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.
WINTER WRAP UP
Welcome to the Bush Telegraph, proudly presented by Western Queensland Primary Health Network (WQPHN)
This edition we reflect on a productive and eventful season, showcasing WQPHN's efforts to support the health and wellbeing of communities across our region. From delivering key initiatives to achieving important program milestones, it’s been a busy and rewarding period for our network.
We also acknowledge the significant contributions of Dallas Leon, who is stepping down as a Board Director and former Chair Dallas has played an important role in shaping WQPHN’s direction, and his impact will remain a valued part of our story.
SandyGillies
Chief Executive Officer
Western Queensland PHN
WQPHN OUT & ABOUT
ItStartsWithUs
MeasuringOutcomes
Gayle Lancaster, Healthy Outback Communities Wellbeing Responder, attended the ‘Outcomes Measurement Workshop’ hosted by The University of Western Australia and Centre for Social Impact.
This event highlighted how to measure and report on social impact, create an actionable outcomes measurement plan, engage with social sector leaders, and connect with a network of peers
Team members Laura Leyden and Tanya Scardamaglia represented WQPHN at the Health Innovation Community Conference in Brisbane, hosted by the Australian Institute of Digital Health
The theme this year, "It Starts with Us," emphasised driving positive change within the digital health community.
The conference provided a platform for collective collaboration, addressing challenges such as connecting care tackling ties presented
HealthyOutbackKids
WQPHN and BUSHkids met with key stakeholders to plan the Healthy Outback Kids site in Boulia.
This approach will deliver collaborative assessment, care and support to the children of Boulia
(Left to right) Bec and Susan from BUSHkids joined by Roderick, Maleeta and Leisa from WQPHN
CELEBRATION OF SERVICE
Dallas Leon has been a valued WQPHN Board Director for five years, bringing a deep connection and commitment to the Western Queensland community.
Born in Mount Isa, Dallas’ roots in the region are strong, shaped by his rich cultural heritage and family history “My father’s family are connected to the region through our Kalkadoon and Waanyi cultural connections They were a big family that grew up in Mount Isa. My mother’s family were Finnish immigrants who settled in Mount Isa and worked in the mines and other parts of the community ”
Throughout his time on the WQPHN Board, Dallas has greatly valued the opportunity to travel across the diverse landscapes of Western Queensland. He has visited many communities, engaging with local residents, health professionals, and service providers “It’s been a rewarding experience to get out to these communities, meet the people who live there, and see firsthand the work being done to support health outcomes in rural and remote areas,” Dallas says
One of the most significant changes Dallas has observed during his tenure on the board is the evolving landscape of primary health care in the region He notes that WQPHN’s ability to remain flexible and responsive to the needs of local communities has been a key factor in delivering better health outcomes. “The continued support for primary health care services and the ability to engage new service types and providers have been positive changes It’s been great to see WQPHN adapt to the unique challenges of each community and find innovative ways to support them,” Dallas explains. This approach has allowed WQPHN to bring much-needed services to some of the most remote and underserved areas in Queensland
“It’s been a rewarding experience to get out to these communities, meet the people who live there, and see firsthand the work being done to support health outcomes in rural and remote areas. ”
FarewellDallasLeon
Dallas is a passionate advocate for encouraging health professionals to experience the rewards of working in rural and remote settings. He firmly believes that these environments offer unique opportunities for personal and professional growth. “You will meet some great people; you’ll get some great work opportunities, and you get to see some pretty cool parts of the country. For young health professionals, I would strongly encourage a remote experience ” he advises.
Beyond his professional commitments, Dallas is a family man who enjoys spending time outdoors. He has a love for fishing and exploring the natural beauty of Queensland, but with four children, his personal time often involves chauffeuring them to sports practices and social events. “Realistically, with four kids, I’m likely driving them to sports or their social events,” he laughs, embracing the busy life of a father
WQPHN extends its heartfelt thanks to Dallas Leon for his outstanding service on the board and his unwavering commitment to the health and wellbeing of regional and remote Western Queensland. His contributions have made a lasting impact, and his passion for the community continues to inspire those around him.
PERFORMANCE & OUTCOMES MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK
In August, we proudly launched our new Performance & Outcomes Management Framework (POMF), a significant milestone for WQPHN.
This comprehensive framework is designed to enhance our ability to track, measure, and report on performance, ensuring alignment with key outcomes, community needs, and stakeholder expectations.
The implementation of the POMF reflects our ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in service delivery. By leveraging this framework, we aim to drive better health outcomes and optimise our contributions to the communities we serve across Western Queensland
Performance management remains a critical challenge and opportunity for all Primary Health Networks (PHNs). This was underscored in the Australian National Audit Office report, which highlighted the need for robust performance management systems across the sector Our new framework positions WQPHN to address these challenges head-on, setting a strong foundation for evidence-based decision-making and strategic planning.
HEALTHY OUTBACK COMMUNITIES
Since its launch in April 2024, the Healthy Outback Communities (HOC) initiative has been making substantial strides in addressing the health and wellbeing needs of residents in some of Queensland's most remote areas.
Through the introduction of the Virtual Health and Wellbeing Hub (VHWH), residents of Barcoo and Boulia Shire now have improved access to health services and support, designed to meet their specific needs.
By September 2024, the HOC program had registered 70 members, with 31 personal wellbeing plans already co-developed with Barcoo Shire residents These plans go beyond standard health assessments, forming the foundation of a new approach to community wellness. Focusing on holistic health goals covering both physical and mental wellbeing, these plans connect residents to services that were previously challenging to access or unavailable.
The VHWH, which began in June 2024, allows residents to have virtual consultations with Wellbeing Practitioners and a GP, ensuring health care access regardless of location
Notably, nearly half (47%) of VHWH participants have had a combined medical and wellbeing appointment, illustrating HOC's integrated care approach. The initiative has also increased referrals for health assessments and MultiDisciplinary Team Care through regular clinics, with 74% of participants referred to allied health or specialist medical care, and 97% supported with social prescribing These connections are already yielding positive results, with participants taking a proactive approach to health
HEALTHY OUTBACK COMMUNITIES FosteringConnection&Wellness
Local Connector Abby Geiger recently launched a weekly walking group that meets every Tuesday at 6PM in the Windorah park. This initiative brings together people of all ages and fitness levels, offering an opportunity to stay active, make new friends, and enjoy the outdoors. Participants are thrilled to have a welcoming space for connection and wellness - an inspiring example of community engagement!
EnhancingCommunityWellbeing
BringingPeopleTogether
HOC recently helped the Jundah community establish a new community shed, designed as a hub for social connection and wellbeing. The Camel Race and Recreation Club received a grant to equip the shed, and HOC Connector Maree Pitman continued working on additional funding to improve the shelter
A memorable Meet-Up event saw senior gentlemen mentoring local kids in bike repair and maintenance, fostering intergenerational connections and valuable skills
Falls prevention is critical for healthy aging, as one-third of people aged 65 and older experience falls annually. To address this, Exercise Physiologist Madi from North & West Remote Health (NWRH) recently hosted a falls prevention class in Windorah and Jundah, with strong support from HOC Connectors This class focuses on building balance and reducing fall risk among community members.
On the horizon, a Dietitian will lead a kids’ group in Windorah to teach healthy snack and meal preparation, empowering children with lifelong nutrition skills. Additionally, our HOC Responder is coordinating with Diabetes Australia to close service gaps and improve access to diabetes education, supporting residents in managing Type 2 diabetes
HOC Wellbeing Connectors, Maree Pitman & Abby Geiger
Jundah Community Shed
Windorah Walking Group
Windorah Falls Prevention Class
Jundah Fun Run
DYING TO KNOW IN LONGREACH
The Longreach Arts & Craft Centre came alive with conversation, creativity, and connection during a meaningful morning of craft activities and open discussions.
The Dying to Know Day event brought together seniors and representatives from key service providers, offering a unique opportunity to address important, often difficult, topics in a relaxed and supportive setting
The first part of the event focused on a creative craft session, where participants gathered around tables to engage with representatives from PalCare, LRC Funerals, ADA Australia, and other community organisations As the seniors worked
The informal, hands-on nature of the session helped break down barriers, allowing seniors to comfortably discuss topics that are often considered too sensitive or overwhelming. The face-to-face engagement fostered trust, while participants found the conversations empowering and enlightening
The event transitioned into an engaging panel discussion, themed “You Can’t Ask That.” This session provided a platform for seniors to raise any lingering questions or concerns that emerged during the morning's conversations A panel of service providers addressing these inquiries, offering expert guidance and insights into topics that can sometimes feel complex or intimidating.
The open Q&A format encouraged honest
The combination of hands-on activitie meaningful conversations made the e resounding success Feedback from highlighted the importance of creatin spaces for seniors to explore future p topics in a non-judgmental environme expressed gratitude for the practical the opportunity to connect with servic in a relaxed setting
This event served as a valuable remi importance of normalising conversati end-of-life planning and other sensiti By combining creativity with care, the created an environment that empowe participants to make informed decisio future with confidence and peace of m
This thoughtful and engaging mornin Longreach exemplifies the power of co led initiatives to promote wellbeing an preparedness The event’s success w result of close collaboration between Regional Council, CWHHS Palliative Proveda and WQPHN.
Christine Lyn SPaRTA and Sheena Larter WQPHN
2023-24 ANNUAL REPORT
PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
This year’s Annual Report Photography Competition was a tremendous success, attracting an impressive array of entries from talented photographers throughout our diverse region.
The competition showcased the rich tapestry of our communities, with submissions beautifully capturing the unique landscapes, vibrant lifestyles, and distinctive spirit of our area
The photos submitted did more than just depict scenery; they reflected the creativity, passion, and pride of the individuals who call this region home. From sweeping outback vistas to intimate snapshots of daily life, each entry told a story of resilience, connection, and culture
After much thoughtful deliberation by our judges, we are delighted to announce this year’s winners, whose work stood out for their originality, artistry, and powerful storytelling
Katarina Silvester, “The Muster” (South West Region)
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the winners and sincere thanks to everyone who submitted their work. Each entry will contribute to bringing the Annual Report to life, highlighting the people, landscapes, and stories that make our region truly remarkable
Kerry Geltch, “Smoko Time in the Shed” (Central West Region)
Alia Ward, “In the West” (North West Region)
COMMUNITY CONSULTATION FORUM
WQPHN, in partnership with COTA Australia, the National Disability Insurance Agency, and National Disability Services, embarked on the final locations in a series of community consultation sessions across Western Queensland: Julia Creek, Normanton, Tambo, and Alpha.
These gatherings provided a platform for residents, service providers, and stakeholders to engage in open conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing the region’s health and disability services.
A recurring theme in the discussions was the difficulty of recruiting essential professionals, with particular concern over the critical shortage of speech therapists Participants also expressed frustration with the lack of local awareness within national programs like My Aged Care, which they felt failed to grasp the unique realities of small communities
Travel was another pressing issue, as residents described the physical and financial strain of accessing essential services across vast distances.
Uncertainty around the evolving role of the National Disability Insurance Scheme and the implications of new legislation added to the community's concerns.
The consultations sparked active discussions, with many opportunities for change identified Attendees expressed hope that these sessions would drive action and improve service delivery across the region. WQPHN and its partners remain committed to championing these voices and advocating for practical solutions to the issues raised, ensuring that rural and remote communities are better supported moving forward.
Alpha Forum
Head to Health has released a powerful five-part podcast series, "Need a Lift Mate?", offering valuable insights into mental wellness for Western Queenslanders.
This engaging series explores resilience, wellbeing, and personal growth, with each episode addressing key aspects of mental health Listeners hear from locals who have overcome some of the toughest challenges of life in remote areas. Their stories provide an inspiring look into the strength and determination of those who have conquered adversity in Western Queensland's harsh conditions
PODCAST LAUNCH
The podcast features candid interviews, highlighting personal experiences and practical advice for maintaining mental wellness. Topics include starting conversations about mental health, self-care during crisis, and finding ways to unwind and stay grounded, with guests including WQPHN's first CEO, Stuart Gordon
Perfect for listening while driving, working on the land, or relaxing after a long day, "Need a Lift Mate?" offers a thoughtful companion on the mental health and wellbeing journey
WQPHN BOARD VISIT WINTON
In July, the WQPHN Board members visited Winton to conduct meetings focused on health service partnerships and community needs.
During this visit, they met with representatives from the Central West Hospital and Health Service and the Winton Council. These discussions aimed to align regional health objectives and address specific community requirements
Additionally, Board members attended a gathering at the Australian Hotel, where they connected with local stakeholders and community members. This event provided an opportunity to discuss current projects and explore potential future collaborations to enhance local health initiatives.
The visit emphasised the importance of ongoing engagement and collaboration to improve health outcomes in the Winton area
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.