2024 Better Together Conference
On the 14 and 15 June, myself and several of the Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN) team had the pleasure of attending Australia’s sixth national LGBTIQA+ conference, Better Together, in Geelong. It was an interesting, informative and often moving two days learning about how Queer people connect to healthcare and some of the challenges they face.
In partnership with North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network, WVPHN was proud to sponsor the conference by providing free registration for half the attendees. This made the gathering accessible for people who ordinarily don’t get these opportunities because they are financially out of reach. Our sponsorship also included a stall at the conference, which we offered to Inclusive Rainbow Voices (IRV) – a human rights advocacy organisation for LGBTIQA+ people living with a disability – providing an opportunity for IRC advocates to speak for themselves about their experiences and healthcare needs and how providers can support them.
RWAV 2024 Victorian Rural Health Awards
On Thursday last week, RWAV (Rural Workforce Agency Victoria) held its annual Rural Health Awards. Once again, several health professionals from western Victoria have been recognised for their outstanding work in our communities, including:
- Dr Adam Straub, an addiction medicine physician and general physician at Grampians Health Service and Ballarat Community Health, was awarded Outstanding Contribution by a Rural Medical Specialist.
- Dr Felix Ritson, a first-year FSP Program medical doctor from Lister House Clinic in Horsham, was awarded Outstanding Contribution by a Rising Star Award.
- Dr David Wilson, a GP who specialises in obstetrics, pediatrics, and the supervision and the training of other GPs, was awarded Outstanding Contribution by a Rural GP or Rural Generalist.
- Associate Professor Shabna Rajapaksa, a paediatrician working for the University of Melbourne, Grampians Health, Ballarat Base Hospital and St John of God, was awarded Outstanding Contribution by a Mentor or Supervisor.
- Length of Service awards were given to: Dr Clare Mooney, a GP working for Hopkins Medical Centre in Warrnambool; and Dr Michael Pring, a GP working for Bellarine Medical Group.
Congratulations to everyone who was given an award or nominated, your expertise, hard work and passion is much appreciated. You can read more about the award recipients here.
Respect 2040 Barwon South West
Two weeks ago, WVPHN was proud to take part in the inaugural meeting of Respect 2040 Executive Governance Group meeting. Respect 2040 is a new regional partnership committed to the elimination of violence against women. The partners in Respect 2040 are united by the vision of a thriving Barwon South West community in which every person is respected, safe, and equal – able to reach their full potential. The initiative is being led by Women’s Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West and comprises WVPHN, Barwon South West Public Health Unit, Borough of Queenscliff, Brophy Family and Youth Services, City of Greater Geelong, Corangamite Shire Council, Sexual and Family Violence Centre, South West Sport, South West TAFE, Wannon Water and Warrnambool East Primary School. Learn more at Respect 2040.
COVID Vaccination Campaign for 65 Plus
All Victorian Primary Health Networks (PHN) have jointly developed a COVID vaccination campaign aimed at the vulnerable cohort of older persons, 65 years and over, encouraging them to get their COVID booster. Each PHN is scheduling the campaign in their own region with most commencing this week.
COVID vaccination statistics across all aged groups have fallen over the last year. However, we are particularly urging those who are 65 plus to get vaccinated. In our region in the last six months only 40.1% of people 65 plus have been vaccinated, whilst 12 months ago the figure was 60.7%. As we are all aware, older people, especially those with pre-existing health conditions are especially vulnerable to severe illness with a COVID infection.
The COVID campaign includes print materials distributed to practices across western Victoria, such as posters and postcards, and videos promoted on social media. I urge you to help us spread the message to your older patients. You can access resources from the campaign here.
Craig Wilding, WVPHN CEO
26 June 2024