Over the past few years, we have proven our ability to adapt and innovate in the face of a global pandemic. Amidst these challenges, we strengthened our presence in the community, rallied behind health professionals on the front line and advocated for health reform to the government. This last year has been no different and we have attended a range of events to showcase the impact of community-based solutions to complex health problems, the power of data-driven programs, and the multi-sectoral partnerships needed to provide cohesive, continual care.
Social Impact
As part of our dedication to achieving long-term, sustainable health reform, we have expanded our Social Impact and Community Development portfolio. This new directorate is tasked with:
- Developing strategies and policies that expand our reach and impact
- Strengthening relationships in community to co-design together
- Designing digital tools that improve health outcomes
- Ensuring First Nations’ expertise helps us shape future health programs and protocols
- Delivering accurate, timely information that increases health literacy and service awareness
- Creating a new strategic research framework to harness high-quality research
Ray Messom, WentWest CEO, calling upon the government to invest in social infrastructure, health, wellbeing and community resilience through a Western Sydney Community Impact Fund.
Ray Messom, Michael Bonning, Jeremy Knibbs, Robert Grenfell, Scott Willis GAICD and Clare Mullen at the Wild Health Canberra Health Leaders’ Summit on whether Australia's health system is the system we want in 10 years' time and how to start meaningful, long-term health care reform.
Ray Messom Co-Chairing the Western Sydney Diabetes Leaders Alliance and Western Sydney Changing Diabetes meeting to work with partners and community on the ‘Lose 2kg – Beating Diabetes Together’ campaign. An expert panel of speakers discussed the importance of diabetes testing and the impact of community-based initiatives for disease prevention and management.
Ray Messom, Mark Nevin and Freya MacMillan at a panel discussion on “Building Western Sydney’s Future Health Ecosystem” at Catalyst West, hosted by Western Sydney University.
WEXPO 2022 Western Sydney Community Leaders Forum panel exploring the health of our culturally and linguistically diverse communities, peer support mental health opportunities, the impact of the Kids Early Years Network, and the future of urgent care.
We have been running Joint Board meetings with our Western Sydney Local Health District counterparts since 2019 to help address population needs and advance health systems in our region. These meetings are a chance to identify key opportunities for partnership and integration of care.