About the Healthy Warrumbungles Project

This project is a type of place-based planning and is being led by the Western NSW Local Health District. The aim is to improve the health and wellbeing of people in the Warrumbungle Local Government Area – this includes the towns of Baradine, Binnaway, Coolah, Coonabarabran, Dunedoo and Mendooran.

In partnership with the Warrumbungle Shire Council, Western NSW Primary Health Network, NSW Ambulance and Rural Doctors Network we have been working with service providers and communities to prioritise and address health and social issues. Some of the challenges faced by those living in the Warrumbungle area include:

• chronic illness, like diabetes, respiratory illness, heart disease
• people feeling alone or disconnected
• families living with violence at home
• difficulties accessing health services
• people not eating healthy food, or getting enough exercise

The project brings local people, health services, and government together to find solutions that meet the needs of the community. By working together and planning with local people, the project aims to make lasting, positive change.

We have developed a Master Plan setting out actions and have commenced implementation. There is also a summary of the Master Plan in the document library.

What has been happening

Plans are underway across six key areas. Here's an update on what's been happening:

This work is being led by the Western NSW Local Health District Health Promotion Team.

• An anti-vaping program called Our Futures is being promoted to all local high schools and central schools. This also includes sharing the PAVE app, which supports young people while they quit vaping.
• Smoke-free and vape-free signs have been provided to Warrumbungle Shire Council to install at sporting areas. Stickers promoting smoke-free and vape-free spaces have also been distributed.
  
• One local sporting club has signed up to become a smoke-free and vape-free club and received a support pack.
• Coolah Central School received a breakfast club grant.
• A movement skills workshop was delivered at Coonabarabran Public School to help children build confidence and physical skills.

This work is being led by the Western NSW Local Health District Age, Disability, and Palliative Care Division.

• A review has been completed to better understand current access to residential aged care and future demand.
• Work is underway to improve how people with disability are identified and supported when they use health services.
• Funding opportunities are being explored to help improve palliative care spaces, making them more comfortable and welcoming.

This work is being led by the Primary Health Network.

• group of organisations is working together to attract GPs and other primary care service providers to Dunedoo.
• Professional development and social events are being planned for health workers across the Warrumbungles to support connection and wellbeing.
• A Dunedoo Community Health Day will be held on the 23rd March, organised by Marathon Health and Westfund.

This work is being led by the Western NSW Local Health District Child, Youth and Families Division

• The Warrumbungle Women's Collective has been formed by local resident Heidi McGlashen. Several well-attended women's events have already taken place, supported by the Women's Health team. Find out more here:
• A Youth in Community partnership has been set up with schools and government agencies to create activities and programs that support young people's health, wellbeing, and engagement. This work will be guided through round-table discussions with young people.
• Funding has been successfully secured for a Women's Yarning Circle at the Coonabarabran Local Aboriginal Lands Council.

This work is being led by the Western NSW Local Health District Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Team.

• Health and community services are working together more closely to improve mental health and drug and alcohol support.
• As part of the Youth in Community work, clear ways to communicate and coordinate between services will be established.

This work is being led by the Western NSW Local Health District Planning Team

• Work continues on the Clinical Service Plan, which guides how hospital and emergency services are delivered.
• The GoodSAM app (which helps connect people in emergencies before an ambulance arrives) will be promoted at the Dunedoo Community Health Day.

Would you like to be part of a group?

We are now looking for community volunteers to join our implementation groups. If you are interested in helping your community improve their health and wellbeing, contact us at wnswlhd-healthycommunities@health.nsw.gov.au