A clear call for more connected, culturally safe health care emerged from the Blacktown Healthcare Neighbourhood Networking event, held on 24 September at the Colebee Centre in Nurragingy Reserve.
More than 70 health professionals, community leaders and service providers came together through WentWest’s innguraal place-based initiative to explore how stronger local partnerships can improve health outcomes and create more connected pathways to care across Blacktown.
The panel discussion explored the challenges and opportunities facing the local community, with conversations focusing on culturally safe care, trusted relationships and improving access to support services across Blacktown.
Panel speakers included:
- Professor Peter Hockey, Executive Director – Quality and Safety, Western Sydney Local Health District
- Leanne Akiki, Operations Manager, Street Side Medics
- Andrew Scott, CEO, Carevan Blacktown
Drawing on their experiences working across health and community settings, panellists discussed the importance of local partnerships in supporting people with complex health and social needs.
Andrew Scott, CEO of Carevan Blacktown, said events like this play an important role in strengthening local connections.
"Events like this help us build relationships with other local services and make it easier to connect people with the support they need."
A recurring theme throughout the evening was the need for stronger coordination across services, clearer referral pathways, increased Aboriginal representation within the workforce and earlier engagement with communities when designing and delivering programs.
Scott Walters, Senior Manager – Primary Care at WentWest, said understanding local needs requires both evidence and lived experience.
"Blacktown is a community of enormous diversity and strength. While the data helps us understand where the greatest health needs exist, real change happens when we combine that evidence with local knowledge, strong partnerships and a shared commitment to helping people navigate the systems that support their health and wellbeing."
WentWest Chief Executive Andrew Newton said the event marked an important first step in shaping a Healthcare Neighbourhood model that reflects the unique strengths and priorities of the Blacktown community.
"The expertise, passion and commitment represented in the room tonight demonstrates the opportunity we have in Blacktown. By connecting those strengths and learning from one another, we can build a Healthcare Neighbourhood that is truly shaped by and for the local community."
The event also provided attendees with an opportunity to connect with local organisations and learn more about services available across the region.
WentWest thanks everyone who attended and acknowledges the support of the following organisations:
- Aspire4Life
- Cancer Council NSW
- Carevan Blacktown
- Flourish Australia
- The Shed, Emerton
- Wesley Mission
- Western Sydney Diabetes
- Youth Off The Streets
For more information about the Blacktown Healthcare Neighbourhood initiative, contact support@wentwest.com.au.
