MPHN reflects on progress and future direction at 2026 AGM

Retiring Director Dr Jacques Scholtz (centre) with MPHN CEO Narelle Mills and Board Chair Associate Professor Alam Yoosuff at the 2026 Murrumbidgee Primary Healthcare Awards.

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) reflected on a year of change, collaboration and progress at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Friday 30 October 2026.  

MPHN Board Chair Associate Professor Yoosuff said changing community needs and ongoing health system reform required a clear focus on the future. 

"The needs of our communities are changing; our health system must change with them," Associate Professor Yoosuff said.  

"For Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network, the past year has been about refocusing our work, strengthening our partnerships and preparing for what comes next." 

The Chair highlighted MPHN's strengthened partnership with Murrumbidgee Local Health District, ongoing work to support primary care, and the appointment of MPHN CEO Narelle Mills as key developments during the year.  

Members also acknowledged the contribution of retiring director Dr Jacques Scholtz, who stepped down after nine years of service on the Board. A rural generalist specialist and GP obstetrician from Cootamundra, Dr Scholtz was recognised for his commitment to rural healthcare and his longstanding contribution to MPHN governance.  

Members elected Dr Rachel James, a GP obstetrician from Deniliquin, to the Board following her first year as an appointed director, and re-elected Christine Howard, Director of Charles Sturt University’s Three Rivers Department of Rural Health, as an Elected Director for a further term.   

Associate Professor Yoosuff said MPHN's work was guided by a strong sense of responsibility to the people who rely on healthcare services. 

"We can recognise the progress of the past year without losing sight of what remains to be done," Associate Professor Yoosuff said.  

"Our ambition is clear: to do better tomorrow than we do today for the people of the Murrumbidgee." 

The AGM was held ahead of the 2026 Murrumbidgee Primary Healthcare Awards, which celebrated excellence and innovation across the region. 

Earlier in the week, the Board resolved to reappoint Rene Pennock and Paul Gianniotis as Appointed Directors for a further term concluding in 2029. Mr Pennock has served on the Board since 2020 and Mr Gianniotis since 2019. 

Learn more about MPHN's achievements, partnerships and priorities in the 2025–26 Annual Report.