Working Together to Improve Health Literacy in South Western Sydney
08 Oct 2025
In partnership with the South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD), SWSPHN has launched the South Western Sydney Health Literacy Framework — a four-year plan to improve how health information is communicated, designed and delivered across the region.
Together, the two organisations have committed to five key actions to make sure residents become active and informed partners in their healthcare.
What’s Happening
Listening to under-serviced and priority groups
SWSPHN is working directly with under-serviced and priority communities to make healthcare more accessible and meaningful. Co-design and consultation will be embedded in all programs, projects and services, while regional partnerships such as the Fairfield City Health Partnership and Alliance will continue to focus on improving health literacy.
Engaging the community in co-design
Community voices are central to this work. SWSPHN is creating clear ways for residents, community organisations, people with lived experience, faith groups and educational institutions to share feedback and help shape health programs and services.
Embedding health literacy in policy
Health literacy is now part of core business. Policies and procedures are being updated to make sure services commissioned by SWSPHN meet Health Access and Equity Policy requirements, keeping health literacy a consistent priority.
Measuring progress
SWSPHN will use the Organisational Health Literacy Responsiveness (Org-HLR) Tool to review its approach, measure progress, and identify areas for improvement based on community feedback and evidence.
Why Health Literacy Matters
South Western Sydney has one of the most diverse populations in the country, with a wide range of cultural, social and health needs that affect how people understand and use health information.
In the region:
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45% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
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90% of people say they have access to reliable health information.
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66% go to their GP for health advice, yet 21% say they don’t always feel confident following their doctor’s instructions.
These findings show why clear communication and accessible information are essential for improving health outcomes.
How to Get Involved
This is just the beginning. In the coming months, staff, health professionals, service providers and community members will have opportunities to take part in planning and implementation activities.
You can get started today by:
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Visiting the Statewide Health Literacy Hub – a NSW Health initiative offering tools and resources to support health literacy.
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Registering for free Health Literacy Essentials Training (a one-hour online course via Brisbane South PHN and the Centre for Culture, Ethnicity and Health). To register, email multicultural@bsphn.org.au with your name, contact details, position and work address.
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Using the SHeLL Editor from the Sydney Health Literacy Lab to write health information in plain language.
Together, we’re building a South Western Sydney where health information is clear, accessible and empowering for everyone.
Source: South Western Sydney Primary Health Network (SWSPHN) and South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD)
