In the Murrumbidgee region, health professionals are doing remarkable work. Across vast distances and complex systems, they deliver person-centred care, respond to reforms, and lead innovative local solutions. Yet, with demanding workloads and limited opportunities for connection, much of that work happens behind the scenes, unseen and uncelebrated.
This year, two regional forums created rare moments for rural professionals to step out of their day-to-day roles, come together, and take stock of what’s being achieved.
In May, aged care providers and professionals gathered in Deniliquin for the 2025 Murrumbidgee Aged Care Forum, hosted by the Murrumbidgee Aged Care Consortium, Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN), and Charles Sturt University’s Three Rivers Department of Rural Health. The forum was a chance to acknowledge the work being done across the region and reflect on how aged care services are adapting to meet changing needs, policy reforms, and community expectations.
MPHN’s Healthy Ageing and Palliative Care Manager Shelley Gledhill said the day was as much about connection as it was about content.
“We know the aged care workforce has been under immense pressure in recent years, yet local providers continue to show incredible resilience and commitment,” Ms Gledhill said.
“This forum was about taking the time to say thank you, celebrate the innovation we’re seeing, and ensure aged care professionals feel supported.
“Events like this remind our aged care teams that they’re not alone; there’s a whole network of peers, organisations and leaders working alongside them to shape a stronger future.”
Two months later, the focus shifted to allied health, with MPHN hosting the inaugural Murrumbidgee Allied Health Forum: Now and Next, in Wagga Wagga. The event brought together practitioners from more than 10 allied health disciplines for a day of shared learning, inspiration and forward thinking.
Allied health practitioners are the quiet achievers of the regional and rural primary care system; skilled, dedicated, and endlessly adaptable. Despite their essential role, they often work in isolation, with few opportunities to meet with peers.
The forum offered a welcome chance to reconnect. It featured local case studies, a resource expo, and a keynote address from Anita Hobson-Powell, Chief Allied Health Officer for the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
MPHN Allied Health Engagement Lead Renelle Harrison said the forum was a celebration of the innovation, resilience and excellence that defines rural allied health practice.
“In a system that carries high clinical workloads and often a sense of isolation as practitioners, the chance to get together and celebrate the rural allied health workforce was incredibly valuable,” Ms Harrison said.
“There was so much positive discussion and blue sky thinking alongside practical examples of what’s already working well in our region. We heard about longstanding programs that are steadily growing and increasing in capacity, as well as fresh ideas that have a bold vision. I think we need both to support a strong future.”
The forums gave rural providers the chance to hear directly from peers, access new resources and professional development, and explore how different parts of the health system can work better together. For some, it was the first time they had met long-time colleagues face to face.
They also highlighted the work happening behind the scenes to support rural practice, including initiatives like the Murrumbidgee Allied Health Advisory Committee, which guides local implementation of national frameworks and ensures rural voices are reflected in regional planning and decision-making.
Across both events, one message stood out: regional healthcare providers are already doing extraordinary work, but when they’re given the space to connect, share and be recognised, the whole system becomes stronger.
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