Tom’s LHAC chat

This year’s Convos on the Couch at Holbrook.

Hi LHACs, 

As 2025 draws to a close, I wanted to take a moment to look back on some of the highlights we’ve shared this year. 

We began with LHAC planning sessions across the region, co-presented by Setchen and myself. These sessions were full of energy and ideas, and it’s been inspiring to see projects move from lists into action, with bigger initiatives continuing to take shape. Please continue to reach out to me, your MPHN LHAC representative or our counterparts at the MLHD for support and guidance. 

One of the year’s standout moments was the Griffith Forum, where we explored AI and Technology in Healthcare with keynote speaker Dr Norman Swan. A huge thank you to Griffith LHAC for helping bring that event to life. Looking ahead, if your LHAC is interested in hosting a forum in the first half of 2026, please reach out to me or Marisha. 

Next stop on memory lane was Convos on the Couch. Over three months we visited 14 towns, listening to locals about what matters most to them in health. For those who couldn’t join in person, online feedback gave another way to be heard. All of this feedback will help build our next Health Needs Assessment, and I’m grateful to every LHAC that supported these sessions. Keep an eye out early next year for the upcoming locations. 

The September LHAC forum was held in Wagga with the theme of Community Centred Care. This was a rather unique forum where we heard from a number of lived experience presenters who shared their journeys. Again, a big thank you to the Wagga LHAC for hosting and co-organising a great forum.   

Finally, I want to acknowledge the incredible passion and commitment you bring to improving primary healthcare in your communities. As we mark International Volunteer Day on December 5, please know that your time, energy, and ideas make a real difference. I’m excited to see what we can achieve together in 2026. 

Thanks for the chat,
Tom.