Fostering cross-border connections in Goondiwindi

Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN is partnering with local health providers to improve health equity in the Goondiwindi region.

Goondiwindi is a regional town situated four hours inland from Brisbane, on the border of Queensland and New South Wales. As a result, the local health system relies on close coordination between the state health departments, primary care, and the community to achieve equitable access to healthcare for residents on both sides of the border.

In early December, the PHN hosted a cross-border meeting that was attended by over twenty health professionals from the surrounding area. Topics included approved cross-border information sharing, improving access to transport, increasing access to allied health and dental, and various other opportunities to help connect the local health system.

Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN CEO Lucille Chalmers said the cross-border meeting was highly successful.

“The health system in the Goondiwindi area is complex, but it is affirming to have the dedication of local health professionals who share our focus on improving health equity for the area,” said Ms Chalmers.

The PHN’s work in Goondiwindi is particularly focused on improving health equity for the nearby towns of Toomaleh, a local Aboriginal community and former mission, and Boggabilla, which has a predominately Indigenous population. Both towns lay just beyond the New South Wales border within the local Goondiwindi area.

“We are working closely within these communities to reduce fragmentation and help close the gap for residents in these towns,” said Ms Lucille Chalmers.

The local collaboration will continue into the new year with an interagency meeting and networking opportunities scheduled for early 2023.

Photo credit: Goondiwindi Regional Council