Finalists announced for 2023 Primary Healthcare Awards
Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) is excited to reveal the finalists for the 2023 Primary Healthcare Awards, after receiving a record number of applications across the four award categories.
The awards recognise primary health professionals and organisations that have provided significant and exceptional service or an outstanding contribution to primary healthcare in the Murrumbidgee region.
MPHN’s firsthealth Limited Chair Dr Jodi Culbert expressed her appreciation for the high standard of applications received.
“The firsthealth Board have been hosting the Murrumbidgee Primary Healthcare Awards since 2017 to recognise achievements in primary health in our region,” Dr Culbert said.
“This year we received the highest number of applications ever, and this was evenly spread over all award categories. The judges were very impressed at the calibre of the applications across all categories and have deliberated to select three finalists for each of our four award categories.
“I would like to congratulate all our very deserving finalists and look forward to meeting you at our awards presentation. On behalf of the Board and MPHN I would like to wish you all the very best of luck, and thank all the award applicants for their time in preparing their application.
“Each award applicant should be very proud of your achievements. There are some amazing activities and initiatives being undertaken throughout our communities and all have that one ultimate goal – to support healthy and resilient people and communities.”
The four award categories are Community Grant of the Year, Promoting Healthy Living, Innovation, and Outstanding Contribution to Primary Healthcare.
The winners will be announced at the 2023 Primary Healthcare Awards and dinner on Friday 10 November 2023. For more information about the awards, please visit mphn.org.au/awards
The 2023 Primary Healthcare Awards Finalists
Community Grant of the Year
1. Blokes Night In: In June 2023, the 'Blokes Night in' event at Deniliquin Golf Club brought together 150 men from diverse backgrounds for a meal and a powerful presentation by 'Legless and Blind,' Mike Rolls and Ben Pettingill, with an inspiring message of hope and resilience.
2. Fireshed Fridays and High Teas: In response to the 2019/2020 bushfires, the Community Foundation for Tumut Region organised 'Fireshed Fridays' and 'Ladies High Teas.' These events fostered community connections and resilience, providing mental health support and educational sessions.
3. Women’s Wellbeing Event – Breast and Cervical Screening: The Deniliquin Local Health Advisory Committee (LHAC) organised a Women's Wellbeing Event to raise awareness about breast and cervical screening. The event successfully connected women, promoted emotional wellbeing, and empowered them with knowledge about regular screening and health support.
Promoting Healthy Living
1. The Children’s Health Program: A total of 1,668 children, in addition to teachers and parents, participated in the interactive 12-month Children’s Health Program aimed at fostering positive and lifelong relationships with food among children. This comprehensive nutrition education program was delivered to 11 primary schools in the Murrumbidgee region including St Michael’s Parish School, Rand Public School, Finley Public School, Holy Trinity Primary School, Sturt Primary School, Ashmont Primary School, St Patrick’s Primary School, Wallendbeen Primary School, Stockingbingal Primary School, Corowa South Public School, and Cootamundra Public School.
2. EMPOWER: This was a free 12-week virtual program promoting healthy eating for those living in the Murrumbidgee region with or at risk of obesity. It offered interactive sessions, expert-led workshops, and resources on mindful eating, portion control, meal planning, and physical activity. More than 100 people benefited from the program, which successfully encouraged healthier eating practices.
3. Frontline Emergency Distress and Trauma Counselling: This project aims to enhance mental wellbeing, resilience, and community support, particularly in the aftermath of disasters like bushfires. Trauma counselling, stress management, and education on the impacts of trauma, plus emergency hampers and housing support was provided through 161 outreach visits across three regions. Notably, 83 per cent of participants reported significant improvement in psychological support.
Innovation
1. Alternate Workforce Program: Despite extensive recruitment efforts spanning 12 months, Gidget Foundation Australia (GFA) initially struggled to find a suitably skilled clinician to provide psychological treatment for families in the Murrumbidgee region. By broadening their recruitment criteria through the Alternate Workforce Program to include experienced mental health nurses and mental health social workers, GFA successfully recruited three clinicians to Gidget House Wagga Wagga. These clinicians have subsequently conducted 707 appointments and assisted 85 clients since its inception.
2. Intergenerational Activity: Integrating generations of the Deniliquin Community: This program brings together high school students, preschoolers, and older adults, fostering empathy and leadership skills among the students while promoting understanding between the generations. This program has enhanced social skill development, improved social connections, and boosted the wellbeing of all participants. It has also inspired some high school students to pursue careers in childcare and aged care. The program has minimal costs but significant benefits, reducing loneliness, improving happiness, and providing exposure to future career opportunities.
3. The Old Servo, Henty: Originally an abandoned service station, The Old Servo in Henty has been transformed into a thriving community health hub. It includes a swim spa, therapy rooms, and a lending library, with upcoming plans for a laundromat and chicken run. The Old Servo benefits local businesses, reduces travel expenses, and fosters community pride and renewal.
Outstanding Contribution to Leadership in Primary Healthcare
1. Evan Feather: Evan Feather has demonstrated outstanding leadership in healthcare and the community. An active member of many professional organisations, Evan has created a social group for young health professionals, and expanded his practice, improving healthcare access and outcomes in the Snowy Valleys region.
2. Dr Rachel Christmas: Dr Rachel Christmas has shown remarkable leadership in rural healthcare. She has played a pivotal part in strengthening of primary care provision in Temora and the surrounding region. Dr Christmas actively advocates for rural health, works on recruiting and growing the local healthcare workforce, and supports registrar training.
3. Palliative Care Outcome Collaborative: Hay Medical Centre demonstrated remarkable leadership in palliative care by implementing the Palliative Care Outcome Collaborative project through which they proactively identify palliative patients, address their needs, and collaborate with practice nurses, leading to improved patient care. Hay Medical Centre continues to seek opportunities to provide consultation about end-of-life care and collaborate with MPHN (Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network) and UOW (University of Wollongong).