I have worked in many organisations for over three decades and experienced the joy of working with some great leaders, whose courage and integrity have been inspiring. Working for WentWest, the Primary Health Network in Western Sydney, since late 2021 is wonderful.
I acknowledge WentWest as an organisation that has shown remarkable courgage and innovation. They are a truly values-driven team.
In my experience building health partnerships with communities, I believe one of the most authentic ways to hear the voice of a well-informed public is to convene a citizen jury. WentWest leadership took on the challenge to host and sponsor two citizen juries in Western Sydney in 2023, aiming to really understand the health and social care priorities of Western Sydney people. But it goes further. WentWest has taken the decision to make this permanent and that is unusual and important. The research is clear that this final step is what makes a huge difference. Over time our permanent citizens' assembly, with rolling membership, will grow in health literacy and collective power, and will be able to respectfully and intelligently lead change for the public good.
Its important to me that the capability of the teams who do this work is strong and supported. Although I am now pulling back slowly - reducing one day a year for the next few years - to take on more work independently, I am confident the great team at WentWest has embraced this new way of listening and is enjoying the potential to partner with integrity and depth with the communities in Western Sydney.
Thank you WentWest for your leadership and courage, it is a great pleasure and privilege to be a part of the primary health journey in Western Sydney.