The Australian Health Promotion Association (AHPA) WA Branch was developed as a result of the hard work and dedication of many leaders in the field of health promotion in Western Australia.

In 1985, Peter Howat became the first President of the Western Australian Professional Health Educators Association (WAPHEA). Trevor Shilton took over this role in 1988. In 1989, a survey was conducted with 97% of members supporting the move for a name change to Australian Association of Health Promotion Professionals (AAHPP) and a national focus. This was confirmed at the June 1990 AGM, and subsequently the national Association, conference, journal and national policies followed.

More recently the name was changed to the Australian Health Promotion Association. The Australian Health Promotion Association has become the professional association specifically for people involved in, or with an interest in, the practice, research and study of health promotion. The AHPA WA Branch continues to recruit and provide services for WA based members.

The Australian Health Promotion Association is recognised as the peak Health Promotion body in Australia, maximising inclusion of Health Promotion principles and practices into national and local health policy, planning and actions.

• Provide a forum for the exchange of skills, knowledge and attitudes on health promotion issues
• Provide state-wide opportunities of training and development of health promotion professionals
• Make recommendations with respect to policy and standards of practice in health promotion
• Promote alliances between the health promotion profession and other state and regional organisations
• Advocate for improved health and wellbeing for all
• Provide and maintain a highly efficient administration, financial and communication system