RDN Share
Earlier this month, a workshop led by RDN Health’s Community Project Officer, Maryann Iannelli and hosted by the Leeton Collaborative Care Project in Leeton, saw local healthcare providers, community representatives, and representatives from the NSW Ministry of Health come together to discuss healthcare in the Leeton Shire.
The group explored ideas to strengthen healthcare access in the community and participants worked collaboratively to find practical ways for people in Leeton to better manage their health and wellbeing.
A key focus of the day was the opportunity to develop a Leeton Health Hub network, which would link healthcare providers in Leeton with all that the Murrumbidgee region has to offer and help ensure residents are receiving coordinated care and access to regional programs that support healthy families, healthy ageing and good mental health.
Mrs Iannelli said the workshop marked an important step in the project.
“The strength of the Collaborative Care Project is that it brings the community, healthcare providers and support organisations together to design solutions that truly reflect local needs,” Mrs Iannelli said.
“The insights and ideas shared during this workshop came from extensive local consultation and will help shape practical initiatives that improve awareness, coordination and access to healthcare services in Leeton,” she said.
“In 2026, Leeton residents can expect to see a greater focus on health education, promotion of health services, and new initiatives to support community wellbeing.
“Behind the scenes, we will work with healthcare professionals to link them with the latest innovations and professional opportunities in the region,” she said.
It is anticipated that this collaboration in Leeton will be an exemplar for other towns with similar healthcare needs.
Leeton Shire General Manager, Jackie Kruger, highlighted the significance of community collaboration in building sustainable health models for regional communities.
“By working together through a co-design approach, we can identify solutions that are both locally relevant and impactful. We welcome the prospect that the Leeton project has the potential to become a model for other rural communities facing similar challenges.”
For more information about the Collaborative Care Project, which was developed by RDN Health and is supported by NSW Health, click here.
Pictured above (L-R): Alison Jenson, Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN); Maya De Mattia, Murrumbidgee Health and Knowledge Precinct; Tegan Reid, Murrumbidgee Local Health District; Julie Redwood, MPHN; Karen Davy, Leeton and District Aboriginal Land Council; Brendon Cutmore, Ministry of Health; Justyn Walker, RDN Health; Maryann Iannelli, RDN Health; Jackie Kruger, Leeton Shire Council; Jessica Clark, Ministry of Health; Kath Hetherington, RDN.