Primary Healthcare Awards recognise community success across the Riverina

Outstanding contributions to primary healthcare across the Riverina were recognised on Friday (1 November) at the 2024 Primary Healthcare Awards in Wagga.

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) brought together healthcare leaders and community organisations from across the region for the gala event.

“Every time, we are just impressed by how worthwhile it is to see people’s work showcased, whether as finalists or nominees,” said MPHN’s firsthealth board chair Dr Jodi Culbert.

“Health professionals aren’t always very good at self-promotion, self-recognition, sometimes self-care. But when you take the time to put on paper the things that you do, the things that you’re proud of and passionate about, and we get to read them, it’s just incredibly encouraging.”

Among the winners were the Deniliquin LHAC’s Health in Your Hands project, Murrumbidgee Men’s Group Lived Experience Presentations, the Instrumental Swallow Assessment Service, Cristie Simpson from the Griffith Aboriginal Medical Service, and the Riverina Aboriginal Medical and Dental Service.

“On behalf of the board, I extend heartfelt congratulations to this year’s award recipients and finalists,” said Dr Culbert.

“I hope you’re inspired by each other tonight to keep doing all the great work you’re doing for our community.”

2024 Primary Healthcare winners and finalists

Promoting Healthy Living

Winner: Health in Your Hands: The Deniliquin LHAC launched the Health in Your Hands project to align with MPHN and MLHD priorities and address health needs in the Edward River local government area. Over 12 months, the project focused on repeated messaging about how lifestyle changes can prevent or reduce chronic disease risks. Community talks were held on nutrition, exercise, and smoking cessation. Anecdotal feedback suggests that participants are positively engaging with the initiative and believe that committing to lifestyle changes can improve their health outcomes.

Finalist: Dr Trudi Beck – Mums and Bubs

Murrumbidgee Community Grant of the Year

Winner: Lived Experience Presentations, 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.

Highly commended: Healthier Together in Deni.

Finalist: Active Farmers Hillston Wellness Day.

Innovation

Winner: Instrumental Swallow Assessment Service: In the Murrumbidgee, people suspected of having dysphagia previously had to travel up to 400 km for instrumental assessments. The Instrumental Swallow Assessment Service addresses this issue by offering mobile assessments using a portable fibre-endoscopic device in communities such as Wagga Wagga, West Wyalong, and Griffith.

Finalist: APLUS Pharmacy Education

Finalist: Guunu-Maana (Heal) Community Coordinated Burn Care:

Emerging Leader

Winner: 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, the program offers online appointments and play therapy, with Cristie conducting assessments and facilitating therapy.

Highly commended: headspace Griffith CARES team.

Outstanding Contribution to Leadership in Primary Healthcare

Winner: 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, two of whom have become fellows. RivMed also trains junior medical officers (JMOs) through the Murrumbidgee Local Health District, offering valuable experience in general practice and Aboriginal health. By providing meaningful placements, RivMed encourages interns and registrars to stay in rural practice.

Highly commended: Peta Cullis, Ingrained Nutrition.