This September, WNSW PHN was proud to sponsor the 2026 Murdi Paaki Regional Assembly Aboriginal Health Leadership Symposium in Cobar.
Held over two days, the symposium brought together Aboriginal leaders, Elders, Community Working Parties, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, health services, government agencies and regional partners to share knowledge, strengthen relationships and identify practical actions to improve Aboriginal health and wellbeing across the Murdi Paaki region.
Discussions explored community priorities, culturally safe care, service coordination and the importance of ensuring Aboriginal communities have a meaningful role in health planning and decision-making. The program also considered housing and environmental health, workforce, data and evidence, health-system reform, and the broader factors influencing health and wellbeing.
Presentations throughout the symposium provided valuable opportunities for health organisations, government agencies and community representatives to share information, ask questions and learn from one another. The sessions encouraged open discussion and to help strengthen relationships across the region, while panel discussions created a space for honest and constructive conversations about how communities, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, Local Health Districts and other health services can work together to improve health and wellbeing outcomes across the Murdi Paaki region. Participants reflected on shared challenges, highlighted local wins and examples of what is working well and explored practical ways to turn community priorities into action.
Brendon Cutmore, Chief Executive Officer of WNSW PHN, said,”It is a privilege to support these conversations in community. We are pleased to commit to sponsoring the symposium again next year and look forward to continuing discussions about how WNSW PHN can contribute to the priorities identified by communities across the Murdi Paaki region.”
WNSW PHN was pleased to support this important community-led forum and to join partners from across the region in listening to community voices and strengthening collaboration. We look forward to continuing to work alongside Aboriginal communities and regional partners to support culturally safe, locally responsive healthcare across Western and Far West NSW.
