For over two decades, we have worked in close partnership with our community to gain a deep understanding of their needs, with the goal of improving health outcomes across our region. We conducted two Citizens’ Juries, previously known as Community Panels, to gain direct insights into the priorities of Western Sydney’s residents. One jury was representative of our culturally diverse population, while the other reflected the perspectives of our First Nations community.
Both juries were presented with the same question: “Should we, the people of Western Sydney, continue to invest in the health system in the same way that we have in the past?”. Jury members were presented with a wide array of evidence covering mental health, child and family care, aged care, palliative care, acute care, alcohol and drug rehabilitation, emergency services, primary care, social care and other critical domains. After thoughtful deliberation, they reached a consensus on the key priorities that should guide our efforts to enhance the wellbeing of our community.
Citizens’ Juries
Overview
Top Priorities Uncovered
Given the incredible success of our initial juries process, our goal is to make Citizens’ Juries a permanent approach in Western Sydney. At the conclusion, members were advised that their recommendations would form the agenda of WentWest’s investments into Western Sydney.
Furthermore, to increase the impact of the Citizens’ Juries in the long term, WentWest has committed to working with jury members to become a permanent model, known as the Western Sydney Citizens’ Assembly. The official launch is planned for July 2024. For more information, view our Citizens’ Juries webpage.