Locals across the Liverpool Plains now have a free Care Navigator to help them find their way through the health system, with a sister service already running in Wee Waa since May as part of a wider push to improve rural health access across the New England.
Both services are run by HealthWISE and funded through the Collaborative Care Program, which develops local solutions to improve access to healthcare in regional communities by working in partnership with community members, healthcare providers and local organisations. It is supported by the NSW Ministry of Health. The care navigators help people understand which health services are available locally, which they might need to travel for, and whether a telehealth option exists. They can also connect people with other support, including transport, social services and preventative health programs.
In Liverpool Plains, the new service follows consultation with local health professionals and community organisations, and is facilitated by RDN Health. Local Care Navigator Chelsea Doran brings a strong understanding of the community to the role, and the unique challenges people can face when accessing healthcare.
“We know navigating the healthcare system can be challenging, particularly in rural communities,” Mrs Doran said.
“We’re excited to see this service make it easier for people in the Liverpool Plains community to understand their options and connect with the care they need.”
The service is free for anyone living in the Liverpool Plains Local Government Area. No appointment is needed, and community members can drop in during scheduled outreach sessions or contact the Care Navigator by phone or email during business hours.
The Care Navigator is available now as part of a 12 month trial. Mrs Doran will be at the Council Chambers in Quirindi every Wednesday from 9:30am to 3:30pm, and at Werris Creek Library every Friday from 10am to 3pm. A sign will be displayed on site when she is available.
A similar service launched in Wee Waa in May, run by care navigator Susanne Kable out of the Namoi Care Connect office on Cowper Street. It followed a community survey in December 2024 that found many Wee Waa locals wanted more information on the health services available to them, and will be trialled until June 2027, when it will be reassessed.
“This is a free service for anyone in Wee Waa, and also Pilliga, Gwabegar, and Burren Junction, who might need more information on the health services they can access,” Ms Kable said.
“I’ll be at the Namoi Care Connect office on Cowper Street every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 9am to 1pm.”
“People don’t need to make an appointment. If they see the Care Navigator sign out the front, they can just walk in.”
The care navigator service does not provide health advice. Instead, it helps people find out what health services exist and how to get in touch with them.
“There are lots of health programs out there that people may not know about,” Ms Kable said.
“I know myself, it can be confusing and a bit daunting when you are trying to work out who to talk to. That’s why I’m here to help.”
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