Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) welcomed Mental Health Commissioner Jennifer Black and representatives from the Mental Health Commission of NSW to Dubbo this week as part of the Commission’s broader engagement across regional NSW.
The visit provided an opportunity for local organisations, service providers and partners to share regional perspectives on mental health, suicide prevention and community priorities, helping inform broader statewide suicide prevention planning and reform.
As a Primary Health Network and regional commissioning body, WNSW PHN plays an important role in supporting suicide prevention activity across Western NSW, including through local partnerships, service coordination and investment in community-based supports. The visit also included meetings with WNSW PHN staff and the Executive Leadership Team, as well as visits to local service providers, highlighting the work being done to support people across our communities.
A key part of the visit was a Suicide Prevention Roundtable and networking lunch, hosted by WNSW PHN in partnership with the Commission. The Roundtable brought together representatives from community services, Aboriginal health, mental health and suicide prevention sectors to discuss local priorities, service strengths and the challenges facing regional and rural communities.
These discussions reinforced the importance of genuine partnership, collaboration and connected local systems in improving suicide prevention responses across Western NSW. The Roundtable also provided an opportunity for organisations to connect in person, strengthen relationships and share insights that can help inform future planning, advocacy and reform.
WNSW PHN thanks the Mental Health Commission of NSW for visiting the region and for its ongoing advocacy in mental health and suicide prevention reform. We also thank the organisations, service providers and attendees who contributed to the discussions, shared their perspectives and continue to support suicide prevention efforts across Western NSW.
