PowerLab website - Videos and Audio
10 January 2023 UNSW Newsroom: “Leafier communities, healthier hearts: study. Urban green space reduces cardiovascular disease risk, and more trees are key.” https://newsroom.unsw.edu.au/news/health/leafier-communities-healthier-hearts-study?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social
23 December 2022 The Canberra Times: “Jenna Price: More people are feeling lonely and it might be because of the cities we build” https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/8029371/the-cities-we-build-are-making-us-more-lonely-and-isolated/#comments
12 December 2022 ABC News: Interview with Professor Xiaoqi Feng on the new Urban Forest Strategy by City of Sydney, featuring PowerLab Co-Directors research. See PowerLab website - Videos and Audio
09 November 2022 UOW Media Release: “UOW researchers named Australia’s best in 14 fields” https://www.uow.edu.au/media/2022/uow-researchers-named-australias-best-in-14-fields-.php
07 November 2022 UOW The Stand: "Reducing Loneliness Together - Multisectoral symposium searches for solutions to Australia's loneliness epidemic" https://www.uow.edu.au/the-stand/2022/reducing-loneliness-together.php
16 September 2022 The Universe Newsletter: Four researchers named as ARC Future Fellows https://www.uow.edu.au/media/2022/four-researchers-named-as-arc-future-fellows.php
14 September 2022 ABC Radio South East: Prof Xiaoqi Feng is interviewed on ABC Radio South East. Xiao discussed the CVMM Study. See PowerLab website - Videos and Audio
01 August 2022 UNSW News: “1 in 4 Australians is lonely. Quality green spaces in our cities offer a solution” Released via UNSW Med & Hlth newsletter on 08.09 https://www.unsw.edu.au/news/2022/08/1-in-4-australians-is-lonely--quality-green-spaces-in-our-cities
23 August 2022 ABC Radio Perth: Professor Xiaoqi Feng is interviewed on ABC Perth Radio. see PowerLab site - Videos and Audio
18 August 2022 Radio Adelaide: Professor Xiaoqi Feng is interviewed on Radio Adelaide. see PowerLab site - Videos and Audio OR https://radioadelaide.org.au/audio-player/?title=On%20Demand&ondemand&type=audio%2Fm4a&src=https%3A%2F%2Fairnet.org.au%2Fomnystudio%2F5uv%2Fbreakfast-on-radio-adelaide%2F202208180630%2Faac_mid.m4a&time=2499
17 August 2022 UOW Media Release: “1 in 4 Australians is lonely. Quality green spaces in our cities offer a solution” https://www.uow.edu.au/media/2022/1-in-4-australians-is-lonely-quality-green-spaces-in-our-cities-offer-a-solution.php
17 August 2022 OutdoorsQueensland.com.au: "1 in 4 Australians is lonely. Quality green spaces in our cities offer a solution" https://outdoorsqueensland.com.au/1-in-4-australians-is-lonely/
17 August 2022 The Conversation: “1 in 4 Australians is lonely. Quality green spaces in our cities offer a solution” https://theconversation.com/1-in-4-australians-is-lonely-quality-green-spaces-in-our-cities-offer-a-solution-188007
18 July 2022 Inner West Icons: “Callan Park - the green asylum” https://www.innerwesticons.com/episodes/callanpark
12 May 2022 Landscape Australia: "Evidencing the benefits of green space" https://landscapeaustralia.com/articles/evidencing-the-benefits-of-green-space/
5 May 2022 ABC Radio Canberra: Professor Xiaoqi Feng spoke on ABC Radio Canberra with Georgia Stynes, on how nature promotes our health. See PowerLab site - Videos and Audio
5 November 2021 NSW DPIE website: “Plant One for Mental Health NSW DPIE” https://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/premiers-priorities/greening-our-city/everyone-plant-one/mental-health
24 November 2021 vimeo.com: “Roundtable on Valuing Green Infrastructure and Public Spaces” https://vimeo.com/641777659
31 October 2021 UNSW News: “SPOTLIGHT: A/Professor Xiaoqi Feng: Impact driven - changing the environment to save lives” https://www.unsw.edu.au/news/2021/10/impact-driven--changing-the-environment-to-save-lives
28 October 2021 treenet.org: “TREENET: Reaping the Benefits of Green Space” https://treenet.org/agenda/reaping-the-benefits-of-green-space/
28 October 2021 www.parkprescriptions.ca: “PaRx People: Meet Dr. Thomas Astell-Burt and Dr. Xiaoqi Feng” https://www.parkprescriptions.ca/blogposts/parx-people-meet-dr-thomas-astell-burt-and-dr-xiaoqi-feng
22 October 2021 uownow You Tube channel: “UOW Climate Change and Health - Panel Discussion: GCCW 2021” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yocRyAMxzv8
22 October 2021 uownow You Tube channel: “UOW Sustainability Impacts in our Region - GCCW 2021” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjPABWGmxgY
16th September 2021 Greater Sydney Landcare You Tube Channel: “Tree Canopies - the superfood for your health” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnrx0ySUXEE
13th August 2021: Illawarra Mercury: 'COVID may skew Census data but this UOW researcher doesn't care' https://twitter.com/illawarramerc/status/1425670810790998017
24th June 2021: 2Ser Drive radio interview: 'Are green spaces the cure for modern day loneliness?': https://2ser.com/are-green-spaces-the-key-to-solving-modern-day-loneliness/
15th June 2021: World Economic Forum website: 'Mental health: why green spaces are vital for reducing loneliness': https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/06/lonliness-cities-urban-areas-mental-health-green-space-environment/
10th June 2021: The Conversation: 'People’s odds of loneliness could fall by up to half if cities hit 30% green space targets.': June 10, 2021 6.02am AES: https://theconversation.com/peoples-odds-of-loneliness-could-fall-by-up-to-half-if-cities-hit-30-green-space-targets-161989
4th May 2021: The Stand UOW: 'How COVID-19 changed transport. What lessons can researchers learn from the pandemic?': https://www.uow.edu.au/the-stand/2021/how-covid-19-changed-transport.php
26th March 2021: Cities Today: ‘Sydney to cover 40 percent of the city in greenery to beat heat’: https://cities-today.com/sydney-to-cover-40-percent-of-the-city-in-greenery-to-beat-heat/
23rd March 2021: Infrastructure: ‘Sydney to get green makeover’: https://infrastructuremagazine.com.au/2021/03/23/sydney-to-get-green-makeover/
17th March 2021: City of Sydney: ‘Turning grey to green in Sydney's urban jungle’: https://www.medianet.com.au/releases/198075/
22nd Feb 2021: The Sax Institute: ‘Green space and health – profile of Professor Thomas Astell-Burt’: https://www.saxinstitute.org.au/research-with-impact/green-space-research-makes-way-for-better-city-design/
14th July 2020: UOW Universe: Staff Profile / Professor Thomas Astell-Burt – Professor and Founding Director of the Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab): https://universe.uow.edu.au/staff-profile/professor-thomas-astell-burt-professor-and-founding-director-of-the-population-wellbeing-and-environment-research-lab-powerlab/
23rd June 2020: The Plant Pod: ‘Episode 6: Green Cities, International Year of Plant Heath, Nursery Data – interview on the latest findings from the ‘Greener Cities Healthier Lives’ project I lead, including sleep, birthweight and prosocial behaviour: https://soundcloud.com/theplantpod/episode-6-green-cities-international-year-of-plant-heath-nursery-data
23rd May 2020: ABC Radio with Libby Gorr: Interview covering my research on green space and sleep: https://www.abc.net.au/radio/melbourne/programs/saturdaybreakfast/saturday-breakfast/12256580
15th Mar 2020: The Conversation: ‘More green, more ‘zzzzz’? Trees may help us sleep – this piece written by A/Prof Xiaoqi Feng and I on our article on green space and sleep duration: https://theconversation.com/more-green-more-zzzzz-trees-may-help-us-sleep-132354
29th Jan 2020: NHMRC National Institute for Dementia Research: ‘Researcher profile on my NHMRC Fellowship: https://theconversation.com/more-green-more-zzzzz-trees-may-help-us-sleep-132354
13th Oct 2019: The Illawarra Mercury: ‘University of Wollongong’s 2019 Big Ideas Festival is back: https://theconversation.com/increasing-tree-cover-may-be-like-a-superfood-for-community-mental-health-119930
9th August 2019: BIG THINK: ‘Tree-lined streets boost a community's overall health, new research suggests’. https://bigthink.com/mind-brain/trees-mental-health
9th August 2019: Daily Kos: ‘Increasing tree cover in cities can improve health by 33%’. https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2019/8/9/1877084/-Good-News-Roundup-for-Friday-August-9-2019
8th August 2019: ABC NEWS: ‘Move over monkey bars, 'bush play' is the new way for apartment kids’. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-08-08/move-over-monkey-bars-bush-play-a-new-way-for-apartment-kids/11392526
8th August 2019: SAX Institute: ‘The secret to improving community mental health? More trees please’. https://www.saxinstitute.org.au/news/secret-improving-community-mental-health-trees-please/
6th August 2019: Good News Network: ‘Increasing Tree Cover on City Streets May Be Like Community ‘Superfood’ —Improving Health by 33%’. https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/increasing-city-tree-cover-improves-health-by-33-percent/
5th August 2019: PSNEWS: ‘Safe arbor: Can trees really improve a community’s mental health’. https://psnews.com.au/2019/08/05/safe-arbor-can-trees-really-improve-a-communitys-mental-health/
2nd August 2019: EcoWatch: ‘This Is the Best Type of Green Space for Your Mental Health, Experts Say’. https://www.ecowatch.com/green-space-mental-health-2639619824.html?rebelltitem=1#rebelltitem1
1st August 2019: ABC Hobart. Interview on Evenings with Louise Saunders (also played on 28 other affiliated stations around the country)
30th July 2019: MINNPOST: ‘More trees, not more grass, are associated with wellness and well-being, study suggests’. https://www.minnpost.com/second-opinion/2019/07/more-trees-not-more-grass-are-associated-with-wellness-and-well-being-study-suggests/
30th July 2019: CITYLAB: ‘Living Near Trees, Not Just Green Space, Improves Wellbeing’. https://www.citylab.com/environment/2019/07/urban-tree-canopy-green-space-wellbeing-research/595060/?utm_source=newsletter&silverid=%25%25RECIPIENT_ID%25%25&utm_campaign=citylab-daily-newsletter&utm_medium=email
29th July 2019: ABC Illawarra: Interview on green space and mental health.
29th July 2019: Physician’s Weekly: ‘Exposure to Urban Tree Canopy Beneficial for Mental Health’. https://www.physiciansweekly.com/exposure-to-urban-tree- canopy-beneficial-for-mental-health/
29th July 2019: Technology Networks: ‘Tree Canopy Rather Than Green Space Gives Nature's Mental Health Benefits’. https://www.technologynetworks.com/neuroscience/news/tree-canopy-rather-than-green-space-gives-natures-mental-health-benefits-322227
27th Jul 2019: The Conversation: ‘Increasing tree cover may be like a ‘superfood’ for community mental health – this piece written by A/Prof Xiaoqi Feng and I on our article on green space and mental health: https://theconversation.com/increasing-tree-cover-may-be-like-a-superfood-for-community-mental-health- 119930
27th July 2019: XINHUA: ‘Aussie study finds trees overhead better for health than grass underfoot’. http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-07/27/c_138262160.htm
26th July 2019: Drugs.com: ‘Exposure to Urban Tree Canopy Beneficial for Mental Health’. https://www.drugs.com/news/exposure-urban-tree-canopy-beneficial-mental-health-84120.html
26th July 2019: Pacific Standard: ‘More trees mean better health outcomes, according to new research’: https://psmag.com/news/more-trees-leads-to-better-health-outcomes-according-to-new-research
26th July 2019: Inverse: ‘Public Health Experts Pinpoint Which Type of Nature Is Best for the Brain: Not all forms of nature make us equally happy and healthy’: https://www.inverse.com/article/58013-green-space-psychology-tree-canopy
26th July 2019: PHYS ORG: ‘Urban trees found to improve mental and general health’: https://phys.org/news/2019-07-urban-trees-mental-health.html
26th July 2019: HEALIO: ‘Urban green spaces appear to offer mental health benefits’: https://www.healio.com/psychiatry/practice-management/news/online/%7Ba912e0a6-c1b9-49ba-8632-bcc3b3d14c29%7D/urban-green-spaces-appear-to-offer-mental-health-benefits
27th Jun 2019: ABC Illawarra: ‘Radio interview with Lindsay McDougall on environment and Alzheimer’s disease.
26th Jun 2019: The Conversation: ‘People living in rural areas may be at lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease – this piece written by A/Prof Xiaoqi Feng and I on our article on urban/rural differences in Alzheimer’s disease: https://theconversation.com/people-living-in-rural-areas-may-be-at-lower-risk-of-alzheimers-disease-112417
24th May 2019: Kidspot: ‘The simple activity that could help reduce postnatal depression’ – this piece included an interview with myself and A/Prof Xiaoqi Feng on our article on green space and mother’s mental health: https://www.kidspot.com.au/baby/newborn/new-parents/the-simple-activity-that-could-help-reduce-postnatal-depression/news-story/fc11141edbbf572dfbedfec48b87d54d
7th Feb 2019: The Fifth Estate: ‘Greening message starting to penetrate the cities agenda’ – this piece included an interview with Anthony Kachenko (Hort Innovation Ltd) who made reference to my research on green space: https://www.thefifthestate.com.au/urbanism/environment/greening-message-starting-to-penetrate-the-cities-agenda/
31st Dec 2018: Sydney Morning Herald: ‘From Skyrail to sewer, Victoria embraces a new state of play’ – this piece quoted my research on socioeconomic inequities in access to green space within Australian cities from 2014: https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/from-skyrail-to-pipeline-victoria-embraces-a-new-state-of-play-20181220-h19c7e.html
9th Sept 2017: Daily Telegraph: ‘Parking Anxiety For Good’ – coverage of new longitudinal study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine on green space quality, quantity and child mental wellbeing
7th Aug 2017: 2SER: Radio interview on recently awarded NHMRC Boosting Dementia Research Leader Fellowship, focussing on the potential impact of environment generally and urban greening in particular as an intervention for prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and promotion of healthier ageing
4th Jun 2017: Financial Times: article on obesity in China via interview: https://tinyurl.com/yavt49gs
14th May 2016: Sydney Morning Herald: ‘Diabetes threatens to overwhelm western Sydney hospitals as obesity epidemic wages’. Research and map contributed to Western Sydney Diabetes Leadership Alliance news coverage. https://www.smh.com.au/healthcare/diabetes-threatens-to-overwhelm-western-sydney-hospitals-as-obesity-epidemic-rages-20160512-gotfas.html
6th Oct 2016: WIN TV News: Announcement of new $3.3M research grant with Horticulture Innovation Ltd.
5th Oct 2016: The Fifth Estate: ‘Horticulture Innovation and Wollongong Uni team up to explore green space benefits’: https://www.thefifthestate.com.au/urbanism/environment/horticulture-innovation-and-wollongong-uni-team-up-to-explore-green-space-benefits/
5th Oct 2016: Illawarra Mercury: ‘UOW study to explore ‘healthy’ green spaces: https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/4210062/uow-study-to-explore-healthy-green-spaces/
29th Sept 2015: ABC TV “7.30”: Research findings contributed to story on diabetes prevention
7th Sept 2015: ABC Radio “AM”: Interview with Mike Edwards on ‘food environment inequity’: http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2015/s4311759.htm & https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-14/lack-of-fresh-food-options-means-higher-rates-of-diabetes:-study/6772662
24th Aug 2015: ABC News: ‘Food deserts: Grocery dead zones have serious health impacts for residents, experts say: this story by Mark Colvin and colleagues covered my research on food environment and diabetes https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-07-08/food-deserts-have-serious-consequences-for-residents-experts/6605230
8th July 2015: ABC Radio “PM”: Interview with Mark Colvin on ‘food deserts’: http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2015/s4269961.htm
10th Mar 2015: Daily Telegraph: Interview with Ian Walker on ‘diabetes in Western Sydney’
4th Dec 2014: Daily Telegraph: Interview with Nigel Gladstone on ‘obesogenic environments’: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/west/healthy-food-in-western-sydney-is-sometimes-hard-to-find-resulting-in-more-chances-to-make-poor-choices/story-fngr8i5s-1227142104876
10th Nov 2014: MJA Insight: Interview with Nicole Mackee on ‘type 2 diabetes in China’
15th Apr 2014: The Advertiser: Coverage of my research on socioeconomic inequity in green space in Australian cities: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/study-reveals-adelaides-poorer-suburbs-have-smallest-park-space-among-the-nations-capitals/news-story/3dd43828e752ef0ae22bba43d9349288
26th May 2013: Sydney Morning Herald: ‘Parks give residents green light to get fit’. Interview with Nicole Hasham covering Thomas Astell-Burt's research on green space and physical activity.