Local Health Forums to Support Children’s Access to Healthcare in South Western Sydney
27 Jan 2026
The South Western Sydney Primary Health Network (SWSPHN) is hosting a series of free local health forums to explore the barriers parents and carers face when accessing healthcare for children aged 0–12 years.
The forums will bring together parents, carers, health professionals, teachers, school counsellors, childcare staff, community service providers, and local organisations. Participants will share experiences, highlight gaps in services, and provide insights to help improve planning and coordination of children’s health services across South Western Sydney.
A two-course dinner will be provided for attendees.
Topics for discussion include:
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Child development, behaviour, and milestones
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Physical health and prevention, including immunisation
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Ongoing health needs such as asthma
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Healthy growth, nutrition, and childhood obesity
Please note: This forum will not cover NDIS access or disability-specific services.
Who can attend:
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Parents and carers of children aged 0–12 years
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School counsellors, preschool teachers, and day care educators
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Health professionals
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Community service providers and NGOs
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Anyone supporting children and families, including those with lived experience
Healthcare professionals can self-report 1.5 CPD hours for attending.
Forum objectives:
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Understand the experiences of families accessing health services for children
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Identify barriers and enablers for timely, appropriate, and coordinated care
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Explore strengths and gaps in primary care, community services, and public health systems
Forum dates and locations:
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Bass Hill: Thursday, 26 March, 6.30pm arrival for 7pm start, Rydges Bankstown, Hume Highway
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Bowral: Thursday, 23 April, 6.30pm arrival for 7pm start, Park Proxi Gibraltar, 7 Boronia Street
Why your feedback matters:
Planning children’s health services in South Western Sydney relies on up-to-date local information. Previous consultations highlighted challenges such as limited access to mental health support for children under 12, eyesight and hearing services, high costs for specialist care, and the lack of coordinated family support programs.
Insights from these forums will help identify service gaps and improve local childhood health services.
Source: South Western Sydney Primary Health Network (SWSPHN)
