Western NSW PHN

26/09/2025

Last month the Diabetes Education Workshop was successfully held in Dubbo and Broken Hill.

The team from the UTS: University of Technology Sydney provided the high-quality education supported by the AH&MRC of NSW and the Care Partnership – Diabetes program.

This workshop strengthened the clinical and educational skills of health professionals supporting patients living with diabetes. It also offered an opportunity to build meaningful connections with like-minded colleagues.

This initiative was proudly supported by the University of Technology Sydney, the AH&MRC of NSW and the Care Partnership – Diabetes program, which is funded by the NSW Ministry of Health’s Collaborative Commissioning program.

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

26/09/2025

We were thrilled to host another highly engaging GP Masterclass on common perianal disorders in Mudgee earlier this month!

Led by Dr Angelina Di Re, Colorectal and General Surgeon, the session welcomed 18 GPs, registrars, and medical students and offered practical, relevant insights. Attendees praised Dr Di Re’s clear, passionate, and engaging presentation style, with plenty of valuable discussion throughout the evening.

A big thank you to Dr Di Re for sharing her expertise and our warmest wishes to her and her family as they prepare to welcome their new baby soon!

If you like to find our more about our upcoming events and training click here 👉 https://www.wnswphn.org.au/wnswphn-events/events

25/09/2025

**RECRUITING NOW**

Manager Integrated Team Care
Location: Dubbo, Orange, Bathurst or Broken Hill
Applications close: 11:59pm 8 Oct 2025

The Manager Integrated Team Care’s role is to coordinate and oversee the design, commissioning, procurement, and ongoing management of PHN-funded Integrated Team Care services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with complex chronic conditions across the Western NSW region.

Providing leadership, guidance, and mentoring to the ITC Service providers and workforce; The ITC Manager works closely with care coordinators to support communities through ongoing community engagement and respectful partnerships.

This role focuses on improving access to culturally appropriate primary care services and coordinating care through multidisciplinary teams and will also direct the transition and/or decommissioning of commissioned programs.

For more information head to our website: https://wnswphn.org.au/workwithus

25/09/2025

“Dad has never had such community support in regards to his experience of su***de as provided by [The] Way Back … The Way Back Program plays a much needed role in providing support to people who may have made an attempt on their life.” – Family member of Client, The Way Back Support Service

The Way Back Support Service supports people following a su***de attempt or experiencing suicidal crisis. It aims to reduce the risk of further suicidal behaviour for those who are experiencing a suicidal crisis or su***de attempt.

Hear real stories from clients and the people that care for them about how The Way Back Support Service is helping individuals, families and communities in our region.

Read the story: https://wnswphn.org.au/2025/09/Local-Lives-Changed-Through-The-Way-Back-Support-Service

If you or someone you know needs support, help is available:
☎️ Lifeline 13 11 14 or 💻 lifeline.org.au
☎️ 13YARN on 13 92 76 (24 hours/7 days) to talk with an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter

The Way Back Support Service is supported by funding from Western NSW Primary Health Network through the Australian Government’s PHN Program and delivered by Mission Australia.

23/09/2025

Need instant health advice for your family?

Call healthdirect on 1800 022 222, anytime, anywhere to speak to a registered nurse.

Depending on your condition, the nurse will recommend the right healthcare option for you.

They can find you a nearby GP, pharmacist or urgent care service, connect you to a doctor online or call you an ambulance if it is life-threatening.

To find out more, visit 🔗www.health.nsw.gov.au/callhealthdirect

18/09/2025

Don’t forget to book your 715 Health Check this year. 📅 ✅

Slipped your mind? No worries, there's still time – your health is in your hands! 🙌

A 715 Health Check is a free, yearly check-up for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Even if you're feeling well, it can help you stay healthy and strong.

You can get your 715 check at your local Aboriginal Medical Service or any bulk billing practice.

Talk to your healthcare worker and book yours today!

16/09/2025

Dr Minoli Abeysekera, Consultant Endocrinologist with the Orange Health Service, presented ‘Thyroid Disorder Management’ last week in Orange. 20 GP’s and registrars attended along with 2 practice nurses.

Dr Minoli and her family moved to Orange earlier this year and brings a wealth of knowledge to our area. She hopes to use her expertise to improve the health outcomes and quality of life of the community.

The evening was very interactive and addressed many of the thyroid disorders commonly detected in clinical presentations.

WNSW PHN extends thanks to Dr Minoli and all who attended on the evening.

We have a calendar of upcoming training available on our website. To see what is happening in your region, visit our website:
🔗 www.wnswphn.org.au/events

15/09/2025

15 – 21 September is Dementia Action Week.

Dementia Action Week asks everyone in the community to reach out and reconnect to someone impacted by dementia because nobody can do it alone.

You don't have to deal with dementia alone.

Dementia Australia offers information, advice and support, no matter what your experience of dementia.

👨‍💻 Visit Dementia Australia’s website to find dementia information, training, services and support.

🔗 https://www.dementia.org.au/get-support

It’s okay to take care of your own health and happiness. If you're struggling as someone who cares for a person with dementia, contact the free, confidential National Dementia Helpline on
1800 100 500, any time of the day or night, for information, advice and support.

12/09/2025

Tomorrow, 13 September, is World First Aid Day.

World First Aid Day aims to increase awareness of the need of first aid, offer useful tools for learning fundamental first aid practices, and motivate people to become first aid champions in their areas of living.

Think you know First Aid? Test your knowledge by taking the online first aid quiz: https://worldfirstaidday.org/quiz/

Learn. Act. Save.

Australia Wide First Aid

World First Aid Day raises awareness about the crucial role of First Aid in saving lives.

11/09/2025

11/09/2025

Today, 11 September, is R U OK? Day.

Life’s ups and downs happen to all of us. You don’t have to be an expert to have a meaningful R U OK? conversation. Listening and giving someone your time might be just what they need to help them through.

Ask R U OK because a conversation could change a life.

Learn more at ruok.org.au

If you, or someone you care for, needs support or is thinking about ending their life, contact Lifeline. Call 13 11 14 (24/7) or chat to a crisis supporter online at lifeline.org.au.

10/09/2025

Today, 10 September, is World Su***de Prevention Day.

Su***de can affect every one of us. By raising awareness, reducing the stigma & encouraging action we can help to reduce the instances of su***de around the world.

WNSW PHN is proud to support service providers in su***de prevention across Western and Far West NSW. To find out more about services we commission visit wnswphn.org.au/commissioned_services

If you, or someone you care for, needs support or is thinking about ending their life, contact Lifeline. Call 13 11 14 (24/7) or chat to a crisis supporter online at lifeline.org.au.

***dePreventionDay