Local healthcare heroes recognised at Primary Healthcare Awards

In a celebration of excellence and dedication, the 2023 Primary Healthcare Awards took place in Wagga Wagga on Friday 10 November, honouring outstanding contributions in the field of primary healthcare.

The awards ceremony, hosted by Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN), showcased the extraordinary achievements of local healthcare heroes from across the region.

Big winners on the night were the Tumut region’s ‘Fireshed Fridays and High Teas’, Making Friends With Food by The Root Cause, the Deniliquin community’s ‘Intergenerational Activity’, and Dr Rachel Christmas from Temora.

MPHN’s firsthealth Board Chair Dr Jodi Culbert said opportunities to recognise local achievements in primary healthcare were critical.

“This year we received a record number of applications, and the calibre of the applications really kept the judges critically reviewing the submissions to discern the finalists and winners,” Dr Culbert said.

“The achievements and positive health outcomes from each of our finalists was inspiring.

“It was an honour to thank our finalists, on behalf of the Board and MPHN Senior Leadership team, for all they do to support health and wellbeing in their communities.”

2023 Primary Healthcare winners and finalists

Innovation

Winner: 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.

Nicole Jenkins said she was excited the program had been recognised.

“We had a little pilot early last year, saw the benefits, and decided this year we were going to do this in an extensive way,” Ms Jenkins said.

“I’d like to thank the Deniliquin Children’s Centre and Southern Cross Care Homes in Deniliquin for the support, they’ve been amazing.

“It’s wonderful that teenagers I work with are really taking this on board and coming in each week bringing these young children together with older adults; there’s nothing more rewarding.”

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.

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.

Promoting Healthy Living

Winner: Making Friends With Food by The Root Cause (formerly known as The Children's Health Program): A total of 1,668 children, in addition to teachers and parents, participated in the interactive 12-month 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.

Justine Moore, Belinda Smith, and Kate Mason of The Root Cause.

Accepting the award, Belinda Smith shared a touching story about a grandmother who reached out after her grandson had participated in the program.

“The grandmother was nearly in tears because of what she called the transformation of her grandson,” Ms Smith said.

“She told us, ‘He used to be that child who was rummaging in the cupboards looking for packaged foods, now he’s looking for fruit and veggies, trying new foods, and sharing his love of fresh food with his friends at school.’ Without the MPHN, we wouldn’t have been able to do that.”

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.

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.

Community Grant of the Year

Winner: 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 across the Snowy Valleys area, providing mental health support and educational sessions.

Louise Halsey, who accepted the award, said Fireshed Fridays had been a “phenomenon”.

“We’ve been to 25 firesheds right across the area; we arrive with a sit-down dinner, tablecloths, and we use juvenile growth eucalyptus for decorations as a symbol of regrowth,” Ms Halsey said.

“If we have made a difference to one of those firemen, our job’s done.

“When Fireshed Fridays started we also started High Teas. One woman came along and said, ‘I haven’t pulled these shoes out since my daughter was married 10 years ago.’”

Highly commended: 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.

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.

Outstanding Contribution to Leadership in Primary Healthcare

Winner: 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.

MPHN CEO Melissa Neal, Dr Rachel Christmas, and MPHN’s firsthealth Board Chair Dr Jodi Culbert.

Dr Christmas, upon accepting the award, emphasised the importance of taking action when you believe improvements can be made.

“I see lots of communities around the district where so many people are doing amazing things,” Dr Christmas said.

“I’m really appreciative of this [award], and I’m quite overwhelmed by it because it was not expected.

“Thank you to all the people here who contribute so beautifully to their communities, believe in what they do, and have optimism for a wonderful future.”

Highly commended: 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).

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.