Western NSW PHN

16/04/2026

Help improve after-hours health care in Western NSW.

WNSW PHN wants to hear from people in our community. Tell us what it’s like to get care after hours during evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays in your town.

Take the short Community Members and Consumers Survey and/or join an online workshop.

Your feedback will help us understand what’s working, what’s hard, and what needs to change.

Find out more: wnswphn.org.au/wnsw-phn-launches-after-hours-needs-assessment-workshops-and-surveys/

14/04/2026

📢 New Needs Assessments released

Western NSW Primary Health Network has released two new Primary Care Needs Assessments focused on priority populations across our region.

✅ Homelessness Primary Care Needs Assessment
✅ Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Primary Care Needs Assessment

Commissioned by WNSW PHN and conducted by Linéaire Projects, these assessments provide valuable insights into current service provision, gaps and opportunities to improve access to primary health care for people experiencing homelessness and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in Western NSW.

The findings will help inform future service planning, commissioning and partnerships so that health services better reflect the needs of our communities.

We encourage healthcare providers, community organisations and stakeholders to explore the reports and use the insights to support collaborative, inclusive and locally responsive care.

🔗 Read the full assessments on our website: https://wnswphn.org.au/about-us/publications-achievements/

13/04/2026

📅 Save the date | 2026 Type 2 Diabetes Masterclass

Following the success of our inaugural 2025 Type 2 Diabetes Masterclass, we are pleased to confirm the return of this popular multidisciplinary education event in 2026.

🗓 Saturday 13 June 2026, 8:30am to 4:30pm
📍 Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo

The 2026 Type 2 Diabetes Masterclass will bring together leading experts, local clinicians and multidisciplinary teams to share evidence-based practice, practical insights and regional perspectives.
Proudly brought to you by Western Sydney Diabetes and the Care Partnership – Diabetes program, this free, full day in person event is designed for health professionals working across diabetes care and will feature a strong mix of specialist insights, regional perspectives and practical discussion.

Register now: https://rego.interact.technology/2026WNSW/ #/

The Care Partnership – Diabetes program is a collaboration between the Western NSW Local Health District , the Far West Local Health District , the Western NSW Primary Health Network, and Rural Doctors Network .

13/04/2026

Dying to Know Day Parkes 🕊

📅 13 May 2026 | 10:00am–2:30pm
📍 Parkes Services Club

Join us for Dying to Know Day in Parkes — a free community event offering practical information, conversations and support around end of life planning and care.

Hear from local services on topics including:
CanAssist
Advance Care Planning
Voluntary Assisted Dying
End of Life Doulas
End of Life Packages
Carer Gateway
Specialist Palliative Care
Legal Information
Mindfulness and Relaxation.

✅ Free to attend
🥪 Light lunch provided.

👉 RSVP by Friday 8 May

Register online: https://wnswphn.snapforms.com.au/form/d2kday---parkesforbes-registration-form

Telephone: 0467 965 255
Email: Tamara.Gross@health.nsw.gov.au

Everyone is welcome.

Western NSW Local Health District | Carer Gateway | End of life Doulas - Preparing the Way

10/04/2026

08/04/2026

Western NSW Primary Health Network in partnership with the University of Sydney School of Rural Health’s Western NSW Regional Training Hub , were pleased to host an engaging Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) Information Evening last month, designed to support the next generation of rural and remote doctors.

The event brought together 26 medical students, junior doctors, and clinicians for an in depth look at the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine’s training pathways. Attendees heard directly from experienced guest speakers including Dr Justine Thomson, Dr Ariana Arulampalam, Dr James Best and Dr Susan Tyler-Freer, who shared their insights into the rewards, challenges, and unique scope of practice that comes with working in rural and remote communities.

Beyond the formal presentations, the evening fostered valuable conversations about career development, community impact, and the expanding opportunities available across Western NSW. Participants appreciated the chance to connect with training providers, ask practical questions, and gain clarity on how ACRRM’s programs can support a fulfilling and sustainable rural medical career. The strong turnout and enthusiastic discussion highlighted the region’s commitment to building a skilled, confident, and community focused rural health workforce.

Thank you to all speakers and attendees for your time, insights and participation in making this event a success.

WNSW PHN is your link to CPD Education and local health and wellbeing events.

👉 Stay connected with health and wellbeing events across our region by visiting our website 🔗 wnswphn.org.au/events-training/

07/04/2026

Last month, 15 health professionals from Western and Far West NSW came together in Dubbo and Broken Hill to strengthen ear health assessment skills through EarTrain workshops delivered by WNSW PHN in partnership with TAFE NSW. 👂

The hands-on training focused on practical skills for early identification of common ear conditions, with strong participation from Aboriginal Health Practitioners alongside nurses and allied health professionals.

Investing in local training like EarTrain helps build workforce capability and supports better hearing health outcomes for people living in rural and remote communities.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to learn, share experiences, and strengthen practice locally.

WNSW PHN connects you to CPD education and local health & wellbeing events across Western and Far West NSW.

👉 wnswphn.org.au/events-training/

07/04/2026

Help protect your mob. 🩹

Vaccination helps keep you, Elders, kids and community safer from serious sickness.

Not sure what you need? Yarn with your Aboriginal Health Worker, GP or pharmacist and ask: “Am I up to date?”

02/04/2026

Heading away for the long weekend? 🛫
Before you hit the road, check your vaccinations are up to date.

Vaccines help protect you and the people you love from serious sickness.

You can check your vaccination history online via myGov if you have a Medicare card or simply ask your GP or pharmacist: “Do I need any shots?”

01/04/2026

CLOSING SOON: Opioid Dependence Treatment (ODT) Incentive Grants 2026

WNSW PHN is supporting the Opioid Dependence Treatment (ODT) Incentive which aims to increase the accessibility of ODT for people across the WNSW PHN region and reduce morbidity, mortality and health burdens associated with Opioid Dependence.

This incentive seeks to increase the undertaking of the Opioid and Treatment Accreditation Course (OTAC) for General Practitioners (GPs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in the region, subsequently increasing the number of accredited prescribers.

✅ Funding is open to eligible practitioners (GPs and NPs) working within the WNSW PHN region to conduct activities based on the Grant scope and objectives.

📅 Applications close 16 April 2026.

🔗 Learn more and apply now: wnswphn.org.au/grants-program/

31/03/2026

Western NSW health professionals strengthening immunisation practice in our region.

13 Practice Nurses and Aboriginal Health Practitioners and Trainees recently completed immunisation training delivered by the Benchmarque Group.

The practical sessions supported participants to build confidence in vaccination delivery, catch-up schedules, adverse event management and patient communication - capabilities that are essential for improving preventive health outcomes across rural and remote communities.

Read the full story at our website 🔗 wnswphn.org.au/local-health-workforce-boost-hands-on-immunisation-skills/