MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
STAFF FORUMS
Thank you to all of those who attended the first of our ‘Seasonal Staff Forums in May.
As the name suggests, the Seasonal Staff Forums will be held four times a year and provide information around issues, challenges and opportunities affecting NCN Health, on a National/State or Local Health Network Level, community perspective and internally.
The forums are also an opportunity for staff to ask questions, raise any concerns, ideas or topics for discussion directly to myself and other Team Leaders in attendance. The Winter forums will take place in July, with the next dates coming out shortly from the Communications Team, I encourage you to attend either in person or on teams and get comfortable asking questions and getting involved.
THE ENGAGE SURVEY
As you know, The Health Services Plan (released in August last year) aims to reform Victoria’s health services system and provides recommendations for a more connected system. One of the key reforms was establishing 12 Local Health Networks, with NCN Health being part of the Hume Health Network. The health networks will come into effect from the 1st of July, and will see a greater focus on health services working in partnership with services in their geographical region.
NCN Health already works quite closely in partnership with our surrounding health services, therefore, we are unlikely to see much change in the coming months. We will continue to work with the Department of Health to support any transitions after July 1 and commit to keeping our people informed. st
To support the development and effectiveness of the Health Networks, the Department of Health has released a voluntary survey asking for your input and experience around accessing health care. The results from the survey will shape the Health Services Plan and Local Health Networks across Victoria. The Department of Health wants to hear from community members, but also specifically public health staff.
They Survey opened April 22 and will close June 8. It is available to complete here
VICTORIAN PUBLIC HEALTH BUDGET RESTRICTIONS
and we are working closely with the Finance Team to reinstate resources such as education and training where it is sustainable and best practice to do so
STRATEGIC PLANNING
NCN Health is coming to the end of the financial year in a comfortable financial position, thanks to the work of staff in cutting costs and streamlining resources. As yet, we don’t have a clear line of sight on what our 2025/2026 Budget requirements will look like, however, once we have this information we will share it with staff.
The NCN Health Strategic Plan is due for renewal at the end of 2025 The Board of Directors have approved the appointment of a consultant to drive the Strategic Plan Process. This will involve engagement and consultation from staff and community with the aim that the Strategic Plan belongs to all of us and we see our language and vision for the health service reflected in the plan. The plan sets the direction of NCN Health for the next five years, we look forward to hearing what priorities and values you are keen to see feature in our plan
Numurkah Pioneers Memorial Lodge Development
The Numurkah Pionneer Memorial Lodge development is now in a detailed design phase with the floor plans set and architectural drawings underway
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
The new Lodge will be built across the road from the current facility off Hurley Court and will connect into the health service Given the size and scope of the project the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) who are an arm of the Department of Health are leading the development. As project lead, they recently finalised negotiations around land acquisition in Hurley Court
The detailed design has had significant contribution from an Advisory Group made up of clinical and non clinical staff and community members The next step will see demolition of buildings on Hurtley crt, with the actual building works expected to start next year We look forward to sharing drawings and plans with you soon.
Mark Ashcroft NCN Health, CEO
Mark.Ashcroft@ncnhealth.org.au
HybridHero
What is HybridHero?
HybridHero is our desk booking system which enables staff who work across campuses to make sure they always have somewhere to sit
How do I book a desk?
Booking a desk has never been easier - simply jump onto the Intranet and select Desk Booking from the front page. You will need to enter your username (staff email) and password.
Once you have logged in and set up your profile you have access to the desks to book what you need.
Watch the video below to see how to book your desk and check in.
How often do I need to book a desk?
You only need to book a desk if you are working at a campus that you don’t normally work from and need to sit in a new location.
How do I know if a desk is available?
When booking in the desks that are available will be able to be selected. If you can’t select a desk, it has already been booked by someone else.
What
if my work plans change?
If you are no longer in need of a booking, please adjust your bookings as soon as you know. This allows someone else to use that desk.
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. INTERNAL NCN ESCALATION
REWARD AND RECOGNITION
BRIDGETTE DEAN AND SARAH FOTHERGILL
A massive thank you to Bridgette and Sarah - the work it has taken to secure a new uniform supplier, change everything over, and roll out for our staff across all campuses has been immense Without their dedication and eye for detail this project would not have run so smoothly.
Isabella Brunskill Mini Thomas Leanne Daldy Administration Coordinator HealthCareWorker HealthCareWorker EnrolledNurse HealthCareWorker HealthCareWorker InterimDirectorPeopleand Culture
Bindo Sebastian HealthCareWorker
Tamara Eldridge Sikala Tiwari Timalsina Panicha Chaweein Nellah-Rose Douglas
Nicole Cason, Mitch Heaton, Kellie Butler, Jerly Lodronio, Debra Gibbons
June 2025 th
Please note that due to the above Public Holiday falling on the Monday after the pay period ends, we advise that PAY will be finalised on WEDNESDAY 11th JUNE 2025
Please ensure you notify your bank if you have any direct debit payments due earlier
We also remind all staff to set direct debits to occur at the earliest Thursday or preferably Friday following the pay period end. If you are salary packaging, you may also have a delay receiving your payments into your nominated bank account or packaging card
NCN Health at Careers Day Out
NCN Health was proud to be part of the Careers Day Out expo, held at the Shepparton Showgrounds on 8 May 2025. The event brought together 3,000 students from across the region, all eager to explore their future career options NCN Health were one of 90 businesses there to spark inspiration in school leavers
Our vibrant and welcoming stall quickly became a popular stop for students, where NCN Health staff were on hand to share insights into the wide range of rewarding careers available across our health service. From nursing and allied health to support roles and administration, students gained a better understanding of the many pathways into healthcare.
A clear crowd favourite was our interactive Smoothie Bicycle! As part of this fun and educational activity, students answered a few age-appropriate questions about sexual health and wellbeing touching on topics such as safe practices and access to support services. Once they completed the quiz, students hopped on the bike and used pedal power to blend their very own smoothie a delicious and healthy reward for their efforts!
The activity not only got students moving but also opened up valuable conversations around wellbeing and the role of healthcare in the community. The combination of fun, facts and fitness made for an unforgettable experience.
The Careers Day Out also featured a strong presence from other healthcare providers and university representatives, creating a collaborative atmosphere that encouraged curiosity and connection It was a fantastic opportunity for young people to ask questions, gather resources, and imagine themselves in roles that make a real difference.
We’re proud to have contributed to such a dynamic and inspiring event and look forward to supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals
UNIFORM UPDATE!
The Uniform Committee, together with our new supplier ‘Aus Workwear and Safety’ bring you the 2025 Uniform Range, featuring some fresh looks.
New Portal Open Now!
New Uniform Portal is now live. All staff should have received log in information. The portal can be accessed via the home page on the Intranet.
Uniform Allocation
Please see the table below for details on the updated allocation:
How do I know what I can Order?
When you log into the portal the uniform items that match your role will be available for you to order. Need Help? Have Questions? Contact
UNIFORM SAMPLES
The new NCN Health uniform range is from NNT Uniforms. They are comfortable, stylish and durable.
We were lucky to have Bernie from NNT deliver the sample uniforms to the Numurkah campus a couple of weeks ago.
Uniform samples are available to try on at Numurkah, and we can organise to get them to other campuses to try on.
If you would like to try on uniforms and you are located at Cobram or Nathalia please contact the uniforms team. NCNUniforms@ncnhealth.org.au
Second Hand Uniform Sales
We have a selection of Second Hand Uniform items that are for sale. Second hand uniform items are a great way to keep your uniform in good condition. Second hand uniforms are available to purchase year round (subject to what is available at the time) at a fraction of the cost of a new uniform.
Payment is made via salary deduction. Once items are selected and the order and salary deduction form is complete, please email it to ncnuniforms@ncnhealth.org.au
The list of items available, order and deduction form can be found on the Second Hand Uniforms page on the Intranet Simply locate the page under Popular Hangouts on the home page.
Currently the uniforms team are having a Winter sale on Winter outerwear items. Please find the list of available items on the Intranet. All items are currently $10!
Cobram Medical Clinic’s New Look
Cobram Medical Clinic underwent some upgrades in May with the old carpet being replaced with vinyl flooring in walkways and new carpet in the waiting and office space. The result is a fresh, clean, bright new look!
Social Club Happenings!
Save the date, the next event for Social Club 2025 is TRIVIA NIGHT at the Shamrock Hotel, Numurkah, July 25 . th
Start getting your team together and your thinking caps on for your table/team theme. Prizes and raffles up for grabs. ALL STAFF WELCOME.
Details and booking options will go out to all staff in the coming weeks.
Every month, 2 lucky social club members win a $30 cash prize in a random Billy Barrell Draw.
The latest winners are:
April
Emma Pearson
Robyn Sprunt
May
Ali Beatson
Christina Cox
Please arrange to collect your $30 cash prize from Numurkah reception, please note you can have someone pick it up on your behalf, but they will have to sign for it. If you have any issues, contact ncnsocialclub@ncnhealth.org.au
If you’d like to be in the draw to win a Billy Barrell Cash Prize, join social club! Just $5 per fortnight. To join, head to the Social Club page on the intranet for all the details - Social Club
What is LGBTQIA+ Pride Month?
June is International Pride Month – a time to celebrate LGBTQIA+ pride, reflect on the journey toward equality, and recognise the work still ahead.
Pride Month marks the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York, a turning point in the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights.
What were the Stonewall Riots?
After a police raid at a New York gay bar named the Stonewall Inn, the LGBTQIA+ community took a stand, resisted arrest, and protested against the discrimination they faced by police.
At the time, homosexuality was illegal in the US, and venues could be shut down for having gay employees or serving gay patrons.
The Stonewall protests lasted for days, and are now widely considered to be a pivotal turning point in the fight for queer civil rights, in America and across the world.
At the forefront of the riots were trans women of colour, like Marsha P Johnson and Sylvia Rivera – the latter of the pair was only 17 years old at the time. These activists played a pivotal role, as hundreds and sometimes thousands of people gathered in support of the queer community, chanting words like “gay power” and “we shall overcome”.
The Origins of Pride Month in Australia
Australia’s LGBTQIA+ community took a bold step toward equality in June 1978 with a protest on International Gay Solidarity Day.
Held in Sydney, this demonstration was part of a global movement and sparked by opposition to discriminatory laws overseas. Many protesters were arrested and publicly outed, but the event marked the beginning of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
Today, the Mardi Gras Parade honours those original activists, known as “The 78ers,” and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of Pride Month in the fight for equality.
How do you celebrate Pride Month
As an LGBTQIA+ person, pride month is an empowering chance to celebrate YOU, your identity, and YOUR community! Wear rainbows, wave the pride flag, attend local events, engage with your community.
As an ALLY you can show your support to the LGBTQIA+ by attending events, sharing information and supporting your LGBTQIA + friends and family.
Karinya Autumn Ball
Top left: the Belle of the Ball, Heather dancing with Lance and Danielle.
Top right: Ray enjoying a waltz with Makayla.
Bottom left: Phyllis and Rob Hall showing everyone how it is done!
Karinya Autumn Ball
Respiratory Fit Test
Is your N95 Mask the correct one?
Did you know that you need a new fit test done at least every few years? You may need one sooner if you have had any changes
WHEN DO I NEED A NEW TEST?
You can request a Respiratory Fit Test at any time - particularly is you have:
Significant weight loss or gain
Facial trauma/surgery
Scarring or cosmetic surgery/cosmetic procedures such as fillers
Extensive dental work including extractions and new dentures
Any concerns about the respirator you were previously fitted
HOW DO I BOOK A TEST
Appointments can be scheduled via the Intranet under the People and Culture tab.
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
Every Tuesday and Thursday
Join Chelsey and Angela for free fitness classes at the NCN
Health Numurkah CH&W Gym
Our Programs
Cardio & Strength Circuit
Les Mills Body Balance
HIIT Tabata
Les Mills Body Combat
Metafit Boxing
MetaPWR
HIITSTEP
Numurkah Community
Health and Wellbeing Gym
Chelsey.Thorne@ncnhealth.org.au
Chelsey.Thorne@ncnhealth.org.au
Angela.Thorne@ncnhealth.org.au Angela.Thorne@ncnhealth.org.au
FOOD AND PLAY Embracing
Do you have a baby between the ages of 3- 9 months?
Are you introducing solids or have questions about food?
Would you like practical tips and ideas?
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
