Lake Cathie has been picked as one of six towns on the North Coast to take part in targeted consultations about how to improve health and well being in the community.

North Coast Primary Health Network’s acting chief executive Sharyn White said regional communities often have unique strengths and challenges that influence people’s health and wellbeing.

“The North Coast Primary Health Network has been allocated money to spend in regional communities but it is no good coming and telling residents what they need,” Ms White said.

“The community is best suited to tell us what they think they need and then we want to work in collaboration with them to help provide where we can.”

Ms White said ‘placed based commissions’ – as they are called – have worked really well overseas but are still a relatively new idea in Australia.

“Regional towns have a strong sense of identity and belonging which provides a great platform for working together which is what this project is all about,” she said.

“Research demonstrates that initiatives developed by local people are more successful in improving health and wellbeing outcomes.

“They also make use of local infrastructure and can improve the way agencies work together for that community.”

Port Macquarie MP and Lake Cathie resident, Leslie Williams said she is really excited about what opportunities will come from this partnership.

“I hope the community of Lake Cathie really takes this as a great opportunity so that we can make the place we live even better,” Mrs Williams said.

“Moving forward I want our town to be inclusive of everyone whether they are aged six or 60 to ensure as our town grows nobody gets left behind.”

Member for Lyne, Dr David Gillespie said the NCPHN will be able to do great things in the community.

“The concept of a Primary Health Network is great because they are able to come in and assist with connecting services and facilitate the introduction of new services if needed,” Dr Gillespie said.

“I do hope the Lake Cathie community gets on board and fills in the survey so everyone can get the best outcomes.” 

After the survey closes the next step will be Community Action Planning workshops in June where residents and service organisations will be presented with the survey findings.

From there, community consultations and workshop participants will have a direct say in identifying health and wellbeing priorities.

Local school teacher Sam Forster said it is exciting that Lake Cathie has selected for the program.

“It is fantastic that we are in this Healthy Towns program and hopefully with this consultation some good will come and Lake Cathie can continue to be a great place to live with additional services added,” Ms Forster said.

To take part in the survey click here.