BUSH TELEGRAPH
Autumn 2024
PAVING OUR WAY TO 2026
Paving Our Way to 2026 (POW26) is a roadmap to improve health equity, access and outcomes in the bush to ensure that health reforms reach everyone, everywhere.
We’re paving our way towards improved health outcomes for all Western Queenslanders through a comprehensive, integrated primary health care system in collaboration with our stakeholders, partners and communities.
AUTUMN WRAP UP
Welcome to the Bush Telegraph, proudly presented by Western Queensland Primary Health Network (WQPHN).
In this quarterly publication, we shine a spotlight on WQPHN’s influential presence in healthcare forums across the country and celebrate some innovative community engagement initiatives.
Read on to discover the stories, initiatives, and endeavours shaping Western Queensland's health landscape.
Chief Executive Officer, WQPHN
FAREWELL TORI CORNER
As we bid farewell to Tori Corner, we took the opportunity to reflect on and document her remarkable journey with WQPHN over the years.
“I began working with WQPHN in April 2015 when the three Hospital and Health Services across Western Queensland won their bid to establish WQPHN. At that time, I was the Executive Coordinator for the CEO and the Board at North West Hospital and Health Service and was seconded for six months to help set up the company.
Coming from a non-clinical background, I had no idea what a PHN was, so the learning curve was very steep After my six-month secondment ended in November 2015, the Board Chair asked me to stay on with WQPHN as Operations Manager. I gladly made the switch to this exciting new venture because I was keen to see where it could lead
Over the next six years, I took on various operational roles, eventually reaching the Executive Management level. In 2021, I needed a break and decided it was the right time to resign However, like a boomerang, I returned to work part-time on the COVID-19 Response Team after six months off This role allowed me to get back out to Western Queensland and do some project work, which I loved.
Following the COVID-19 response, I stayed on to work on the Healthy Outback Communities project, a new program specifically designed for people living in extremely remote communities. It was a great opportunity to be part of changing how health care is delivered, aiming to improve people's lives
Travelling out into Western Queensland, meeting the people, and working with the team to try and make a difference was incredibly rewarding Everyone deserves access to good health care, regardless of where they live
Having lived in Western Queensland for seven years, I understand the challenges and the feeling of isolation and being forgotten by decision-makers Things need to change, and if I could even make a small contribution at the ground level, I felt it was worth the hard work to shift the system to focus more on the people. From little things, big things grow, and we live in hope!”
HEALTH IN GEAR
Recently, the OzHelp Foundation (OzHelp), through its Health in Gear (HiG) program, hit the road in support of the mental health and wellbeing of transport and logistics workers within Western Queensland.
This initiative, created in partnership with WQPHN, sought to provide greater access to mental health resources in remote areas. The program focused on improving overall health and wellbeing, including mental health, reducing suicide risk, and building knowledge and skills to support individuals at risk of suicide
"Truckie Tune Ups" were held at rest stops, allowing both current and retired truck drivers to access on-site health screenings.
Participants received support via phone or digital platforms from peer workers with experience in the transport industry and were given referrals to additional services.
In addition to the "Truckie Tune Ups," face-toface Peer Support and Suicide Prevention training was offered to truck drivers and local communities in each targeted area.
The rollout, which took place in Quilpie, Cunnamulla, Longreach, Camooweal, Cloncurry, and Winton, received enthusiastic support and positive feedback from participants
CHECKU OUTREAC ADVISOR FORUM
WQPHN’s Senior Manager for Health Improvement & Innovation, Aidan Hobbs, attended CheckUp’s Outreach State Advisory Forum in May 2024.
During the forum, CheckUP presented their outreach service plan for the 2024/25 period. This plan is designed to ensure that First Nations people and those in rural and remote communities across Queensland have access to a comprehensive range of multidisciplinary health services close to home
The plan showcases significant advancements in delivering high-quality care when and where it is needed However, the discussion also highlighted persistent gaps in access, emphasising the need for continued collaborative efforts to address these disparities.
WQPHN collaborates closely with CheckUP, supporting the delivery of over 21,000 Outreach clinics across Queensland each year Most recently, they have served as a key alliance partner in the Healthy Outback Communities initiative.
For more information on CheckUP's Outreach services, click here
COMMUNITY CONSULTATION FORUM
In May 2024, staff members from WQPHN collaborated with peak bodies to launch the first two in a series of Community Consultation Forums throughout the Western Queensland region.
The forums were held in Dirranbandi and Thargomindah, attracting local community members who came together to discuss the challenges they face in accessing essential services.
The forums provided a platform for in-depth discussions on a range of issues, with a particular focus on aged care, disability services, and palliative care. Participants shared their personal experiences and highlighted the barriers they encounter, from availability of care to the logistical difficulties of accessing services in remote areas
“Very informative regarding services available” Thargomindah community member
The engagement at both forums was robust, with community members actively contributing to the conversation The discussions not only shed light on the critical needs and gaps in service provision but also fostered a sense of solidarity and mutual support among the attendees.
The forums were well-received, with many participants expressing appreciation for the opportunity to voice their concerns and collaborate on potential solutions
Future forums are planned to continue this important dialogue, ensuring that the voices of the community are heard and that steps are taken to improve access to vital health services across the region
Working together with peak bodies for better health outcomes for our rural and remote communities.
NDS REGIONAL & REMOTE CONFERENCE
In a significant step towards advancing disability services in rural, regional, and remote areas, a national conference was held in Cairns in April 2024. This twoday event brought together government an staff from across the disability and social pressing challenges faced by service prov
The conference served as a crucial platform for sharing innovative solutions and strategies to invigorate both business operations and service delivery Among the pivotal topics discussed were the preparations for upcoming disability reforms specifically tailored for regional, rural, and remote settings. This focus is critical as it ensures that the unique needs and circumstances of these areas are addressed, paving the way for more effective and inclusive services.
individuals with disabilities during crises, ensuring that they receive timely and adequate support. Additionally, the conference highlighted the importance of multi-disciplinary support for children, young people, and their carers. By fostering collaboration among various professionals, service providers can offer more holistic and tailored care
Pioneering the Future of Disability Services in Rural Australia
The concept of place-based service delivery also took center stage, emphasising the need for strong connections to community and culture. This approach not only enhances the effectiveness of services but also ensures that they are culturally relevant and community oriented Furthermore, participants explored innovative and sustainable solutions for providing high-quality care, demonstrating that creativity and resourcefulness are key to overcoming the challenges in rural disability services
This conference was more than just a meeting; it highlighted critical issues, proposed forwardthinking solutions, and fostered a collaborative spirit among stakeholders.
JasonWarnock MEET THE BOARD
What do you love about Western Queensland?
The WQPHN patch covers more than half of the state of Queensland and commissions primary health services for approximately 65,000 people I enjoy a challenge
From my own experiences, I understand what it is like to be born and raised in a small Queensland town I attended small primary and secondary state schools, had a taste of boarding school and then travelled to Brisbane to go to university to become a health professional, a podiatrist. Those formative years laid the foundations to my values and beliefs which helped build my health career The joys and struggles of a rural lifestyle, the sense of being raised by a village, the freedoms and limitations of rural life guided my career choices.
In your time as Board Director, what has been a highlight?
I joined the Board in 2018, with my term due to end at the AGM in 2025 I have witnessed the organisation continue to be agile and evolve to better meet the primary care needs of Western Queenslanders. A highlight was to serve the Board under the leadership of two strong Aboriginal people: Chair Dallas Leon and CEO Sandy Gillies The increased opportunity for the Board to meet with stakeholders and local people through our engagement strategies in Longreach, Mount Isa and Charleville has been welcomed, as has the development of the Care Governance Committee and the Consumer Advisory Committee, so that the Board can be more informed from the grassroots
What are your hobbies and interests?
I see the people of Western Queensland clinging to the remote and rural lifestyle I love to witness that drive, desire and joy through personal characteristics of tenacity, strength and agility mixed with a sense of inclusion, place and purpose. Since 2015, when we moved to Brisbane, I’ve noticed that the sense of inclusion, place and purpose is different in city life It’s more about me, my immediate place and what’s in it for me
I enjoy reading historical novels. My favourite book for 2023 was Edenglassie, written by Melissa Lucashenko Lucashenko links current day characters back to the invasion of the area known today as Brisbane. My other hobbies include walking my dog, Frank, to our local Downfall Creek parkland; and local and overseas travel which I hope to do more of, when I retire in 2025
“My work with the Board, has connected me back to remote and rural Queensland. I worked in the gulf communities in the late 1990s through my practice in Townsville and through my association with Services for Australian Rural and Remote Allied Health, I have been able to continue advocating for better health services to support people in our patch and other rural and remote communities.”
JasonWarnock
HEALTHY OUTBACK COMMUNITIES
Healthy Outback Communities (HOC) is making it easier for people in Western Queensland's channel country to access health and wellness services. HOC is designed to work alongside existing local clinics, Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) visits, and outreach allied health services to ensure residents receive the care they need.
People living in regional and remote areas often face shorter lifespans, higher levels of disease and injury, and less access to health services compared to those in cities In the Western Queensland channel country, which covers almost 220,000 square kilometres (about the size of Victoria) and 13% of the state’s total land area, around 1,100 residents don't have a local doctor or pharmacy
HOC aims to connect residents with locally tailored services that support physical, social, and emotional wellbeing.
Healthy Outback Communities Launches in Barcoo
In late April, the very first Healthy Outback Communities Day was held in Windorah, Barcoo Shire This event marked the official launch of HOC, bringing together Barcoo residents, HOC Alliance partners, and health and community service providers for a fantastic community day.
There were free health checks, wellness information, family and kid’s activities, and a delicious morning tea and lunch. NRL legend Darius Boyd joined the fun and also shared his wellness journey with the community.
Virtual Health and Wellbeing Hub now live
The Virtual Health and Wellbeing Hub is now live for the Barcoo region. Residents can visit the Hub to connect with a HOC Wellbeing Practitioner and create their own Personal Wellbeing Plan tailored to their needs.
Barcoo residents can access the Hub in three easy steps:
Led by RFDS (Queensland Section), the Hub is a free confidential telehealth service that: Offers appointments for your Personal Wellbeing Plan, a regular check-up, or more complex health issues; Connects you to a HOC Wellbeing Team made up of RFDS doctors and nurses; and Links to your health record and medical history the same way as visiting an RFDS clinic.
Visit the HOC website Western Queensland Primary Health Network | Healthy Outback Communities (HOC) (wqphn.com.au) where residents can: Join the Healthy Outback Club
Have your say by using the ‘Submit your feedback’ button
MEET THE HOC TEAM
WQPHN on behalf of the HOC Alliance Partners are excited to introduce the dedicated HOC team, working to support the wellbeing of Barcoo residents.
GayleLancaster MareePitman
What I love about outback
Queensland
The whole community vibe, rural communities are like a sporting team all working together for great outcomes
The peace and sanctuary The beautiful sunsets. The picturesque landscapes.
How I can see HOC changing the outback HOC allows community members to identify, manage and resolve health issues within their community. Communities are supported with preventative health actions which lead to better overall health outcomes.
How long I’ve lived in the region
I have lived in Western Queensland most of my life growing up in Winton and moving to Jundah for the second time 3 years ago
Why I’m excited about HOC
Finally there is a program making it easier for people to navigate the health system, allowing them to get the care needed to upkeep their health and wellbeing before it becomes a health risk.
Your favourite outback event Barcoo Spring Fling where all the fast horse events come together.
AbbyGeiger
How long I’ve lived in the region
I grew up in Windorah as a child, and moved back to Windorah 5 years ago
What I love about outback
Queensland
I love living in a small community and the serenity that comes with living in the outback
Why I’m excited about HOC
I'm excited to be a part of the HOC team as preventative health and wellbeing is important when living in such a remote area
Australian Government Disclaimer: While the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care has contributed to the funding of the PHN, the information in this document does not necessarily reflect the views of the Australian Government, and is not advice that is provided or information that is endorsed, by the Australian Government The Australian Government is not responsible in negligence or otherwise for any injury, loss or damage however arising from the use of or the reliance on the information provided in this document. Copyright protects this material.