STAFF NEWS STAFF NEWS STAFF NEWS
Message from the CEO
WELCOME BOARD DIRECTORS
From 1 July, NCN Health is pleased to welcome Michael Koss, Christopher Richardson and Tavia Rudd to the NCN Health Board. We look forward to the experience, expertise and fresh perspectives they will bring as they help guide the organisation into the future.
We also extend our sincere thanks to our outgoing Directors, Peter Guy, Priyanka Saha and Alicia Cunningham, who have concluded their tenure on the Board.
Thank you for your commitment to NCN Health and for the significant contribution you have made to the organisation's governance, strategic direction and long-term sustainability. Your guidance, insight and considered advice have helped shape important decisions and supported NCN Health to continue delivering highquality care and services to our communities.
On behalf of everyone at NCN Health, thank you for your dedicated service and we wish you all the very best for the future.
STAFF FORUM - WINTER
On 21, 22 and 23 July we will hold our seasonal (Winter) Staff Forums at Cobram, Numurkah and Nathalia respectively.
The forums are held in person in the meeting room at each campus and online via Microsoft Teams. Held four times each year, they provide an opportunity for staff to hear about what's happening across NCN Health—from organisational priorities and service developments to local initiatives and broader health sector updates from across Victoria. The forums are also an opportunity to understand the challenges and opportunities shaping our health service, ask questions, share ideas and provide feedback directly to the CEO in an open and informal setting. This forum will also have a specific focus on the results of the People Matter Survey. We will review your feedback and together, talk about actions and next steps. All staff are welcome, and I look forward to seeing you there and hearing your thoughts.
NAIDOC WEEK
NCN Health representatives attended Dharnya Day in Barmah on July 8 to celebrate NAIDOC Week 2026 (July 5 to July 12.)
Staff are also invited to attend the Many Mobs Cultural Connections Walk on July 17. Starting at Miss Ross Hill Mulwala at 9.30am, walking across the bridge to Yarrawonga and concluding with a BBQ and cultural performances on the Yarrawonga Foreshore. Many thanks to our staff who are representing NCN Health at these events. They provide an opportunity to come together, celebrate First Nations cultures, recognise the ongoing contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and continue building meaningful connections across our region.
PROJECT OPTIMA
Thank you to everyone for your support as NCN Health transitioned to Optima, our new rostering and leave management system. As we continue to embed the system, a friendly reminder that all staff must swipe in when commencing their shift and swipe out when finishing. This is an important step to ensure your hours are accurately recorded and you are paid correctly and on time.
Thank you for your ongoing support as we continue to make Optima part of our everyday processes.
RESPECT ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNERSHIP
Message from the CEO
RESPIRATORY OUTBREAK
I would like to acknowledge the Karinya and support services staff for their work in containing the recent respiratory outbreak at Karinya. Your dedication and care to the residents is greatly appreciated.
Mark Ashcroft Chief Executive Officer.
We are halfway through another year, noting Winter is upon us once again
Community Transport Program
We have now completed over a month of community transport, assisting people get to their dialysis appointments at Yarrawonga Health and Goulburn Valley Health. We are currently assisting early in the morning before business hours and on Saturdays. This service is growing, as new people on dialysis come on board, their needs assessed and see how we can help them with their transport needs. We have about 20 volunteer drivers assisting with this program and onboarding more each week.
Newsletter
The latest Volunteer Newsletter has been distributed. https://canva.link/8dwgud5nag1pvuq
Palliative Care Garden at Nathalia
Tammy from Maintenance is currently working on a project to rejuvenate the Palliative Care garden at Nathalia. We are asking for input from the consumer committee members their thoughts on a water feature.
Volunteer Week Event
NCN Health provided a bus for interested volunteers to attend the Volunteer Week event at Club Mulwala. Over 100 volunteers gathered from around the region to celebrate the impactful assistance they provide. With much thanks.
Kind regards
Jacquie Hughes, Volunteer Coordinator,
volunteers@ncnhealth.org.au
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
Framing the Lodge
A photographic event to celebrate Numurkah Pionee Memorial Lodge’s 50th Anniversary
This August ‘The Lodge’ will celebrate its 50 year annivesary. As part of these celebrations we are calling on keen photographers to capture the stories, memories and moments that make ‘The Lodge’ unique.
The Archibald - Resident Portraits
Inspired by The Archibald - but in photo form, we are inviting photographers to capture the faces, personalities and experiences of our residents in a portrait. Through your lens, we’re looking for more than just a photograph Who is this person? What matters to them? What does their story reveal? These portraits will celebrate the individuality, humour and depth of the people who call ‘The Lodge’ home.
The Building – Bricks, Mortar & Memory
Alongside our portraits, we’re inviting photographers to turn their focus to ‘The Lodge’ itself As we look ahead to the construction of a new residential aged care facility, this is a moment to reflect on the building that has been at the heart of our community for 50 years
Selected works from both categories will be exhibited as part of our 50th anniversary celebrations. We encourage local creatives of all skill levels to get involved, have some fun, share some stories and help us celebrate 50 years of ‘The Lodge’
Get Involved and How to Register:
Family and friends of ‘The Lodge’ are welcome anytime to take photos Entry into the photography event is free, but you must register by contacting Communications Coordinator Marissa Daly If you are not a regular visitor to The Lodge, contact us and we can introduce you upon your first visit:
P 0419 874 019
E ncncommunications@ncnhealth.org.au
Photo Deadline and Further Details:
You can enter one or both of the categories and you may submit multiple entries. Photos must be submitted by COB August 3, 2026 via email to ncncommunications@ncnhealth.org.au.
Please include your full name and contact details, the name of the resident and/or title of the photo in your submission.
Further
‘New Lodge’ ‘New Lodge’ ‘New Lodge’
A new Public Sector Residential Aged Care Service (PSRACS) is being built in Numurkah. The new facility, which will be built off Hurley Court, next to the current NCN Health Numurkah Urgent Care Centre and Karinya Nursing Home, will eventually replace the current Numurkah Pioneers Memorial Lodge.
Success Story
Community Updates
NCN Health recently ran a survey asking residents, community and staff for their suggestions on a name for the new building and names for the three households within the new building. Thank you to everyone who responded to the survey We have now shortlisted your suggestions and would like your feedback on these lists. You can review the shortlisted names and provide your feedback here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2JKVXXQ
We are thrilled to announce that our “Kitchens for the Community” campaign has officially reached its $25,000 goal! Because of your generosity, the Riverton Community Center can now serve an additional 100 hot meals each week to families in need
We are so grateful for your continued support Thanks to our community’s generosity, we’ve been able to make a tangible difference. This month, we want to share the story of The Riverton Community Center.
Submissions close Friday July 24 and will come back to the PSRACs Control Group Committee for final review and decision. This committee is made up of clinical and non clinical staff and community representatives. For more information please contact Operations Manager Bronti O'Connor at Bronti.Oconnor@ncnhealth.org.au
This milestone is more than a number it’s the promise of full plates and brighter days for countless children and adults
Sharon Hargreaves
Mania Horne
Roshan Kidangan Antu
Kerryn Lynch
Allison Mitchell
Gayle Molyneaux
Siji Varghese
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:
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.
JULY JULY
Marisa Fredrich - Food and Environmental Services
Kellie Kimberley - EN, Karinya
AUGUST AUGUST
Grant Hutchins - ANUM, Acute Nathalia
REWARD AND RECOGNITION
JUNE
GWEN RORE- HEALTHCARE WORKER, THE LODGE
Always assisting residents with their individual needs in mind Always a friendly face. Puts in 100% into everything she does for everyone.
THOMAS LEWIS - SPH/NO LIFT COORDINATOR
Tom has taken up the SPH/No Lift Coordinator role and the sessions he has completed so far have received great feedback Tom has taken the time to go through each criteria, he teaches very well and I learned something new from his sessions even though I have been doing the training for years.
Tom was respectful, he did not assume knowledge and answered questions in great detail. Thanky you Tom!
St Joseph’s St Joseph’s
Irvin House Visit
Irvin House Visit Irvin House Visit
Over the coming months, Year 5 students from St Joseph's Primary School will spend Wednesday afternoons visiting residents at Irvin House Aged Care in Cobram. During their visits, students will enjoy playing bingo, sharing conversations and building meaningful relationships with members of our local community.
Through active participation in the community, students develop an understanding of how individuals can contribute positively to society, strengthen community connections, and demonstrate active citizenship through service and inclusion.
These visits provide a wonderful opportunity for young people to engage with older members of our community, fostering friendship, understanding and a sense of belonging for everyone involved. We look forward to seeing the positive impact these visits will have on both the students and our Irvin House residents.
Residents at Karinya Nursing Home recently enjoyed a wonderful afternoon of live music thanks to a visit from the talented UkeLadies.
We sincerely thank the UkeLadies for sharing their passion for music, helping make Karinya a vibrant and welcoming place to live.
The Last Hug
Many thanks to Nathalia Group the ‘Sew n’ Sews’ in partnership with the Banawah Ladies Auxilliary and aged care staff for creating this beautiful rug for end of life care of the residents. The group also supply Banawah with handmaid bags as gifts to residents who have passed away, in which their belogings can be lovingly sent home to their families and friends.
NCN Health Nathalia sincerely appreciates all the support from these groups for our staff, residents and the broader health service.
Staff are encouraged to support and connect with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities by participating in activities and events held across our region. A range of NAIDOC Week events, gatherings and activities will be taking place throughout the week, providing valuable opportunities to listen, learn, reflect and strengthen relationships with community.
You can look online for Skin Cancer Clinics, but to get your started, here are a few Specialist Centres in our region;
GV Skin and Specilist Centre, Shepparton, 03 5820 0500
Shepparton Skin Clinic, 03 5822 2393
Gardens Skin Cancer Centre, Albury, 02 6067 2039
Riverina Skin Specialists, Albury, 02 6025 3900
LES MILLS™ SPIN FRE
TEAM-BUILDING EXPERIENCE
At Barooga Aquatic & Recreation Centre, we're excited to offer local businesses and clubs in the Cobram and Barooga region a FREE Virtual Les Mills™ Spin team-building experience for their staff/players.
This is a fantastic opportunity to bring your team together in a fun, energetic environment while promoting health, wellbeing, and stronger workplace connections. As an added bonus, every participant who attends will also receive a FREE one-week membership to enjoy all of our facilities.
No cycling experience is necessary. The Virtual Les Mills Spin class is led by a virtual instructor who will guide your team through a motivating, highenergy workout that can be adapted to suit all fitness levels, making it an enjoyable and inclusive experience for everyone.
Sessions are available in 30, 45, or 60-minute formats, allowing you to choose the duration that best suits your team's schedule.
Bookings are now open, with the first available session times commencing next week. Sessions must be scheduled during our staffed operating hours, which are available on our website. We encourage you to book early to secure a time that best suits your team.
If you're interested in reserving your complimentary team-building session or would like more information, please reply to this email or contact us on (03) 5873 4644. We look forward to welcoming your team to Barooga ARC and helping you experience the benefits of moving together.
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...
Flu Vaccines Flu Vaccines
A huge thank you to everyone who participated in this year's influenza vaccination program. Over the past four weeks, more than 300 staff vaccinations have been administered across NCN Health.
The Directions apply to healthcare workers whose roles involve direct contact with:
Patients or clients
Deceased persons or body parts
Blood, body substances or infectious materials
Contaminated equipment or surfaces
Under Victorian Secretary and Ministerial Directions, specified healthcare workers employed or engaged by prescribed healthcare settings must receive their seasonal influenza vaccination by 15 August each year
Clinical environments where exposure to dropletspread infections, such as influenza, may occur
Healthcare workers who are not covered by the Directions are still strongly encouraged to receive their annual influenza vaccination.
It is now your responsibility to provide evidence of vaccination or grant permission for the Infection Control Team to access your immunisation history through the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).
To do this, please email NCNInfectionControl2@ncnhealth.o rg.au with either: Evidence of your influenza vaccination, or Permission for the team to access your AIR record, including:
Full Name
Date of Birth
Medicare Number
This is a friendly reminder to complete your mandatory training. All mandatory modules are required to be finalised by 30 September 2026, or if you are a new staff member, within 3 months of your commencement, so we encourage you not to leave this until the last minute getting started now and completing modules progressively can make it much more manageable.
In Kineo, you will see a section titled “Mandatory Training”— all modules within this section must be completed. There is also an “Other Courses” section, which includes optional modules that are not mandatory but are strongly recommended to complete.
Please note that additional modules may be added from time to time, so it’s a good idea to revisit Kineo periodically to ensure everything is up to date.
To help us manage enquiries efficiently and ensure that your learning records are up to date, please direct all Kineorelated queries including attendance sheets, certificates, or RPL records to NCNLearningDevelopment@ncnhealth.org.au.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
We are pleased to confirm that NCN Health has now officially gone live with Optima. This is a significant milestone for our organisation and reflects months of preparation, testing, training and teamwork across many departments.
A special acknowledgement goes to the Payroll Team, roster managers and the Optima Project Team for the extraordinary effort that has gone into delivering this project while continuing day-to-day operations and supporting our people.
What this means
Optima is now NCN Health’s primary rostering and leave management system. All roster managers can now stop managing rosters in both Optima and Roster On, please only update and use Optima for roster changes. The next pay will now be based only on Optima.
Soon we will communicate dates for Roster On decommissioning, this will be done in a phased approach and until then, you can still use Roster On to check historical information and future rosters not yet created to Optima. NCN now enters the next phase with the vendor RL Datix called hypercare, which ensures any issues will continue to be triaged quickly with them.
Important reminders
Please continue to check your roster regularly and notify your manager quickly if anything appears incorrect
Roster managers are asked to continue maintaining good roster governance and timely approvals
Some minor issues or adjustments may still arise as part of normal post-go-live activity and hypercare support. If this occurs, please be assured the project and payroll teams are actively monitoring and responding quickly.
Support available
If you require assistance, please contact:
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 Getting Started with Loop with Loop Getti
ng 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.
View your roster anytime
Apply for leave
Request additional shifts
Set your availability
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.
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
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 HAZARDREPORTING 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 TRAINING FAQ
N O U NDoes this system 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 PYSCHOSOCIAL PORTAL TRAINING PORTAL TRAINING FAQ 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
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
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.
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.
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.
