For more than 20 years, WentWest has worked alongside communities across Western Sydney to understand local needs and improve health outcomes. In 2023, we brought together community members through two community panels to help shape future health and social care investment in the region.
A Community Pannel brings together a diverse group of community members to learn about a complex issue, consider different perspectives, and make recommendations for the common good. It is a process built on listening, collaboration, and informed decision-making.
Western Sydney is one of Australia’s most diverse regions and home to one of the largest urban First Nations populations. To ensure community voices guide future investment, we held two Community Panels:
Participants explored the question:
“Should we, the people of Western Sydney, continue to invest in the health system in the same way as we have in the past?”
The Community Panel Process
Members were randomly selected from an opt-in community database to reflect the diversity of Western Sydney. Over three days, participants reviewed information about the local health system, heard different perspectives, and worked together to develop recommendations.
What the Community Told Us
Both panels strongly supported a greater focus on prevention and community wellbeing. Key recommendations included:
- More proactive, coordinated and accessible health care
- Stronger pathways to grow the future health workforce
- Incentives to attract and retain health care workers in Western Sydney
- Building on community strengths and local knowledge
- Better integration of health and social care services
From Community Panels to Citizens’ Assembly
The recommendations from the Community Pannels now help guide WentWest’s investment priorities across Western Sydney.
To continue this work, participants co-designed the Western Sydney Citizens’ Assembly, a permanent community-led consumer advisory group. The Citizen assembly meets quarterly and provides advice and feedback to WentWest about local health needs and experiences.
If you would like to become a Citizen Assembly member, please contact the team on 8811 7100 or email engagement@wentwest.com.au