Paving our Way to 2026  

The past year has been impactful for WQPHN and our communities, marked by achievements and valuable insights. Strengthening relationships has been a key focus, with our Board and team actively engaging with communities across our vast landscape. The WQPHN Board approved our 2023 Stakeholder Engagement Framework and Strategy, paving the way for strong, collaborative partnerships. 

We have advanced our core mandate through place-based commissioning and ongoing advocacy. Despite health workforce challenges, we successfully maintained General Practice networks, preventing service closures. The recent takeover of private GPs in Longreach and Barcaldine by CWHHS prompted collaborative efforts with our Hospital and Health Service partners in primary health care. 

We continued to address the impact of COVID across our patch, collaborating with communities to recruit local talent for marketing campaigns promoting vaccinations across the WQ footprint. While health and medical workforce shortages remained a key challenge, the dedication of our partners and providers ensured successful navigation through these difficulties. 

Recognising our team's resilience, we implemented several improvements identified in the independent functional review in late 2021, enhancing our structure, capabilities and culture for future readiness. 

As we work towards our vision of healthier Western Queensland communities, our team is committed to strengthening relationships within the community and the primary health care sector. 

A heartfelt thank you to Dallas Leon, our outgoing Chair, for his significant contributions during his tenure. Your leadership has been invaluable, and we deeply appreciate your dedication to our organisation. 

Welcome to Liz Fraser as our incoming Chair, who has already demonstrated proactive engagement with our members, emphasising partnerships and actively listening to their perspectives. 

To our partners, providers and the entire WQPHN team, thank you for your support and collaborative spirit throughout the year.  

Together, we’re paving the way to better health.

Sandy Gillies
Chief Executive Officer