Community to help shape public health service in advisory roles

NORTHERN Rivers residents are being encouraged to join local health advisory groups to help shape the future of public health services across the region.

The Northern NSW Local Health District is inviting patients, carers and community members to contribute their knowledge, lived experience and feedback to improve local healthcare delivery.

Community advisory groups operate across hospitals with specific advisory groups focusing on mental health, alcohol, drugs, and Aboriginal health.

Chair of the Northern NSW Local Health District’s Community Partnership Advisory Council and Co-Chair of the Lismore-Casino Community Advisory Group, Suzie Carey, said the groups ensure community voices are heard in health planning and service delivery.

“Community advisory groups give a voice to the people who use our local health services,” she said.

“We meet every two months to hear updates from across the district, share ideas and experiences, raise concerns, and contribute to special projects that help improve services.”

The health district is seeking broad representation across the community to ensure advisory groups reflect the diversity of the region.

Chief executive Tracey Maisey said the groups play a vital role in strengthening the connection between health services and the community.

“They provide valuable insights and feedback that help us better understand community needs, strengthen communication, and deliver high-quality healthcare,” she said.

“We are keen to build diverse advisory groups that reflect our community.

“We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, people of all ages, genders and sexual orientations, and those with lived experience of the health system.”

Successful applicants will receive a nominal payment per meeting to cover out-of-pocket expenses, in line with the NSW Health Consumer Remuneration Guideline.

Applications close Friday 30 May with applications to made at engage.nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/join-your-local-community-advisory-group