There is a lot under the HealthWISE umbrella.
Programs and services at HealthWISE support the care of the community at every stage of life, from speech pathology services for children to healthy ageing programs for older Australians.
We are committed to creating healthier communities as a specialist provider of rural and remote services across the New England North West of NSW & southern QLD, ranging from primary and allied health, mental health, and Aboriginal health.
We provide primary and allied health services where there are shortages or gaps and provide mental health services across the regions. Our staff also assist in coordinating specialist services where there are none or a specific need. We are also continually developing and providing Aboriginal health programs and services.
We strive to change the mindset concerning health by improving access to opportunities to become healthy for those in our service area. We recognise the social determinants of health and the unique characteristics of our region. We believe every person can make choices that result in a healthier self – our purpose is to make those choices easier.
Our Services
Our Vision, Purpose & Values
Vision
Healthier Communities
Purpose
Creating better health for our communities
Values
Client Focus
We listen, deliver services to meet needs and seek to exceed expectations.
Empowerment
We build confidence and capabilities of staff and empower individuals towards a common goal of a healthier community.
Courage
We create an environment in which staff are focused and encouraged to advocate, take initiative and develop new ideas and processes.
Excellence
We give our best at all times in support of our colleagues and clients. We are flexible and learn from our experiences.
Our Story
New England North West Health Ltd (HealthWISE) is a ‘for purpose’ (not for profit), registered charity. Our purpose is creating better health for our communities. We provide primary health care programs and clinical services across the New England North West region of New South Wales and the Darling Downs and West Moreton regions of southern Queensland.
HealthWISE commenced operations in July 2015, with a team experienced in delivering primary health care programs and services. The organisation has expanded over the last eight years to a staff of over 100, working from nine offices across two states.
HealthWISE is contracted to deliver services on behalf of the Australian Government, Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network, Darling Downs and West Moreton Primary Health Network, NSW Government and NSW Rural Doctors Network.
HealthWISE delivers Aboriginal health, allied health, mental health, care navigation, student lifestyle and primary health care nursing services across the New England and North West regions of NSW. A Memory Assessment Program and Dementia carers support is delivered on the Tablelands (Armidale, Guyra and surrounds).
HealthWISE provides mental health services across the Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim, Somerset, Southern Downs and South Burnett Local Government Areas through multiple programs including Social and Emotional Wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People; Lived Experience Psychosocial Support; Mental Health Clinical Care Co-ordination and Support 2 Be Me for older Australians. Integrated Team Care is provided in the Goondiwindi Local Government Area.
Between 2022 and 2024, HealthWISE will be delivering mental health services, allied health services and community workshops to support individuals and communities affected by natural disasters in 17 QLD and NSW Local Government Areas.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Inclusion Framework
Our Board
The HealthWISE Board is chaired by Ms Lynette Rickard.
Ms Lynette Rickard
Chair
B.Sc, GradDipEd
Ms Rickard is the Executive Director Education and Skills – Digital at TAFE NSW. She was appointed
Chair in October 2023. She is a Director on the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee and Director of the Corporate Governance Committee.
Mr Stephen Doley
MBA, Member AICD, Adv Directors course
Mr Stephen Doley has an executive background working in large Not for Profit organisations. He was appointed a Director in June 2018. He is a Director on the Corporate Governance Committee and a Director on the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.
Ms Ann Houston
MBA, GAICD, BEd
Ms Houston has an extensive background in management consultancy and is based in southern QLD. She was appointed a Director in February 2020 and Chairs the Corporate Governance Committee.
Dr Stephen Howle OAM
MBBS, FRACGP, DipPhysMed
Dr Howle is a retired GP based in Tamworth. He was appointed a Director in December 2014 and is a Director on the Clinical & Cultural Governance Committee.
Ms Lia Mahony
BPharm (Hons), MClinPharm.
Ms Mahony is a pharmacist based in Tamworth. She Chairs the Clinical and Cultural Governance Committee and is a Director on the Corporate Governance Committee.
Mr James Wallace
Bec. (ANU).
Mr Wallace is a business owner based in Tamworth. He was formerly a Partner with a large financial services firm and spent 25 years in the Finance industry. He was appointed a Director in January 2016 and is the Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.
Ms Alison Treloar
BAppSc (Hons) ExSc
Ms Treloar has a background in exercise physiology, stakeholder engagement and economic development. She was appointed a Director in February 2024 and is a Director on the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.
Dr Zach Byfield
DPS (Health), MPhil (Health), MNursing, BNursing.
Dr Byfield has an extensive background in clinical nursing and education. Zach was appointed a Director in February 2024 and is a Director on the Clinical & Cultural Committee.
Dr James Marshall
FACRRM, FRACGP, FARGP, MBBS, MScTech (OHS& Ergonomics), BAppSc (Physio)
Dr Marshall is a Rural Generalist GP currently practising in Armidale with a professional background in physiotherapy, occupational health and ergonomics. He was appointed a Director in February 2024 and is a Director on the Clinical & Cultural Committee.
Our Management Team
Ms Fiona Strang, leads the executive team as Chief Executive Officer of the organisation.
Ms Fiona Strang
Chief Executive Officer
Ms Fiona Strang leads the senior management team as Chief Executive Officer. She has over 30 years of experience in the primary health care field, and 20 years of experience in senior leadership positions including 13 years as CEO of the Barwon Division of General Practice. Ms Strang was appointed to the position of CEO of HealthWISE when it commenced operations in July 2015 and brings considerable knowledge and skills in governance, strategic and business planning, financial management, workforce development and program management.
Ms Sally Urquhart
Executive Manager of Strategy
As HealthWISE Executive Manager of Strategy, Ms Sally Urquhart has extensive experience in project development and tender writing. With a background in Speech Pathology and an MBA Sally is experienced in communicating effectively with an audience and has a record of accomplishment in securing grant funding to deliver valuable initiatives to the local population. Sally leads the HealthWISE tender team and is responsible for establishing a fee-for-service offer of allied health services to the community.
Ms Anne Williams
Executive Manager of Services
HealthWISE Executive Manager of Services, Ms Anne Williams has a background in Allied Health (Speech Pathology) and Project Management. Anne has the clinical knowledge, practical expertise and commitment to accountability to ensure effective delivery of the Mental Health, Allied Health, Primary Health Care Nursing, General Practice (GP) After Hours, Dementia assessment and carer support and Medical Specialist Outreach Services. She has 35 years of experience in allied health and primary and preventive health program management.
Ms Nicolette Randell
Finance Manager
Ms Nicolette Randell has had experience in the finance sector for 15 years in various roles. Since 2015 she has been responsible for the Finance Team as Finance Manager. Nicolette plays a crucial role in our budget preparation, and is an integral part of the financial health of HealthWISE. Responsible to report the organisation’s financial position to the Finance Audit & Risk Committee, Nicolette mitigates any potential risks and also facilitates the annual financial audit and ensures compliance within the Company’s financial structure.
Ms Tanya Douglass
Corporate Services Manager
HealthWISE Corporate Services Manager and Acting Manager of the Aboriginal Health Team, Ms Tanya Douglass has over 24 year’s experience in the operational management of both private businesses and non-government organisations. Tanya has led teams in Retail, Aboriginal Health and Allied Health, so comes with broad knowledge of business development and the diversity needed to thrive in an ever changing health environment. She has won a number of management awards in various businesses and has been a consultant in client service and management. Her strengths lie in business planning, training, change management, and risk management.
Mr Michael Gill
Information & Communication Technology Manager
Mr Michael Gill is a dedicated professional with 17 years of experience in the IT sector. With 10 years of experience supporting IT systems and processes within the Primary Health Care sector, he brings comprehensive Health IT knowledge to HealthWISE. As Information & Communication Technology Manager he leads the IT team in developing and maintaining communication networks, infrastructure, and public and private cloud-based services utilised by HealthWISE, as well as integrating and adapting new and emerging technologies for use by the wider HealthWISE team.
Eurah – Medicine Tree
HealthWISE acknowledges the value, diversity and integrity of Aboriginal art, culture and expression as an integral part of Australian heritage. We respect the work of artists, their aspirations and expressions. Each HealthWISE office, displays a copy of “Eurah – Medicine Tree” by Rod McIntosh, an Aboriginal artist of the Kamilaroi tribe. This work was commissioned by HealthWISE as a visual representation of wellness and was inspired by the HealthWISE Vision “Healthy Communities”.
Company Information
Company Name: New England North West Health Ltd.
Trading Name: HealthWISE New England North West
Legal Status: Company Limited by Guarantee
Registered Address: 213 Peel Street TAMWORTH NSW 2340
Company Details: ABN 48 603 486 442 ACN 603 486 442
Registered for GST, Not for Profit and Charitable Status, Gift Recipient Status
