MPHN awards event in 2023. Photo: Supplied.
Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) has announced this year’s finalists for the 2024 Primary Healthcare Awards.
The awards recognise individuals and organisations who have gone above and beyond in contributing to primary healthcare in the Murrumbidgee region and making a positive difference in people’s lives.
MPHN’s firsthealth chair Dr Jodi Culbert said they had received a record number of applications.
“This year, we’ve introduced a new ‘emerging leader’ award category, because it became evident over the last few years there were so many people at various stages of their career making outstanding contributions to primary healthcare,” Dr Culbert said.
“The quality of applications we’ve received shows just how passionate people in the Murrumbidgee are about improving the health and wellbeing of those around them.
“Our finalists stood out for their dedication and commitment to primary healthcare, and I’m looking forward to celebrate their achievements at the awards ceremony.”
The five award categories are Murrumbidgee Grant of the Year, Promoting Healthy Living, Innovation, and Outstanding Contribution to Leadership in Primary Healthcare, and the new Emerging Leader category.
The winners will be announced at the 2024 Primary Healthcare Awards and dinner on Friday 1 November.
The 2024 Primary Healthcare Awards Finalists:
Murrumbidgee Community Grant of the Year
Active Farmers Hillston Wellness Day: With a Wellbeing and Resilience grant, Active Farmers organised a free event for the Hilston community engaging participants aged from two to 73 in a number of wellness initiatives.
Healthier Together in Deni: With a Wellbeing and Resilience Grant, the Deniliquin LHAC purchased a number of pull-up banners and launched a series of monthly talks on health topics like kidney health, stroke, diabetes, and cancer.
Murrumbidgee Men’s Group: With a Murrumbidgee Suicide Prevention Community Group Grant, the Murrumbidgee Men’s Group delivered lived experience talks to community groups, including Coleambally Central School and Wagga Wagga City Council workers.
Promoting Healthy Living
Health in Your Hands: The Deniliquin LHAC initiative focussed on health needs in the Edward River area with messaging and community talks about how lifestyle changes can prevent or reduce chronic disease risks.
Dr Trudi Beck – Mums and Bubs: Nova Health Co.’s Mums and Bubs program is a multidisciplinary initiative designed to support women and babies during the postnatal period and improve health outcomes as they transition to parenthood.
Innovation
APLUS Pharmacy Education: Pharmacies in Moama, Deniliquin, and Tocumwal received full-day coaching from APlus Pharmacy Education to upskill staff on asthma, eczema, and hayfever.
Guunu-Maana (Heal) Community Coordinated Burn Care: Hay Aboriginal Medical Service established the initiative after a local child’s tragic burn injury to improve local health services and care coordination.
Instrumental Swallow Assessment Service: People in the Murrumbidgee suspected of having dysphagia no longer needed to travel hundreds of kilometres to access services after the service delivered mobile assessments in communities such as Wagga Wagga, West Wyalong, and Griffith.
Outstanding Contribution to Leadership in Primary Healthcare
Peta Cullis: Ingrained Nutrition was founded by nutritionist Peta Cullis and provides dietary support to regional and rural areas.
Riverina Aboriginal Medical and Dental Service (RivMed): Faced with a GP shortage, RivMed relied on locums but has since appointed a senior medical officer and GP supervisor, successfully recruiting three full-time registrars.
Emerging Leader
Headspace Griffith CARES team: headspace Griffith CARES team joined the Orygen Implementation Lab to address referral, recruitment, and retention challenges and successfully recruited six clinicians, along with administration and community engagement staff, creating a stable and committed team and improved referral processes.
Cristie Simpson: Griffith Aboriginal Medical Service (GAMS) launched a pilot speech therapy program with the Rural Doctor’s Network to support local First Nations children led by allied health assistant Cristie Simpson.
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