Update
The Wheatbelt Development Commission contracted MMT Consultancy Services in 2009 to undertake community consultations across the Wheatbelt to identify and report community needs, priorities, expectations and community-identified solutions for future health service models in the Wheatbelt.
This Project was led by Marguerite Tohl, the Principal Consultant, MMT Consultancy Services with the assistance of Philip Hefferan and was overseen by the Wheatbelt Health Planning Initiative Project Steering Group, which was chaired by Tracy Meredith, Deputy Chair, Wheatbelt Development Commission. The Steering Committee also had representatives from the Western Australia Country Health Services, the Wheatbelt General Practice Network and Local Government.
In summary, the project involved the following methodology.
- We developed four Community Profile booklets for the Western Wheatbelt District, the Eastern Wheatbelt District, the Southern Wheatbelt District and the Coastal Wheatbelt District, which were available for collection from local Shires and other locations from May 2009.
- Website versions of the Community Profile booklets were made available to download. These can be accessed by clicking on the Profile document below.
- 24 community consultations were held during June and early July 2009 throughout the Wheatbelt. Other stakeholder consultations were also held with groups of Shires, GPs, other health service providers and health advisory committees. In total over 600 people were consulted during this time.
- In early July we held telephone interviews with other stakeholders who were unable to meet with us while we were in the Wheatbelt.
- 21 written submissions were received via email, post and our website.
We collected a significant level of information from the community and other stakeholders and developed a draft Report that was forwarded to the Steering Committee on the 4th August. The final Report was then presented to the Wheatbelt Health MOU Group on the 18th August.
The Report has now been released and is available through the Wheatbelt Development Commission website at http://www.wheatbelt.wa.gov.au/planning.php .
You are welcome to contact Pip Shields of the Wheatbelt Development Commission on (08) 9881 5888 or email pipshields@wheatbelt.wa.gov.au if you would like further information regarding the Report.
Click on the links below to print off a PDF of your community profile.