Join MPHN's First Nations Walan Voices for Health
Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network is seeking expressions of interest for membership of the MPHN First Nations Walan Voices for Health.
A First Nations working group within a Primary Health Network (PHN) serves to provide expert advice and guidance on healthcare issues specifically impacting First Nations communities, ensuring that PHN programs and services are culturally appropriate, accessible, and effectively address the unique health needs of First Nations populations; essentially acting as a bridge between the mainstream health system and First Nations communities to improve health outcomes.
Opportunity
Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) is committed to supporting robust, effective, person-centred, culturally appropriate primary healthcare for First Nations communities in the Murrumbidgee region.
This is an exciting opportunity for Elders, community members, Aboriginal Health Practitioners, and health professionals to provide expert, considered advice and strategic direction to MPHN’s Board and key activities relating to First Nations health and wellbeing programs and services, including MPHN’s Reconciliation Action Plan activities. Members will provide valuable insights and cultural guidance helping shape the future of healthcare in our community. These are identified roles which means your lived experience, cultural knowledge, community connections or capability is essential.
Walan Voices for Health reflects the strength and resilience of our local First Nations people, working together to improve the health and wellbeing of communities across the Murrumbidgee.
About Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network
MPHN, trading as Firsthealth, is a not-for profit organisation which has been supporting and delivering primary health programs for 30 years. Our purpose is to create connected, dynamic and equitable healthcare through empowered workforce and communities as we move towards our vision of well people, resilient communities.
MPHN is one of 31 local and independent PHNs established nationally to support the primary healthcare sector and improve health outcomes, particularly for people at risk of poorer health outcomes. We deliver the PHN program across approximately 126,000 square kilometres to more than 250,000 people living in our 508 communities.
With the person at the centre of care, we plan and deliver programs to ensure the needs of our individual local communities inform our approaches. We achieve this by working with our community and partners to:
Coordinate local services and systems to improve coordination of care.
Commission primary health services to meet population health needs with a focus on access and equity.
Support capacity-building to ensure sustainable healthcare workforce through quality improvement, professional development, and other innovative measures.
Our work and engagement with our communities and stakeholders is underpinned by our values of work together, be honest, value everyone, aim to inspire and learn from others. For more information regarding Primary Health Networks, visit the Department of Health website.
Purpose
Contribute to the updating of MPHN needs assessments which is reflective of the local communities’ priorities.
Input into the development of appropriate, acceptable, safe, effective, and efficient services that are easily accessible to First Nations peoples living within the region.
Evaluation of the MPHN Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) achievements.
Contribution to the co-design of appropriate services for First Nations communities in the region, including strategic advice on the development of innovative services, implementation of new models of care and best practice models.
Meetings
The First Nations Walan Voices for Health will meet three times a year for two hours. Meetings will take place in the MPHN Wagga office (1/185 Morgan Street Wagga Wagga) or via the online platform of Microsoft Teams, to be determined by the group prior to an upcoming meeting.
Application process
Applications are due by 12 September 2025. We will review the applications and advise applicants of the outcome in late September. If you have any questions relating to the MPHN First Nations Walan Voices for Health activities: Maxine Honeysett on P: 0429 445 094 or E: Maxine.Honeysett@mphn.org.au.
Submitting an application
Please complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) form via the link below, demonstrating your interest, experience and outline how you would contribute to the First Nations Walan Voices for Health activities.