AUGUST 2026
STAFF NEWS
Message from the CEO NDIS ACCREDITATION
Unfortunately, the outbreak meant we had to make the Many thanks to everyone difficult decision to postpone who supported our recent the Lodge’s 50th Anniversary NDIS accreditation process. celebrations, but we are very We were pleased to receive much looking forward to positive preliminary feedback coming together with from the assessors, along residents, families, staff and with some areas identified our community to celebrate where we can continue to this important milestone on improve and strengthen our 17 September. Thank you to processes. everyone for your care, Accreditation is a team effort, flexibility and teamwork. and we sincerely thank all staff who contributed MANDATORY TRAINING whether through preparing documentation, meeting A reminder to all staff that with assessors, answering mandatory training is due for questions or supporting the completion by 30 September. process behind the scenes. Keeping our mandatory We are now awaiting the training up to date is an final report, which will important part of provide further detail and maintaining a safe, skilled help guide our next steps. In and compliant workforce, the meantime, thank you to and ensures we are all everyone involved for your equipped to provide safe, contribution and high-quality care and commitment to providing services. If you have safe, high-quality services to outstanding training, please our NDIS participants. make time to complete it before the deadline and COVID OUTBREAK AND speak with your manager if INFECTION CONTROL you need support to do so. Thank you to everyone who I would like to acknowledge has already completed their our clinical and non-clinical requirements, and to all staff staff who worked together to for making this a priority. manage the recent COVID outbreak at the Lodge. Staff THE ANNUAL AWARDS did a wonderful job implementing infection The Annual Awards are an prevention and control opportunity to support and measures, supporting celebrate the hard work and residents in isolation and, achievements of our team at importantly, keeping life as NCN Health. normal as possible for all residents during this time.
RESPECT
ACCOUNTABILITY
The Annual Awards and Service Awards are presented at the Annual General Meeting, which will be held in November this year (date and time to be confirmed). Annual Award nominations are open and will close September 30th. Links to the nomination forms can be found in this newsletter and on the intranet. Please take the time to celebrate the achievements of your teams and colleagues.
PUBLIC SECTOR RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE DEVELOPMENT NUMURKAH It is exciting to see our new Public Sector Residential Aged Care development in Numurkah really beginning to take shape, with slabs progressing, timber framing going up and structural steel now providing a much clearer sense of the new building. Just as importantly, a significant amount of work is happening behind the scenes to prepare for how the new facility will operate. Numurkah staff can get a clear view of the progress from Urgent Care, Karinya or the staff car park and regular updates are being posted in the newsletter or intranet.
Mark Ashcroft Chief Executive Officer
PARTNERSHIP
INNOVATION
ANNUAL AWARDS 2026 Our Annual Awards are an opportunity to recognise and celebrate our people. They seek to build a culture where we acknowledge the contributions of our colleagues, celebrate great work and recognise the commitment, teamwork and achievements of individuals and teams across our organisation. You can nominate any staff member or volunteer for an Annual Award using the links below. You can also do this via the intranet at anytime, on the home page of the intranet or on the SWELL page. Nominations close September 30.
Living The Values: https://form.jotform.com/232826872613057 Quality Improvement: https://form.jotform.com/242400456379053 OHS: https://form.jotform.com/232817454498064 Consumer Centered Care: https://form.jotform.com/232817353436054 Excellence in Customer Service: https://form.jotform.com/232817616971060
RESPECT
ACCOUNTABILITY
PARTNERSHIP
INNOVATION
Meet The Board of Directors Tricia Quibell Board Chair
Tricia brings more than 30 years of leadership experience across the Community Services and Education sectors, with extensive experience in governance and project management. She has strong connections to the Moira Shire and the wider Goulburn Valley community.
Kade brings extensive experience in financial advice, portfolio management and investment analysis, and has served on the NCN Health Board since 2017. Based in Cobram, he is actively involved in the local community.
Mewan Dissanayake Board Director
Kade Beasley Board Director
Mewan brings more than 25 years of experience across finance, governance, risk, compliance and health services in Australia and overseas. He is currently Executive Director of Finance & Corporate Services at Benalla Health.
Sally brings broad experience across Human Resources, community services, education and the not-for-profit sector. She has strong local community connections, including 15 years with Cobram Community House and involvement with a range of local organisations.
Sally Bate Board Director
Meet The Board of Directors Sally Squire Board Director
Sally has a strong background in healthcare, having held senior nursing, clinical education, research and pandemic response roles. She currently works in corporate performance at AlburyCity and holds a Master of Nursing Science.
Tavia’s career has focused on healthcare improvement, quality, safety, risk management and innovation, both in Australia and internationally. With strong family ties to Cobram, she is passionate about supporting high-quality healthcare in rural and regional communities.
Michael Koss Board Director Board Director
Tavia Rudd Board Director
Michael brings expertise across healthcare, law, digital health, workforce strategy and governance, with a strong focus on improving healthcare access in rural and regional communities. He is the founder of VYTLS, which develops digital health solutions for rural healthcare.
Chris has spent more than 45 years working across People & Culture, human resources, change management and recruitment, holding senior roles in both the public and private sectors. He is currently Director of HR Shared Services at Austin Health and has also held a range of Board and committee positions.
Chris Richardson Board Director
Would you like to drive dialysis patients to their appointments? We are looking for volunteer drivers to support our community transport program NCN Health has two vehicles to support community members to access dialysis treatment outside our local area for example, to Shepparton, Yarrawonga, Kyabram etc. We need volunteers to help us run this community transport program. This Community Transport Program is designed to complement - not replace existing transport services, working collaboratively to fill identified gaps in transport.
Volunteer opportunities available Monday to Saturday, morning and afternoon shifts.
Structured rosters with a clear schedule and volunteer support.
Choose your level of commitment, for example, once a week, fortnightly, or monthly shifts.
Support local people to access essential appointments and services.
Help community members stay connected.
Meet new people and build meaningful community connections.
DRIVE, CARE, CONNECT: VOLUNTEER TODAY! To register as a volunteer or for more information contact Volunteer Coordinator Jacquie Hughes E: volunteers@ncnhealth.org.au P: 0408 828 994
MANDATORY TRAINING 2026 All staff must complete their andatory training by September 30th. regardless of employment and/or role toeffectively and safley perform their role that are consistent and in line with NCN Health Mandatory Training Policy.
CONSEQUENCES FOR NOT COMPLETING MANDATORY TRAINING Mandatory training is a requirement of your position and employment. Employees who do nt complete their mandatory traiing may be required to provide reasons for noncompliance, with ongoing failure potentially resulting in discplinary action, up to and includng termination of contract.
Log onto Kineo today and see what you have outstanding!
Gracie O’Sullivan Occupational Therapist
Harmeet Gill
Health Care Worker
Phoebe Adam
Quality Administration Support Officer
Lucie Redman
Tanisha Tanisha
Linda Mitchell
Aiswarya Ravi
Enrolled Nurse
Occupational Therapist
Robyn Griffiths Environmental Services Assistant
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse
Mai Phan Health Care Worker
Meriya Cherian Registered Nurse
Joanne Trewin
Jerry Tumney
Food Services Assistant
VRGP Hume Regional Project Officer
Maree Hodgson
Sminu Prince
Food Services Assistant
Registered Nurse
Philippa Jones
Hannah Cocomazzo
Stephanie Morgan
Health Promotion and Community Development Officer
Graduate Enrolled Nurse
Annie Hill Dietitian
Manpuneet Nagee Graduate Registered Nurse
Ashma Silwal Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse
Lubna Yassin General Practitioner Registrar GPT3
Muskan Muskan Karen Willmott Tamara Cook Gurpreet Rai Pritpal Singh Michael Sherwin Neive O’Dwyer
Irene Melisa Mini Thomas Ngunda Mathew Emma Baron Sandra Barnes Tess Lane Chris Leskie
Cultural Uniform How to Purchase! We encourage staff to wear their NCN Health cultural t-shirts to proudly acknowledge and demonstrate support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and communities. Wearing the shirts is a meaningful way to show unity, respect and commitment to reconciliation across our health service. How can I purchase the Polo of Lanyard? Current available sizes of the Polo are: XS – 0 S – 1 M – 7 L – 17 XL – 9 2XL – 10
To purchase contact NCNUniforms@ncnhealth.org.au or call into the People and Culture Office in Numurkah or Cobram. Please note due to infection control lanyards are not permitted in clinical areas. Thank you for supporting this initiative and continuing to visibly demonstrate NCN Health’s commitment to reconciliation.
All enquiries can be directed to NCNUniforms@ncnhealth.org.au. Thank you for supporting this initiative and continuing to visibly demonstrate NCN Health’s commitment to reconciliation.
SERVICE AWARDS JULY
Marisa Friedrich - Food and Environmental Services, Numurkah Kellie Kimberley - Enrolled Nurse, Numurkah
AUGUST
Grant Hutchins - ANUM, Nathalia
SERVICE AWARDS SEPTEMBER
Bernadette Harbrow - ANUM, Irvin House Mini Philip - NUM Acute, Numurkah
Gwen Rore - Health Care Worker, Pioneer’s Lodge Teruko Smith - Diversional Therapist, Karinya
SERVICE AWARDS OCTOBER
Helen Evans - Environmental Services, Cobram Tina Kelly - Food Services, Cobram Joanne Donelan - Food Services, Cobram Bridgette Robertson - People and Culture
Angela Grinter - Endorsed EN, Nathalia Acute
SERVICE AWARDS OCTOBER
Kerrie Jeffries - Endorsed EN, Nathalia Acute Johanne Peachey - Banawah
Karen Ford - People and Culture
REWARD AND RECOGNITION AUGUST
JASON AND JAI - MAINTANENCE Jason and Jai were able to provide immediate assistance with a refrigeration issue in the dental clinic. They were very prompt in responding and worked efficiently to resolve the issue with minimal disruption to staff and the clinic. Their willingness to assist at short notice was greatly appreciated. LAUREN HENNESSY - AGEN CARE ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT Through the PSRACS Numurkah Project we have had to review the donated artwork within the current Lodge to ensure that the pieces have had the opportunity to be returned to the donor or are still appreciated by others before we move into our new building. Lauren has been working with consumers and staff to narrow down contacts for the donated pieces. Some pieces have been with the Lodge for decades, so there has been limited information to go off and commence the processes. There were 2 specific pieces where there was limited information and Lauren made lots of calls to ensure that we had completed all the necessary points of contact and allow the pieces to be moved on to a person who would fully appreciate them. Lauren has gone above and beyond with this work, working with external and internal parties. Lauren specifically has been a valuable point of contact with many topics that involves the PSRACS Numurkah Project, liaising with staff, families and project team. NICOLE HUGHES - MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST, COBRAM Nicole is truly hardworking and tireless team member within the medical clinic. She is always willing to step in and assist, especially during recent periods of short staffing. She consistently goes above and beyond, and takes the time to genuinely connect with and support patients. Nicole is truly an asset to the team and very deserving of this nomination.
REWARD AND RECOGNITION AUGUST TOM LEWIS - PHYSIOTHERAPIST, EDUCATION Tom has had lots of Physio students in Numurkah this year, including some currently. He continually goes above and beyond for them doing everything he can to make it a great experience for them as well as the staff spending time with them. Having these students allows more clients to be seen in the community as well as on the ward, this is a great service for our community that we would otherwise not be able to provide KARINYA STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS I hear often from the residents that they are very happy with the staff and very grateful for their care in Karinya. The staff work hard to make this a very comfortable and happy place to be. ALICE BARKER AND ZOE WOODS - DENTAL ASSISTANT, COBRAM DENTAL CLINIC Congratulations on finishing their Cert II in Dental Assisting!
NCN HEALTH
NCN HEALTH
ANNUAL AWARDS AWARDS ANNUAL
ANNUAL AWARDS AWARDS ANNUAL
Excellence in Customer Service
Consumer Centred Care
Nominate Today!
Nominate Today!
NCN HEALTH
NCN HEALTH HEALTH NCN
ANNUAL AWARDS
ANNUAL AWARDS AWARDS ANNUAL
Occupational Health and Safety
Quality Improvement
Nominate Today!
Nominate Today!
PUBLIC SECTOR RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE DEVELOPMENT NUMURKAH The new Public Sector Residential Aged Care (PSRACS) development in Numurkah is taking shape! The new development, located next to Karinya and Acute/UCC will eventually replace Numurkah Pioneers Memorial Lodge. Staff in Numurkah will have seen much activity and trades working on site each day. The site sheds have now been moved to their final location, allowing work to commence in Zone 1. Slab preparation and pours have continued and we are well and truly out of the ground. Timber frames are now going up in Zone 4, along with some structural steel, giving us a much clearer view of how the new building is starting to take shape. While the construction activity is highly visible, there is also a significant amount of work happening behind the scenes. Operational readiness continues internally, with Model of Care working parties, door access planning, operational planning and many other important details being worked through with staff and departments. The new building will be very different to the current Lodge, which means many of our day-to-day processes and ways of working will also need to change - from how we deliver care and move through the building, to cleaning, catering, supplies, security and other everyday operations. These discussions, meetings and conversations with our teams are an important part of the project. They help the project team understand how the building will operate and identify what staff and residents will need. A big thank you to the staff who have reached out with questions and queries. Please keep asking questions, sharing information and having conversations with those around you. Your feedback and involvement are an important part of ensuring we are on the right path and that everyone feels informed and connected as the project progresses. There is still a lot to do, but it is great to see both the building and the operational planning progressing together and moving us closer to opening the new facility. Check out the Timelapse below to see the latest building works! If you have any questions on the build or wish to hear more, contact PSRACS Operations Manager Bronti O’Connor at Bronti.oconnor@ncnhealth.org.au
FRAMING THE LODGE
FRAMING THE LODGE As part of the 50th anniversary of ‘The Lodge’, local photographers were invited to capture our current residents and facilities, celebrating the people, connections and culture that make the Lodge such a special place to call home. The photographs will be on display at the Lodge 50th Anniversary Celebrations on Thursday 17 September from 2pm. All are welcome to join us. Here is a snapshot of what will be on display.
POSTPONED TO THURSDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER AT 2PM
Karinya’s Recent Activities
Community Reading Day 2026
Community Reading Day brought our community together to share the joy of stories, creativity and reading with local children. A huge thank you to all our wonderful volunteer readers, including the CAGS Year 10 students, for helping make the day so special!
R E T N I F F W O K L A W CONGRATULATIONS Top Steppers!
TO OUR TOP STEPPERS AND VOUCHER WINNERS!
1. Bruce Gilmour - 720 120 steps 2.Marissa Daly - 554 765 steps 3.Jenny Jackson - 481 849 steps
Massage Voucher Winners
Jenny Burrows Tanika Russell Tammy Warren
R U OK? Day Free Wellbeing Sessions Acacia is pleased to once again offer staff access to a range of free R U OK? Day sessions this September. Held on Thursday 10 September, R U OK? Day is a national initiative that encourages us to check in with the people around us and ask a simple but meaningful question: "Are you OK?" This year's theme, "Ask R U OK? Any Day," reminds us that meaningful conversations shouldn't be limited to one day a year. Taking the time to check in with friends, family or colleagues can make a real difference.
An email with registration details for the free sessions will be sent to staff shortly. We encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about supporting the mental health and wellbeing of those around us.
a story that belongs to us all.
We have a growing list of sponsors for which we are grateful . THANK YOU
RESPIRATORY ILLNESS’S AND GASTRO CASE NUMBERS ARE ON THE RISE IN OUR COMMUNITY..
Report to your Direct Manager or After-Hours Manager if unwell...
NOT FOR GENERAL WASTE
Cobram Skip Bins
Please note that the bin on the right in this picture is for cardboard, plastic and glass bottles and containers, metal can and containers. Not for general rubbish. Cleanaway will not pick it up with anything else in it.
IMPORTANT
REMINDER
MANDATORY TRAINING DUE ...
plete their m o c t s u m ff ta s All g by mandatory traininth September 30 . day to see Log onto Kineo to ing. what is outstand last minute! e th ll ti it a w ’t n o D
T U O B A N O I T S GOT A QUE
OPTIMA OR LOOP BEFORE CONTACTING THE SUPPORT TEAM, CHECK OUT OUR OPTIMA & LOOP FAQ’S ON THE INTRANET! YOU’LL FIND ANSWERS TO SOME OF THE MOST COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT ROSTERS, LEAVE, SHIFT REQUESTS AND USING THE LOOP APP.
CHECK THE FAQ FIRST – YOU MIGHT FIND YOUR ANSWER STRAIGHT AWAY! STILL CAN’T FIND WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR? OUR SUPPORT TEAM IS HERE TO HELP NCNPAYROLL@NCNHEALTH.ORG.AU.
PROJECT OPTIMA AND LOOP As part of our transition to the new Optima rostering system, we're also introducing a companion app called ‘Loop’. Loop is available to download on your phone and gives you easy access to: View your roster Apply for leave Request additional shifts If you prefer not to use your phone, Loop is also accessible via any web browser. Training videos on Optima and LOOP are available on the intranet here: https://hrhacloud.sharepoint.com/sites/NCNHealthIntranet/ SitePages/Optima.aspx? e=5lTqEP&share=IQDggScXlz7sSoiiHKSn7P8_AUhFfetmevjB zPg6Wj3MVwQ Questions? Change is hard! So, our team is here to support you during this transition with any queries relating to issues with swiping, implementation updates, providing training and answering any questions you have! Please contact via email: ProjectOptima@ncnhealth.org.au
Getting Started with Loop As part of our transition to the Optima rostering system, we’re excited to introduce Loop — a new app designed to make managing your work life easier.
With Loop, you can:
Important notes:
View your roster anytime Apply for leave Request additional shifts Set your availability
Clocking in/out is not available in the app — continue using fingerprint scanners Some features (like messaging) are not used at NCN Health Sensitive leave appears as “Unavailable” on team rosters
Download Loop via the App Store or Google Play and log in using your NCN email through Single SignOn . Prefer desktop? Access Loop via your web browser using the same login details. Training videos and further guidance will be available soon.
The app also includes a personal calendar where all shifts and leave are displayed, and a team calendar to view roster coverage across your area
PYSCHOCIAL HAZARD REPORTING PORTAL The new Psychosocial Hazard Reporting Portal (PHRP) is now available via the intranet (under Popular Hangouts, or the OHS page). This platform allows staff to report workplace issues that may impact mental health, safety or wellbeing—with the option to remain anonymous. Reporting early helps us identify risks, provide support and improve workplace culture. All reports are reviewed by the OHS team, managed confidentially, and used to inform improvements across the organisation. For more information, training opportunities or support, contact NCNOHS@ncnhealth.org.au.
Psychosocial Hazards New Victorian regulations clarify that psychosocial hazards must be managed in the same way as physical risks. Hazards such as bullying, harassment, violence, and exposure to traumatic material can cause serious psychological injury. The Occupational Health and Safety (Psychological Health) Regulations 2025 introduce specific duties for Victorian employers to identify psychosocial hazards, control associated risks, and regularly review those controls.
PYSCHOSOCIAL PORTAL TRAINING FAQ
N O U Nthis system Does replace the existing VHIMS?
What if it’s an ongoing event and you can’t put an exact date and time?
What campus location do you select if the worker is based in community services IE: M2M?
Does the author get any notification and confirmation once a report has been submitted?
No, the psychosocial portal tool is in addition to the current VHIMS and is only to report hazards that impact on the psychological harm of workers
As this is a mandatory field select any date and time which roughly indicates the time you’ve perceived the issue to have commenced, then select YES to the question ‘Has this been an ongoing event’ and the estimated length of time you’ve been exposed to the hazard. In the ‘details of the event’ section provide an explanation of the ongoing exposure timeframe
In the ‘Where Did It Happen’ section select the NCN option and provide further detail in the ’Details of the event section’ No, because you don’t sign in the portal the system does not have any way to identify the author or send an automated response. If you provide your details in the ‘Who Was Affected’ section we will reach out to you on receipt of your hazard notification
PYSCHOSOCIAL PORTAL TRAINING FAQ
Do I get to know about the outcome of an investigation?
Are OHS team experienced in investigating workplace incidents.
Where the author of the report is identified, we will keep them informed of the progress and outcome of the investigation where appropriate. However, any confidential statements provided by other employees, personal information, or specific disciplinary actions arising from the investigation will remain confidential. Where the author is unknown or the report has been submitted anonymously, we are unable to provide updates on the investigation status, as there is no means of contacting the individual
Yes, workplace investigations form part of our day-to-day responsibilities, with the OHS team reviewing and investigating VHIMS reports daily. The OHS team have had training and are experienced in workplace incident investigations and Workplace investigator training. In addition, where required, matters can be escalated to a WorkSafe Psychosocial Inspector or the People and Culture team for further review, guidance, or formal investigation processes
Meryula Clinic (Sexual Health) @ NCN Health - Numurkah WHAT IS MERYULA CLINIC?
The Meryula Clinic is a free and confidential service run by GV Health and supported by NCN Health. The clinic is for all individuals within the region and is run by experienced nurses who specialise in sexual and reproductive health.
Bookings 14th Sept 16th November GV Health Community Service Access Unit 1800 222 582 (option 4)
SERVICES - SELF REFFERED
Testing & Treatment for infections that can be spread through sexual contact. Contraception, including Implanon insertion Emergency Contraception Pregnancy Testing Unplanned pregnancy counselling, treatment and referral Cervical Screening Tests > 25 yrs of age Genital pain and discomfort Sex work certificates Screening, counselling & referral for viruses in the blood Hepatitis C treatment Hepatitis B treatment and management HIV PrEP and nPEP Immunisation (HPV) Contact Tracing Referral to specialist services
Cervical Screening Available in Numurkah Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide, but it is also one of the most preventable. Free cervical screening tests (formerly called pap smears) are available for Medicare card holders, with self-collection options and no referral required. Screening is recommended for anyone with a cervix aged 25–74 who has had sexual contact. The test is quick, simple, and could save your life. Appointments are available at Community Health @ GV Health, 121 Corio Street, Shepparton, or at special cervical screening clinics at NCN Health Numurkah, 2 Katamatite Road, on
September 28th November 23rd To book an appointment, call the GV Health Service Access Unit on 1800 222 582 (option 4). By keeping up with cervical screening, you are taking an important step to protect your health and wellbeing.
Join Social Club Committee! Help us decide the direction of the NCN Health Social Club We would love a representative from each department to come onboard and join the committee. Help us grow in the right direction
😊
Including more staff on the committee from Nathalia and Cobram to help in this process. What does the Social Club Committee do? Help organise social events for staff. You are wondering what the committee commitment is? Attend bimonthly meeting (usually go for about an hour) on a Monday in the evening every two months. What about, if I wish to become a social club member only, what are the benefits of becoming a member (if currently not a Social Club member)? Social Club costs you $5 per fortnight and currently offers the following; •
One entry into the monthly Billy Barrell monthly $30 draw
•
Free or discounted tickets to social club events
•
Free or discounted ticket to the NCN Health Club Christmas Party!
Scheduled for November 21, 2025. What do I need to do to become a member? Fill out an Authority to Deduct Form and email the completed form to NCN Payroll – A newsletter is a periodical publication, which can either be printed or published electronically. It is issued regularly, usually every week or every month, and it contains a variety of content. This can include articles, stories, photographs, and advertisements.
NCN HEALTH SOCIAL CLUB 2026
Billy Barrel Winners August Winners Karen Ford Adele McMaster July Winners Justin Sullivan Ashley Webb June Winners Carolyn Hargreaves Lauren O’Kane Please organise to collect your cash prize at the Main Reception, Numurkah Campus! You can organise for someone else to pick this up for you, but they will need to sign for it. For more info, or to join social club, email ncnsocialclub@ncnhealth.org.au
EXPRESSIONS
OF INTEREST The SWELL Committee are seeking expressions of interest from staff keen to join our Staff Wellness Committee in 2026. This year the committee is also joining with the People Matter Survey Working Group to make changes inline with feedack from the People Matter Survey.
WHAT WE ARE AFTER Staff who are interested in creating and promoting Staff Wellbeing programs, events and initiatives across NCN Health. Meetings are held monthly and we welcome all new ideas.
Monthly meetings. Small time commitment Positively impact the culture of NCN Health Help create new initiatives and programs for your colleagues.
Submit your EOI to ncnswell@ncnhealth.org.au
A reminder to send your pictures, stories and events to Communications! ncncommunications@ncnhealth.org.au