Partnering with communities to better understand local needs

Members of the Gatton multicultural community came together with local health and community organisations earlier this year for a collaborative workshop aimed at better understanding the health and wellbeing needs of multicultural residents across the region.  

Hosted by the PHN at the Lockyer Community Centre, the workshop brought together community members alongside representatives from West Moreton Health and Thriving Lockyer Kids to share their experiences, perspectives and ambitions for healthier, more connected communities.  

Facilitated by Amy Wilson, Director of Connected Commissioning, the session guided participants through a series of discussions exploring what health and wellbeing means to them, their families and their communities.  

Participants reflected on the places and spaces they use in Gatton, the factors that help them stay healthy and happy, and the health and wellbeing needs of community members across all stages of life, from early childhood through to older age.  

The workshop also provided an opportunity for participants to discuss the challenges that can make it difficult to maintain health and wellbeing and to identify practical changes that could strengthen support for multicultural communities in the future.

The PHN will reconvene with participants in the coming months to present the workshop findings and work through next steps with the community, which will help inform future planning and service delivery across the region.

“The strength of our multicultural communities lies in the diversity of experiences and perspectives they bring,” said Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN CEO, Lucille Chalmers.

“By listening, collaborating and taking action together, we can create services and supports that truly reflect the needs of our communities.”  

“These conversations will help guide future planning and ensure multicultural communities continue to play an active role in shaping the services and supports that matter most to them.”

The PHN extends sincere thanks to Hassan Delfi Manish from the Community Action for Multicultural Society (CAMS) Program for facilitating the use of the Lockyer Valley Community Centre, and for supporting community members to participate in the discussions.