Celebrating 30 years of primary healthcare

firsthealth Limited who delivers the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network, is celebrating 30 years of the organisation’s role in primary healthcare. The organisation’s history dates back to July 1993, when it was established as the Wagga Wagga & District Division of General Practice.

To mark the occasion, the organisation will be hosting a celebration event on 17 May 2024 in Wagga Wagga and past employees, directors and stakeholders are being encouraged to share any stories and photos of their time with the organisation.

MPHN has had various iterations over the past 30 years. From 1993 operating as the Wagga Wagga & District Division of General Practice before becoming the Riverina Division of General Practice. In 2011 the Murrumbidgee Medicare Local was established which operated until 2015 when the Primary Health Network program was introduced after its successful bid to Government to lead the regions PHN.

firsthealth Limited Board Chair Dr Jodi Culbert said the longevity of the organisation demonstrates our commitment to primary health in the Murrumbidgee region and a willingness to adapt to an everchanging environment.

“I know among local primary care providers the support provided by MPHN to the sector, GP practices and communities we serve is invaluable, notably many of these relationships are longstanding,” Dr Culbert said.

“During my many years involved with MPHN either as a GP, or more recently as a Board Director, I’ve seen firsthand the dedication and passion of the staff, and their commitment to being innovative and find solutions to a range of challenges. I’m always inspired by the achievements of the organisation, which are often a result of the strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the region.

“I’m looking forward to our 30-year celebration event and to meet and reconnect with past employees, directors and stakeholders,” she said.

MPHN Acting CEO Narelle Mills said celebrating an organisation’s history provides an opportunity for reflection.

“We are incredibly proud of history of the organisation and the contributions we’ve made to the region over 30 years.  When we started looking through our archives at the history and the milestones, it is clear that our achievements have had a positive impact on the region. While we have come a long way since we first started, some things, like workforce challenges remain the same for our regional and rural communities,” Ms Mills said.

“The celebration event will provide an opportunity reflect on the organisation’s strong history and how the lessons from the past can shape our future work. The event will also provide an opportunity to reconnect with past colleagues and stakeholders to share stories and memories.

“I would like to take this opportunity to encourage former employees, directors and stakeholders to share their stories and photos of their time working or being involved with us.”

For more information and to send your photos, stories and memories about MPHN in its various iterations visit mphn.org.au/30-years, email media@mphn.org.au or call Monica McInnes on 0427 185 075.