Last week, AH&MRC joined forces with the Cancer Institute NSW and Healthy North Coast PHN for a two-day workshop at Aanuka Resort in Coffs Harbour. Held on Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 August, the event brought together key partners to plan an upcoming population health project, a collaborative effort aimed at driving meaningful change across our communities.
Twelve Aboriginal Health Workers and Managers from six Aboriginal Health Services in Northern NSW — Bulgarr Ngaru, Werin, Rekindling the Spirit, Bullinah, Durri, and Galambila — came together for a workshop on planning a health project. This training was developed by AH&MRC using the learning outcomes of the Unit HLTPOP021, Plan a Population Health Project within the Certificate IV in Population Health
During the two-day workshop, participants identified a cancer screening initiative aimed at reducing cancer incidence and mortality. Using the skills learnt and templates provided, each participant drafted a project plan, including a program logic framework for monitoring, evaluation, and learning.
The workshop featured practical examples:
- Bullinah Health Service shared their screening project using templates from the CINSW Primary Care Cancer Control Quality Improvement Toolkit
- The Agency for Clinical Innovation and Durri showcased a screening project they are preparing to implement, using the work of KOWA and Understanding Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning.
During the first workshop participants requested practical, accredited training with options for further study. This second workshop built on that approach, with topics led by participants for participants.
The next workshop will be held in November continuing the strong collaboration between partner organisations and working towards a vision of sharing and adapting these cancer projects so more communities can benefit.
