Alliance showcase highlights how working together can improve health outcomes
05 Jun 2024
This was the overriding message woven through presentations as members of the Fairfield City Health Alliance and the Fairfield Health Partnership celebrated their first showcase at the The Hub@Bonnyrigg Dhanawi on Friday, 24 May.
The alliance is a collaboration between the three levels of government – that is, South Western Sydney Primary Health Network (SWSPHN), Fairfield City Council and South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) – and local community and healthcare providers.
Together, alliance members work to support a healthier population through a variety of projects which target areas of need in the Fairfield LGA.
More than 50 representatives from all partner and community organisations came together for presentations, an afternoon tea, to network and learn about each of the working group’s projects.
It was also an opportunity to salute the commitment of hardworking members who are making tangible differences to the health outcomes of Fairfield residents.
Attendees heard about the achievements of the alliance’s Gambling Working Group and the Health Literacy Working Group, council’s role in addressing the health and wellbeing of residents, and the importance of the Hepatitis C and Gyms in Parks projects.
SWSPHN Chief Executive Officer, Dr Keith McDonald PhD, spoke about the motivation behind forming the alliance.
“Globally, evidence shows that health alliances provide positive outcomes for communities and by design, they’re intended to bring all levels of government together because the outcome will be greater than the sum of the parts,” he said.
“We wanted to pull together to do some good for our community. The alliance is all about focusing on community driven care and place-based initiatives – that’s what’s meaningful to the community.”
Dr McDonald said the alliance’s priorities centred around gambling harm; health literacy (in particular diabetes, mental health and antimicrobial stewardship for the many diverse communities in Fairfield); and hepatitis C control (because the prevalence in the region is amongst the highest in the state).
Fairfield City Council General Manager Bradley Cutts told attendees the alliance was about trying to improve health outcomes in Fairfield – which had obvious health challenges – by improving access to services and resources.
“More than a quarter of our residents have at least one long term health condition. Over 55,000 people have conditions like diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, strokes – a higher percentage compared to the rest of Sydney,” he said.
“The thing that I’ve been really impressed about the more I get involved in these forums is the level of passion, care and commitment that people like yourselves have – you care about the outcome,” he told the gathering.
“You’re passionate about the work you do for the community, that’s what makes the difference.”
Mr Cutts said the showcase acknowledged the importance of collaboration and the improvements this could offer for the welfare of Fairfield residents.
“It’s also an opportunity to celebrate some of the successes and the things that you’ve done well,” he said.
SWSLHD Chief Executive Sonia Marshall presented via a pre-recorded address, also highlighting the importance of working together.
“Fairfield City is one of Australia’s most multicultural communities and a major hub for migrants and refugees,” she said.
“Because of its diverse make up, Fairfield has a unique set of health needs. That’s why the Fairfield City Health Alliance was established – to address primary care development, health literacy and promote wellbeing.
“This partnership leverages the unique skills and expertise of each alliance member for a coordinated approach to implementing sustainable health system improvements.
“The showcase is not just a celebration of past achievements, but a call to action for continued collaboration towards better health outcomes in Fairfield.”