Justice Health NSW

25/11/2025

This month’s is Connie Galati, Service Director System Reform in the Forensic Mental Health Directorate.

With a background in psychology, leadership and service improvement, Connie brings insight, creativity and big-picture thinking to leading the strategic direction of forensic mental health services.

Working closely with NSW Health, she is supporting implementation of the Forensic Mental Health Strategic Plan 2025-2035, which aims to bring together forensic mental health services across the state to improve care for this cohort. Her work spans stakeholder engagement, consultation, data collection and coordinating projects across districts and networks.

“My role is a little different from operational roles. I lead strategy not only for forensic mental health within Justice Health NSW but also support planning across services statewide. The system sits across multiple districts and networks, so my focus is on connection, integration and visibility,” Connie said.

“I love working with teams to bring big ideas to life these are programs with high impact that require time, resources and collaboration.”

Before joining Justice Health NSW, Connie worked as a psychologist in drug and alcohol services, community and acute mental health, and in the courts. Her career later expanded into leadership roles including Assistant Director of Allied Health, Professional Lead for Psychology and Mental Health Adviser to the ACT Chief Health Officer.

“I never imagined leaving direct client work, but I realised I could make a broader difference through service development and governance. The skills I used with clients are the same skills I use now, listening, understanding and adapting.”

One of her proudest achievements was leading major reform in the ACT to introduce a lived-experience workforce into public mental health services.

“I strongly believe in collaboration between professional and lived expertise. Working alongside lived-experience advisors made me a better clinician and now a better strategist.”

Outside of work, Connie embraces things that ground and inspire her. From getting into the bush, to food and connection which form the heart of her social life.

“I’m from an Italian background, so meals are a big part of my life, whether with my aunties and uncles or friends. I love a good meal,” she said.

Connie enjoys musical theatre too, and can often be found at the latest show, including The Book of Mormon and most recently Calamity Jane which is now her favourite.

And of course there’s her self-appointed “deputy director”, Esther the cat, who provides purrfessional support in virtual meetings and fuels Connie’s growing collection of cat-themed artwork.

Thanks, Connie, for helping us continue to improve the care we deliver for our patients.

25/11/2025

Looking for the next step in your health career?

An integral member of the Statewide Community and Court Liaison Service (SCCLS), the Aboriginal Court Liaison Officer assists in this diversion of Aboriginal defendants who have or are suspected of having a mental illness, mental disorder and/or cognitive impairment.

As Court Liaison Officer, you will assess unmet needs and risks, linking them with culturally appropriate care and providing follow up support to improve their likelihood of being successfully diverted to community based mental health care.

If you are passionate about delivering healthcare with the greatest impact, learn more about this role and other opportunities here: https://iworkfor.nsw.gov.au/job/aboriginal-court-liaison-officer-mental-health-clinician-pft-justice-health-and-olympic-park-statewide-community-and-court-liaison-service-553699

17/11/2025

Justice Health NSW and Corrective Services NSW have launched a new Harm Reduction Peer Project, recognising the powerful role people with lived experience play in creating safer prisons.

The first group of five peer workers in custody has completed comprehensive training in communication, self-care, stigma, harm reduction, sexual health, overdose response, and preventing blood-borne viruses.

By combining lived experience with formal training, these peer workers connect with others in ways traditional services often can’t to support safer choices and healthier outcomes for everyone inside the walls.

You can read more about this exciting project at: https://correctiveservices.dcj.nsw.gov.au/about-us/news-hub/support-from-the-inside.html

13/11/2025

to grow your career and be part of a valued team delivering care where it's needed most.

Step into the heart of executive leadership at Justice Health NSW as the trusted right-hand to our Chief Executive.

As the Executive Assistant, you’ll be at the centre of government and health sector engagement; managing ministerial correspondence, coordinating with key oversight bodies, and ensuring the smooth flow of critical information across the organisation.

Sound like you? Learn more: https://iworkfor.nsw.gov.au/job/executive-assistant-to-the-chief-executive-hm2-pft-malabar-550787

12/11/2025

Today marks 😊 😊, a day to remember the power of kindness toward others, ourselves, and the world around us.

A small gesture, a kind word, a sympathetic ear, or a moment of warmth can have a big impact on people’s lives. Kindness is powerful and can create a ripple that becomes a wave touching countless lives.

Even the smallest act of kindness can spark compassion, build understanding, and create a lasting positive impact.

To celebrate, we’re highlighting a simple yet meaningful gesture from a Justice Health NSW team member in which a thoughtful act brightens her colleagues’ day and demonstrates that kindness truly is contagious.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWTV1nhQm10

NSW Health

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

11/11/2025

We were honoured to host the 2025 NSW Staff Health Conference at Sydney Olympic Park on behalf of NSW Health.

More than 100 health professionals from across health and emergency service agencies came together in person and online to share insights and strategies for enhancing the health and wellbeing of the NSW Health workforce.

As hosts, we’re proud to support initiatives that strengthen staff wellbeing and foster a healthier, more connected workplace across our health system.

A big thank you to everyone who contributed to such an engaging and inspiring event.

06/11/2025

Please join us for our 2025 Annual Public Meeting (APM).

The APM is our chance to provide staff and community members an update on our key achievements and how we continue to work to return healthier patients to their communities.

What: Annual Public Meeting 2025
When: 3.30pm – 4.30pm, Thursday 4 December 2025
Where: Online via Microsoft Teams and in-person at Justice Health NSW Administration Centre, 1300 Anzac Parade, Malabar.

To register to attend the APM, visit our event website: https://jhfmhn.eventsair.com/annual-public-meeting-2025/register

03/11/2025

🌿 Celebrating Excellence in Sustainability and Cultural Connection 🌿

We’re exceptionally proud of our Forensic Hospital Team who were the winners of the NSW Health 2025 Secretary’s Award for their outstanding work on the Bundaleer Project. 👏

The Bundaleer Project empowers First Nations patients to reconnect with Country, contribute to their communities, and promote sustainability. All while reducing the hospital’s environmental footprint.

Through hands on education, patients grow native plants and bush foods, supporting rehabilitation, cultural identity, and environmental stewardship.

In partnership with IndigiGrow, patients have grown over 4,000 native plants including critically endangered species with more than 500 being donated to local schools.

A new collaboration with Randwick City Council also sees 150 native plants gifted each month to new citizens at Australian Citizenship Ceremonies, a proud symbol of growth and connection. 🌱

30/10/2025

Celebrating excellence 🎉

For our October , Justice Health NSW celebrated the vital contributions of health staff during the annual Justice Health NSW Excellence Awards.

With finalists and winners presented across 14 categories, the awards recognised the incredible achievements and outstanding commitment of both teams and individuals across NSW.

You can learn more about the awards and recipients here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/health-and-wellbeing/justicehealth/news-events/excellence-recognised-at-justice-health-nsw-2025-staff-awards

28/10/2025

Justice Health NSW will partner with Wellington Aboriginal Corporation Health Service (WACHS) to deliver trauma-informed, culturally safe healthcare to Aboriginal patients in custody in the state’s Central West.

The in-reach model, based on the Justice Our Way program, involves local Aboriginal community-based health services delivering support to Aboriginal patients in custody and transitioning to community.

The expansion of the program is funded under the Domestic Family Sexual Violence National Partnership Agreement, and will see place-based throughcare, designed by WACHS, delivered at Wellington Correctional Centre to Aboriginal women on remand and in custody, and for the first time also piloted for Aboriginal men in custody.

📰 Read more about the program here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/health-and-wellbeing/justicehealth/news-events/justice-health-nsw-establishes-new-partnership-to-support-aboriginal-patients-states-central-west

27/10/2025

Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network offers rewarding roles where Aboriginal professionals can provide patient-centred care to those in contact with the criminal justice and forensic mental health systems of NSW.

As an Aboriginal Health Practitioner, you would be a key member of our multidisciplinary health centre team, providing flexible, holistic, and culturally sensitive health care services to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and applying key strategies for face-to-face patient care.

Want to learn more? Click here: https://jobs.health.nsw.gov.au/jhfmhn/jobs/aboriginal-health-practitioner-primary-care-pft-metropolitan-remand-and-reception-centre-311987