The Healthy Warrumbungles initiative has been recognised at the Local Government Professionals Awards, taking out the Collaboration and Partnerships (population under 100,000) category at a ceremony held at Randwick Racecourse.
The award acknowledges the strength of partnerships across the Warrumbungle region, bringing together local government, health services, community organisations and Aboriginal partners to improve health and wellbeing outcomes.
Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN), a key partner in the project, has played a leading role in advancing the primary and community care stream, supporting locally driven solutions to improve access to care, strengthen workforce sustainability and enhance service coordination across the Warrumbungle Local Government Area.
WNSW PHN Chief Executive Officer Brad Porter said the recognition reflects what can be achieved when communities lead the way.
“This award is a testament to the power of genuine collaboration,” Mr Porter said.
“Healthy Warrumbungles shows what’s possible when local organisations, services and communities come together with a shared goal of improving health and wellbeing outcomes.”
WNSW PHN has supported the initiative through leadership of the Primary and Community Care Implementation Group, working alongside partners to identify practical, locally informed solutions. The WNSW PHN has also allocated funding towards a dedicated Project Coordinator role with Warrumbungle Shire Council to strengthen coordination, support local initiatives and create new opportunities for investment and innovation.
Mr Porter said this work is already creating meaningful change across the region.
“Our focus has been on supporting models of care that reflect local needs—from exploring alternative primary care approaches to strengthening connections between general practice and the Local Health District,” he said.
“We’re also working with partners to support GP recruitment, develop sustainable workforce solutions and improve how services work together – particularly in communities like Dunedoo.”
Key WNSW PHN-led contributions have included exploring new models of primary care, investigating shared training pathways between general practice and the Local Health District, strengthening peer networks for clinicians, and contributing to locally tailored workforce and service design strategies.
The award comes as Healthy Warrumbungles continues to build momentum, with a series of initiatives planned for 2026 including a Youth Forum on 23 June, Women’s Financial Wellbeing Workshops, collaboration with the Local Aboriginal Lands Council on a Women’s Yarning Group and Youth Engagement Project, and the establishment of the Warrumbungle Women’s Collective.
Mr Porter said the recognition belongs to the entire partnership.
“This achievement reflects the trust that’s been built across the region and the commitment of everyone involved to doing things differently,” he said.
“We’re proud to be part of this work and look forward to continuing to support the community to lead solutions that will have a lasting impact.”
