North Western Melbourne PHN

02/10/2025

From 2023 to 2025, NWMPHN funded 10 general practices to test new ways of helping people 55+ stay well at home.

The Early Intervention for Healthy Ageing program examined how flexible block funding can complement the existing MBS fee-for-service model. Phase 2 of the program launches this month.

Read more about how Utopia Refugee and Asylum Seeker health in Hoppers Crossing used the funding to reduce barriers that prevent people from seeking medical care 👇

There is broad agreement within health circles that Medicare's fee for service model is ill-equipped to deal with the rise in chronic disease affecting older Australians. The most efficient way to reduce the impact of chronic disease is to prevent it in...

16/09/2025

NWMPHN commissions eight providers in our region to deliver the Australian Government's 'Care finder' service, which helps older adults understand the aged care system and connect with community support.

Read more about how carers Penny and Sherien are making a difference in the community, by assisting Italo and Vince 👇

Many Australians find themselves in their later years alone and unable to navigate the complex aged care system or find other services they need. To assist them, in January 2023 the Australian Government created care finder services. Care finders provid...

07/08/2025

Fever, stomach pain or vomiting?

If it's not life-threatening, get free help faster by speaking to an emergency doctor or nurse with Virtual Emergency Care.

Find out more about Victoria’s Free Urgent Care Services at urgentcare.vic.gov.au

05/08/2025

Despite seeing physiotherapists, sports physicians and other health professionals, Amanda suffered from debilitating pain for 10 years.

That was until a new GP referred her to Holstep Health's Chronic Pain Service, commissioned by NWMPHN.

The referral changed her life for the better, transforming her pain into a manageable condition that no longer defined her, nor made her feel frustrated and fearful every time she had pain. “Not only has it helped the pain improve but it's helped me feel less stress around it," she says.

Read more about the service 👇

Despite seeing physiotherapists, sports physicians and other health professionals, Amanda suffered from debilitating pain for 10 years before a new GP referred her to Holstep Health's Chronic Pain Service. The referral changed her life for the better, t...

16/07/2025

If found early, over 65% of lung cancer can be successfully treated. Lung cancer screening uses a CT scan of the chest to look for early signs of lung cancer and is expected to save hundreds of lives every year.

If you're aged 50-70, with a smoking history and have no signs or symptoms of lung cancer, you may be eligible for the program.

Speak to your health care provider to find out if you are eligible for the free scan.

Find out more: health.gov.au/nlcsp

07/07/2025

NAIDOC Week (6-13 July) is a time to recognise and celebrate the strength, vision and legacy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This year marks 50 years of NAIDOC – a powerful milestone in honouring the voices, culture and enduring resilience of First Nations communities.

The 2025 theme, 'The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy', invites us to reflect on the past, celebrate present achievements, and look ahead with hope and responsibility for what’s to come.

Let’s continue to listen, learn and walk together towards a future grounded in truth and justice.

👉 Find out more and explore events near you at naidoc.org.au.

27/06/2025

Respiratory diseases such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 become much more common in winter.

Hear from NWMPHN chief executive, Christopher Carter, on how to protect yourself and your family during the colder months 👇

You don’t seem to hear all that much about COVID-19 these days, but that doesn’t mean it’s yesterday’s problem. Indeed, early in June Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Dr Evelyn Wong, put out a statement revealing the increase in COVID-19 cases between April and May this year was 2.5 times ...

24/06/2025

Last week, thousands joined the final day of the 500-kilometre Walk for Truth, marking the closure of Australia's first formal truth-telling process, the Yoorrook Justice Commission.

NWMPHN staff were among those to take the final steps with Kerrupmara Gunditjmara man Travis Lovett, the Yoorrook Commissioner, who had completed a 25-day journey from Portland.

Some reflections of the day, by our Director of Strategic Relations, Brendan Park 👇

Hadn’t crossed the Birrarung in a while. Too long. Been busy. Emails, kids, life. It was Travis Lovett who got us moving. This Kerrupmara Gunditjmara man had walked up from Portland – 500 kilometres so far – and he reckoned we should tag along. Still a bit further to go, he said. Gotta get up ...

16/06/2025

📢 Free maternal RSV vaccine now available

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of infant hospitalisation in Australia. But did you know vaccination during pregnancy helps reduce the risk of severe RSV illness in infants under 6 months by about 70%?

Eligible women from 28 to 36 weeks of pregnancy can now access a free vaccine through the National Immunisation Program (NIP). The vaccine can safely be given at the same time as other vaccines recommended in pregnancy, including influenza, whooping cough, and COVID vaccines.

Speak to your health care provider or visit the Better Health Channel for more information: https://go.vic.gov.au/3Epp7cy

03/06/2025

In Australia, we have excellent free screening for three of the most common types of cancer – cervical, breast and bowel. And from July 2025 there will also be free screens for another major killer, lung cancer.

However, not all tests are created equal, and sometimes it is better to see your doctor to arrange a diagnostic test instead of a screening test.

But what is the difference? Dr Jeannie Knapp, GP advisor at NWMPHN, explains 👇

In a Star Weekly article earlier this year, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network CEO Christopher Carter encouraged all of us to increase our screentime. But when should I have a screening test and when should I see my doctor for diagnostic tests? In Australia we are very fortunate. We have...

26/05/2025

National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 2 June) is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on how we can contribute to reconciliation in Australia.

The theme for 2025, Bridging Now to Next, invites us to move forward together – guided by truth-telling and respect – to build a more united and respectful nation.

At NWMPHN, we’re committed to improving health outcomes with and for Aboriginal people living across our region.

A key way we’re doing this is through the implementation of our Reconciliation Action Plan 2025-2027 – a practical commitment to collaboration, co-design and listening to ensure better, culturally safe outcomes. You can read our RAP here: https://bit.ly/3qbgSa1

This week, we also encourage primary care teams to explore quality improvement activities that support culturally safe care for First Nations patients.
Visit our website: nwmphn.org.au/qi-activities

23/05/2025

North Western Melbourne PHN strongly supports the work of the Yoorrook Justice Commission in its formal truth-telling process into historical and ongoing injustices experienced by First Peoples in Victoria.

We endorse the Walk for Truth, which sees people led by Kerrupmara/Gunditjmara man and Yoorrook Deputy Chair Commissioner Travis Lovett walking from Portland to Parliament House in Naarm/Melbourne, from 25 May to 18 June.

A contingent of NWMPHN staff will be among those joining in on the final day of the walk. Read more 👇

Media release North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) strongly supports the work of the Yoorrook Justice Commission in its formal truth-telling process into historical and ongoing injustices experienced by First Peoples in Victoria. The Commission is chaired by Wergaia/Wamba Wamba El...