Our people: building the culture and capability to make a difference
Of employees would recommend MPHN as a great place to work
Endorsement of the new Enterprise Agreement by participating employees
Leadership roles filled by internal candidates through competitive recruitment
Behind everything MPHN achieved across the region in 2025-2026 was our dedicated team united by a shared purpose: improving health and wellbeing outcomes for our communities.
It was a year of significant change. Programs transitioned, teams evolved and new leaders stepped into key roles. And through it all, we continued to invest in our people and in creating a workplace where everyone feels trusted, supported and connected to the difference they make.
The 2026 Pulse Survey provided plenty to be proud of, with 83.3% of employees saying they would recommend MPHN as a great place to work. Flexibility, trust, collaboration and organisational purpose were identified as key strengths, while 80.6% of employees understood how their individual work contributed to MPHN’s success.
That commitment to our people was also reflected in the major milestone that was the successful negotiation of the new firsthealth Ltd Enterprise Agreement. Endorsed by 100% of participating employees, the agreement introduced improved conditions including five weeks annual leave, 10 weeks parental leave and two weeks paid partner leave, alongside cultural and religious leave.
Just as importantly, MPHN also continued to grow capability from within. Four leadership roles including CEO, Executive, Senior Manager and Lead positions were filled by internal candidates through highly competitive recruitment process during the year, demonstrating the talent within the organisation and the strength of internal career pathways and succession planning. MPHN also welcomed eight new employees, achieving a 90% offer acceptance rate in a competitive regional labour market.
Flexibility remained central to the MPHN employee experience, supported by our hybrid 60/40 working model. Wellbeing sessions, professional development, the Perform+ framework and regular all-staff meetings helped keep employees supported, connected and informed.
Employees also had a voice in shaping MPHN’s culture through consultation, The Big Day In and the newly established Equity and Diversity Committee. The Values in Action Awards provided another opportunity to celebrate colleagues who demonstrate MPHN’s values through the way they work every day.
“Our people are at the heart of what MPHN achieves,” MPHN’s Human Resources Manager Ericka Burgun said. “I’m particularly proud that through a year of considerable change, our people continued to support each other, grow and stay connected to why we’re here. Cultivating a culture of trust, connection and shared purpose is what allows us to make a difference for communities across the Murrumbidgee.”
Connecting with community during NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC Week 2025 provided MPHN with an important opportunity to connect with First Nations communities, listen to their experiences and share practical health information in an informal setting.
MPHN Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Manager Maxine Little and Primary Care and Clinical Programs Manager Erin Godwin were joined by a team from MPHN at NAIDOC events in Griffith, Wagga Wagga and Tumut, creating opportunities for conversations about health and wellbeing.
Across the three events, the team engaged directly with community members, using conversations and simple activities to encourage participation and gather insights about community awareness, experiences and barriers to accessing healthcare.
These activities reflect MPHN’s broader commitment to meeting people where they are and building relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. By participating in established community events, MPHN can listen directly to community voices, better understand local needs and use those insights to help inform future health promotion and engagement activities.
MPHN cultural tour at Yindyamarra with Lloyd Dolan, Academic Lead (First Nations Curriculum) at Charles Sturt University. October 2025.