Statement on the Voice
Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN) is working in the area of First Nations health by respectful listening to First Nations people through our relationships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs). ACCHOs across western Victoria provide a holistic cultural approach and successful wrap-around services for communities, illustrating the value of systems that include and respect the voice of First Nations people to determine what is best for themselves.
We believe that the establishment of a Voice to Parliament is of itself, health supporting and health promoting, and will provide more opportunities for meaningful collaboration and influence on government plans and programs for First Nations people, supporting better outcomes for ACCHOs on their journey toward self-determination.
We urge the residents of our region to seek accurate information about the coming referendum on a First Nations Voice to Parliament so that as individuals you can vote in accordance and in support of the considerations of our First Nations friends, family and community members.
The Board of WVPHN strongly believes that a First Nations Voice to Parliament will result in more effective government decisions on matters affecting First Nations people, and consequently better health outcomes for First Peoples.
WVPHN Advisory Councils – Call for Expressions of Interest
An essential part of our work is harnessing the knowledge, skills and advice of clinical and consumer advisory councils, which are critical for the development and delivery of programs and services to meet the needs of primary health care providers and people in our region. It’s an approach that aligns with WVPHN’s Strategic Plan to enhance integration, establish equity and expand advocacy.
Our current advisory bodies terms expired at the end of June, and we’re about to start recruiting for our new advisory councils, which we aim to make even larger and more representative of our diverse community.
Initially we’re seeking members for our Clinical Advisory Council, so if you’re an interested health professional, you can find out more information about joining the Clinical Advisory Council and put in your Expression of Interest here by the 11 October 2023.
Dementia Awareness Week and World Alzheimer’s Day
This week is Dementia Action Week and tomorrow is World Alzheimer’s Day, which is why it’s a great time to remind you that we have created a range of great resources or health professionals and people diagnosed with dementia.
The new resources include:
- New and revised dementia HealthPathways, including for: cognitive impairment and dementia, behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), five-minute neurological exam for patients with possible dementia and medications for dementia.
- New Dementia Demystified training created in collaboration with Dementia Training Australia (the first round of training was run in March and April, with more sessions to be announced later in the year).
- A new brochure – Dementia: Resources and support to help you live well – that can be given to people newly diagnosed with dementia and and their carers (which is available in a range of languages), as well as a localised and up-to-date list of local supports and resources for the western Victoria region.
Nigel Jarvis, Acting CEO WVPHN
20 September 2023