STAFF NEWS STAFF NEWS STAFF
Strategic Plan Launch - A Message from the NCN Health Board Chair and Leadership Team
NCN Health is proud to introduce our Strategic Plan for 2026–2030 setting the direction for the next five years and providing a clear framework to guide our priorities, decisions and actions within three broad strategic themes; Community, Workforce and Organization. It also positions our planning relative to the Hume Local Health Network strategic directions and address our commitment to the Health Service Plan (2024).
The NCN Health 2026-2030 Strategic Plan has been shaped by the voices of the people who know our health service best.
A clear message from our community, through the planning process, was the importance of services that are equitable, easy to access and as close to home as possible. As a rural health service, we know that accessing healthcare can sometimes feel complex. This plan places a strong focus on making it simpler for people to connect with the care and support they need, when and where they need it.
Our new vision - To be a trusted leader in rural healthcare, known for exceptional care, deep community connection and a commitment to health and wellbeing - reflects both our ambition and our responsibility to the community we serve.
Importantly, our new strategic plan introduces Innovation as an additional NCN Health value, to our existing values of Accountability, Respect and Partnership. As a health service that values innovation we will be open to new ideas, we will embrace technology and commit to continuously improve how we deliver care. Our commitment to innovation also means we value empowering our workforce to explore better ways of working and ensuring our services and the people in it, continue to grow and prosper to meet the changing needs of our community.
Our workforce also shared valuable insights during the planning process, about the opportunities and challenges of delivering care in a rural setting. Their insight and lived experience will help shape how we strengthen services as well as improve the way we support our workforce.
As a Board and Leadership team, we are proud of the commitment and achievements of our workforce and partners, and we believe we are well positioned for the future. This Strategic Plan (Strategic Plan 2026-2030) builds on the strengths of our past and establishes the foundations for our future as we continue working towards a sustainable, innovative and community-connected health services for our region
Our strong connection to community, dedicated workforce, valued partnerships across the region as well as sound financial practices, provide significant assets for us as we strengthen and evolve our services into our future
Guided by this strategic plan (Strategic Plan 2026-2030), we will continue to build on these assets while responding proactively and confidently to the challenges ahead. Together, driven by our values and this shared vision, we will continue working side by side towards our three strategic themes of Community, Workforce and Organization.
You can read the Strategic Plan 2026 - 2030 here
To all staff,
The 2026 People Matter Survey is OPEN. This is your opportunity to share your experience and help shape the future of our workplace.
Your feedback will:
Inform improvements in safety, wellbeing, leadership and culture Guide meaningful actions through our Leadership Team, SWELL and OHS Committees
Help strengthen connection, trust and teamwork across NCN.
Our goal is 60% staff participation. If we reach it, we’ll celebrate together with a staff BBQ a small thank you for having your say.
The survey is completely confidential, and all responses are managed in line with Victorian and Commonwealth privacy laws.
�� Follow the link, or scan the QR Code to complete the survey: People matter survey 2026
https://vpsc.syd1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV 06avsCuyz0UwBAa
People Matter Survey 2026
We have set a target of 60% staff engagement Now it’s all up to you...
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 replaceexisting transport services, working collaboratively to fill identified gaps in transport.
Volunteer opportunities available Monday to Saturday, morning and afternoon shifts.
Choose your level of commitment, for example, once a week, fortnightly, or monthly shifts.
Help community members stay connected.
Structured rosters with a clear schedule and volunteer support.
Support local people to access essential appointments and services.
Meet new people and build meaningful community connections.
To register as a volunteer or for more information contact Volunteer Coordinator Jacquie Hughes E: volunteers@ncnhealth.org.au
P: 0408 828 994
POLICIES OF THE MONTH
Each month we will be highlighting three important policies that staff need to be aware of. This month we have:
Bullying, Discrimination and Harassment NCN
Grievance Resolution NCN
Psychosocial Hazards and Psychological Health
Management
These policies can all be found on PROMPT. Please familiarise yourself with these documents. If you have any questions or concerns, please speak with your manager or the Quality Team ncnquality@ncnhealth.org.au
Public Sector Residential Aged Care Development
- Numurkah
The $55 million Public Sector Residential Aged Care (PSRAC) development at NCN Health Numurkah is progressing steadily, with substantial behind-thescenes planning and preparation laying the groundwork for the future of aged care in our region
The new facility, which will be built off Hurley Court, adjacent to the current NCN Health Numurkah Urgent Care Centre and Karinya Nursing Home, will replace the current Numurkah Pioneers Memorial Lodge.
Land acquisition negotiations and general site preparations including demolition of several dwellings on Hurley Court were completed last year The building tender has closed and a building contract is expected to be awarded soon, with the main works starting approximately the middle of this year.
The Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Authority (VIDA), in conjunction with the Department of Health, are leading this project in collaboration with NCN Health
Operations and PSRACs Project Manager Bronti O’Connor said an internal Project Control Group (PCG) will meet for the duration of the project to guide the transition into the new facility.
She said the group is responsible for coordinating the many operational and cultural elements required to bring the new facility to life including consultation on work practices, model of care and workflows, planning for services such as cleaning and kitchen operations, community engagement, volunteer programs, and providing input into key design elements that will shape the look, feel and culture of the new ‘Lodge’.
“While much of the work isn’t yet visible on site, there is significant planning underway behind the scenes,” she said. “Our Project Control Group will begin carefully mapping out operational processes, staff workflows and service delivery models to ensure a smooth transition and a high-quality experience for residents and staff from day one”
She said the group has representation from across NCN Health Numurkah clinical and non-clinical departments, and includes three consumer representatives.
“There was strong interest for the consumer representation positions within the group and we would like to welcome Rosemary Kennett, Patrick Kempton and Graham Henderson. Consumer representatives are included to ensure the perspectives of residents, families, and the broader community are central to planning and decision-making.”
Representatives from the Project Control Group have also started visiting new Residential Aged Care Facilities across Victoria as part of the benchmarking and consultation process
By visiting other health and aged care services, the Project Control Group can observe operations firsthand, speak with staff, and learn from their experiences. This insight into what works well, the challenges faced, and lessons learned will help guide informed decisions about the Model of Care (MOC) and future staffing profile
Bronti said group representatives have travelled to Rumbalara Elders Facility in Shepparton, Mansfield Aged Care and Glenview at Rutherglen They are heading to inspect two PSRACs projects in Cohuna and Camperdown in April.
“These visits are significant as all of the residential aged care facilities we are touring have been designed in line with the new Aged Care Design Principles, specifically, using a “household model,’ providing valuable opportunities to benchmark and learn from others. The household model is a residential aged care design that breaks larger facilities into household units, fostering a genuine home atmosphere and giving people more control over their routines, relationships and environment.”
She said NCN Health are eager to share detailed floor plans, 3D images and renderings with the staff, community and stakeholders. However, The Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Authority will hold off release of these materials until the building contract is confirmed and signed.
“This development will be a significant part of our community and NCN Health looks forward to sharing detailed floor plans, 3D images and artist impressions as soon as they become available We know there is strong interest in seeing what the new facility will look like, and we’re just as excited to share those images.”
PSRACS Project Control Group members:
Director of Operations Justin Sullivan, Graham Henderson, Numurkah Pioneers Memorial Lodge Nurse Unit Manager Raj Kumahr, Karinya Nursing Home Nurse Unit Manager Kylie Darcy, Support Services Manager
Kendra Hixon, Numurkah Director of Clinical Services Sophie Scott, Infection Control Coordinator Niki Vidler, OHS Officer Tanya Fothergill, Volunteer Coordinator Jacquie Hughes, PSRACs Project Manager Bronti O’Connor and Maintenance Manager John Fothergill.
Absent, Communications Coordinator Marissa Daly and community representatives Rosemary Kennett and Patrick Kempton.
Community Representation Essential To New Development
Rosemary, Graham and Patrick at the site of the new development.
NCN Health welcomes Rosemary Kennett, Patrick Kempton and Graham Henderson, who have been selected as Consumer Representatives on the Project Control Group for the development of the new Public Sector Residential Aged Care in Numurkah
NCN Health called for Expressions of Interest from community members to join the Project Control Group to ensure the perspectives of residents, families, and the broader community are central to planning and decision-making.
There was strong interest from the community with 13 applications received. The review panel selected Rosemary, Patrick and Graham for their connections to residential aged care in Numurkah, previous and current community engagement and connection.
Operations and PSRACs Project Manager Bronti O’Connor highlighted the key role consumers will play in the Project Control Group.
“Their lived experience and insights will help shape services, design, and operational processes so that the new Lodge meets the real needs of those who will live and use the facility, creating a truly resident-focused environment.”
She said community members who were not selected for this group, together with current Lodge residents and other stakeholders will be asked to participate in several working parties in other areas of service planning and delivery. This includes, the naming of the new facility, volunteer and community engagement programs, clinical model of care and support services model of care, wayfinding and access and operations.
“The contribution of our consumer representatives is invaluable The current Lodge is much more than just bricks and mortar it has a unique character and spirit that we want to protect and carry forward into the new facility The voices of residents, families, staff, and the broader community will be key in guiding decisions, ensuring the new facility reflects the care, culture, and sense of belonging that make the current facility so special”
Olivia Dunkley Gabrielle Gottliebsen
Ashlee Reeves
Maddison Neal
Emma Ash
Rajwinder Saini Chloe Schlegel Brittany Sheehan
Nicola Lidster Bridget O’Dwyer
Harpreet Kaur
Madeline Day
Kiera Henderson
Elizabeth Blaney Paige Campbell Divyasree Anilkumar Paige Arnold
Paula Ellul
Welcome Bridget - Health Promotion and Community Development Officer
We Welcome Bridget O’Dwyer to the role of Health Promotion and Community Development Officer.
Bridget O’Dwyer will be 3 days per week, working out of both Cobram and Nathalia Please help her to feel welcome when you see her around.
Welcome Bruce Gilmore - Allied Health and Chronic Disease Manager
Bruce comes to NCN Health with a background in Physiotherapy, having extensive experience in both public and private practice and most recently as Manager of a large team of Physiotherapists and Exercise Physiologists in a regional health service.
Bruce will commence in the role on 2 March and will be initially spending time getting to know the team, our services and our communities Please join us in congratulating Bruce, giving him a warm welcome and offering your support as he settles into the role.
Education Team Update
Elisha Penman has been successfully recruited into the Theatre Waitlist Project Coordinator role for an eight month period and is currently transitioning into the position.
We are pleased to welcome Karlee Milstead as the Acting Education Coordinator during this time.
Jennie Metzner is finishing up in the Safe Patient Handling (No Lift) role We thank Jennie for her valuable contribution and commitment to this portfolio
Please note that both roles are currently being advertised:
Clinical Support Nurse Fixed Term, 0.6 FTE
Safe Patient Handling (No Lift) Ongoing, 0.4 FTE
Please join in congratulating Elisha and Karlee on their appointments, and in thanking Jennie for her contributions to the team.
Asha Joseph
Christopher Brook
Vincent Joseph
Michelle Towe
Lubna Yassin
Adrita Arif
Basree Arif
Whitley McKerrow
REACH HAS LAUNCHED!
NCN Health along with partner health services in the Hume Region have now rolled out the new REACH process.
REACH encourages patients to advocate for their health care and speak up if they are concerned about their own care or the care of their loved ones.
REACH stands for:
Recognise – You notice a worrying change
Engage – Talk to the nurse or doctor
Act – Ask for a clinical review if you’re still concerned
Call – Call the hospital’s REACH number to escalate your concerns
Help – A senior health worker will respond
REACH supports partnerships between patients, carers and health workers to ensure concerns are heard and acted upon.
OutlookAdding a shared Mailbox to Webmail
I NEED TO ACCESS DIFFERENT MAILBOXES.
HOW DO I DO THIS?
1.Open the web app, either by finding it on the intranet or via the staff login on the NCN Health website.
2. Locate the three ... next to folders and click. You will get the options to the side.
3. Click add shared folder or mailbox, search for the mailbox you are wanting to add, select it and click continue.
4. If you have permission to that mailbox, you will get the following message.
5. Click close and exit the window, the mailbox will now be visible below your main inbox on the lefthand side. Expand it by click the arrow in front of the name.
SERVICE AWARDS
Catherine Small - Better at Home
Melinda Sessions - Acute
Susan Holland - GP Medical Clinic Nathalia
ICT REQUESTS
TO SUBMIT AN ICT REQUEST TO HRHA
PLEASE USE THESE DETAILS:
Email: Service.Desk@hrha.org.au
Phone: (Internal) *4742
Phone: (External) (03) 5825 9990
Please alert your direct manager if you feel the request needs escalating. They will escalate to the Business Services Manager if required for escalation with HRHA. In this instance you will need to give your manager and the Business Services Manager the job number associated with your IT issue.
REWARD AND RECOGNITION
FEBRUARY
DARBY SALTER - ALLIED HEALTH ASSISTANT
Darby is always going that extra mile for clients, and the feedback has been amazing. They attend main reception and have nothing but praise for his efforts. Its often you will see Darby helping a client out to their car.
Congratulations! Congratulations!
The family are well and enjoying their first few weeks together. Febin and Ansu send their gratitude for the support and well wishes of their teams.
People and Culture
Officer Febin and wife,
RN Cobram Acute, Ansu have welcomed twin girls in February.
Table Air Hockey At Karinya
Karinya residents enjoy new activity “Table Air Hockey.”
This is a simple game that we can all enjoy and is quite exciting. This game is inclusive of all abilities which is so important in aged care. Everyone can have a go and we are all having fun!
MANDATORY TRAINING UPDATE – 2026
We are pleased to advise that our Kineo Portal (Learning Management System) is ready and you can now commence your 2026 Mandatory Training.
The 2026 Mandatory Training policy will soon be loaded onto Prompt. Further advice on this will be provided once live.
Please note that Cold Chain Management remains an Annual requirement for some roles. There is currently a change in the training package for this, so we ask that if Cold Chain Management appears on your learning allocation, please do not attempt to complete this until further advice is provided.
Note for Manager/Education/OHS/Quality: The training allocation aligns only to the approved Mandatory Training for 2026. If additional training is required for specific roles, please contact Jenny Jackson, Learning and Development Coordinator at jenny.jackson@ncnhealth.org.au, to support you in allocating any further required training.
If you have any question, please do not hesitate to reach out Jenny Jackson or Donna Holmes
OPTIMA IS COMING!!
NCN Health is currently preparing to roll out our new rostering system Optima in April/May 2026. Optima use finger scanning to scan in and out of your shifts and record your worked hours!
START FINGER SCANNING IN AND OUT OF EVERY SHIFT NOW SO YOU CAN BE PAID ON TIME WITHOUT DELAYS!
Our Project Team
Sandra Simpson – Senior Payroll & Systems Officer
Tash O’Toole – Optima Project Officer
Karen Ford – Payroll Manager
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
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
WHAT WE WOULD LIKE TO OFFER YOU
An opportunity for students studying a health related course, for example, Nursing, Physio, OT, Speech Pathology, to connect, discuss their university work, explore career pathways, and seek support on topics important to them.
Develop professional relationships with dedicated mentors and educators to support your university journey.
Flexible monthly sessions – tailored to your needs. Theory support, practical skills or just a chat.
Face to face sessions at NCN Health Campus or online.
Support students on their health careers and ensure they are set up for success.
For more information contact Thomas.lewis@ncnhealth.org.au or NCNAlliedHealthEducators@ncnhealth.org.au
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
March 23rd
May 25th
July 27th
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.
A free Mental Health and Wellbeing Local is now open in Shepparton. No GP referral needed. Find out more at betterhealth.vic.gov.au/mental health-wellbeing-locals
until 18 March 2026
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.
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Who Leads Safety?
OHS Team
coach, train, advise and monitor but they can’t do it alone
Managers and delegates lead, Employees embrace,
HSR’s advocate
Demonstrate a positive attitude towards safety and lead by example Compliance with WorkSafe visits and implementing corrective actions
Support a workplace to be free of hazards including psychosocial hazards
Provide employees with a safe platform to report hazards
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety, and that of others, while complying with employer safety instructions, policies, and procedures.
Report hazards
Represent members of the DWG concerning health and safety matters
Consult between employees and management
Attend OHS meetings
Monthly inspections
Guides, advises and monitors legislative compliance
Facilitate training
Risk specialist
Ensures safety standards are implemented
Policy/procedure development
Internal auditing
Injury management/Return To Work
Facilitate WorkSafe enquiries / investigation
Join NCN Health, Yarrawonga Health and Maternal Child Health Moira Shire as we explore baby stages. With a focus on:
Understanding and responding to babies feeding cues/signs
When and how to introduce solid foods and sippy cups
Progressing through food textures - from Puree to Lumps to family food
Dealing with gagging and choking
Active play you can do together
Exploring healthy body image
Strategies for limiting screen time
Lots of practical tips and ideas
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.
Worried About Your Memory?
or someone you care for?
Numurkah
Tuesday 17 March 2026
This session provides information on memory and common changes that may occur with ageing. It provides strategies for improving memory, when to seek help about your concerns and services provided by Dementia Australia. Dementia Australia’s facilitators have specialist knowledge, skills and experience.
Suitable for: Members of the general public who are concerned about their memory and dementia or who are worried that someone they know may have dementia.
Find out more When:
Bookings via Moira Shire Council phone: (03) 5871 9222 email: info@moira.vic.gov.au
T uesday, 17 March 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm
Where:
N UMURKAH Senior Citizens Hub 38 McCaskill Street
This event is hosted by Numurkah Senior Citizens. Presented by Dementia Australia and Family Care Shepparton. Supported by Moira Shire Council. Learn about memory loss and carer support options.
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
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
Booking Link
Numurkah Community Health & Wellbeing 2025 CLINIC DATES Bookings
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
via GV Health Community Services intake team 1800 222 582 (option 4) or email
sauintake@gvhealth.org.au
We want to know your opinion on the barriers of sexual health awareness, safety and condom access in the Moria shire as a community member, service provider or parent/carer
HTTPS://WWW.1800MYOPTIONS.ORG.AU/HEALTH-INFORMATION/
HTTPS://WWW.1800MYOPTIONS.ORG.AU/HEALTH-INFORMATION/
Dental Discount for NCN Health staff located at Nathalia and Numurkah
10%
Staff must be in uniform or show their Staff ID Photo Card at the time of the appointment to receive the discount.
Can only be used at the Numurkah practice. No discounts will be given post appointment
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.
Cobram April9 10:00am-12:00pm
ANathalia pril15 10:00am-12:00pm
Numurkah April17 10:00am-12:00pm
