Annual Report 10-11.pdf - WAMS

Art Exhibition 

Historical Artifacts 

Celebrity Performers 

NRL Players 

Photo Gallery

Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service Co-Operative Limited 

ANNUAL REPORT 2010/2011 

CONTENTS 

Chairperson’s Report 2 

Auditor’s Report 6 

Finance Report 34 

Chief Executive Officer’s Report 36 

page 

Brewarrina Aboriginal Health Service Limited 42 

Clinic and Doctors Report 45 

Collarenebri Report 50 

Dental Report 52 

Drug and Alcohol Report 57 

Ear Health Report 63 

Eye Health Report 66 

Family Centred Primary Health Care Report 69 

Family Health Report 72 

Goonimoo Report 74 

Healthy For Life Report 78 

Mental Health Report 82 

Midwifery Report 87 

Practice Manager (Clinic) Report 90 

Practice Manager (Program) Report 92 

Public Health Report 95 

Sexual Health Report 99 

Vehicle Management Report 101 

Celebrating 25 years in 2011 – Health is Life is Health 

Funded by the Federal Department of Health & Ageing and NSW Health 

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS REPORT 

JULY 2010 TO JUNE 2011 

Introduction 

It is with the greatest pleasure that I report of the twenty five celebrations held by WAMS in April this 

year. This ‘silver’ anniversary festivities is in recognition and appreciation for the support offered by 

our clients, the local community, local businesses, government and on-government agencies who 

have sponsored various aspects of WAMS operations. We also acknowledge the regional, state and 

national networks of individuals and collective people that WAMS have developed since 1986. 

In particular WAMS were extremely privileged that the Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency, 

Professor Marie Bashir accompanied by her Aide-de-Camp, Captain Paula Barter, made time in her 

busy schedule to travel to Walgett one week after the celebrations (due to her prior commitments at 

the time the celebrations were held ) to personally acknowledge the dedication and persistence by 

the WAMS Directors and staff, both past and present individuals, who have individually contributed 

to WAMS achieving this significant milestone. 

The ongoing Remote Service Delivery (RSD) program has created an additional layer of organisational 

response for Walgett, WAMS. and the community. Twenty eight RSD related meetings were held 

over the past twelve months, most of which have been attended by senior management (e.g. WAMS 

Chairperson, Chief Executive Officer and Managers). The meetings revolved around both monthly 

meetings and sub-group meetings for the strategic design of the Local Implementation Plans’ (LIP) 

seven Building Blocks. Many public servants, Ministers, Federal and State politicians have me 

the members of the local Community Working Party (CWP), individuals and agencies to gauge 

community views regarding the LIP. 

The commercial aerial services to Walgett and other ports nearby have not resumed since December 

2008. This continues to impact both professionally and financially on businesses and communities 

in our communities. WAMS are mindful that this unexpected additional cost is affecting business 

operations. Whilst the service was offered on a regular arrangement as of the last reporting period, 

WAMS once again were compelled to reduce the frequency of the flights to Walgett and also 

reduce the occurrence of staff offering transport on arrival of a commercial air service to Dubbo, to 

Walgett. 

Quality 

WAMS has formally achieved its fourth cycle for accreditation with the Quality Improvement Council 

(QIC) and GPA Plus accreditation. Formal six monthly reports are submitted to QIC. The Directors 

and staff acknowledge the ongoing commitment to the organisation by Ms Diana Dalley, WAMS 

Consultant, who regularly works with Directors and senior management to assist in updating of 

Policies and Procedures, design and amend Manuals, Instruction Booklets, Work Plans, and Job 

Descriptions. 

Visitors 

During this year Walgett and WAMS received the following visitors. WAMS present a folder of briefing 

papers and/or pictorial reports of events and services and other promotional resources to visitors to 

our community and to our organisation: 

• Victor Dominello MP Member of the Legislative Assembly, Member for Ryde 

Minister for Citizenship and Communities, and Minister for Aboriginal 

Affairs 

• Kevin Humphries MP Member of the Legislative Assembly, Member for Barwon 

Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Healthy Lifestyles, 

and Minister for Western New South Wales 

• Brian Stacey State Manager (NSW and ACT), Department of Families, Housing, 

Community Services and Indigenous Affairs 

• Christine Bruce State Manager (NSW and ACT), Department of Families, Housing, 

Community Services and Indigenous Affairs 

• Chris Scales Team Manager CDEP/CSS/Western Engagement Team, Western 

ICC, Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and 

Indigenous Affairs 

- James Christian Chief Executive Officer, Aboriginal Affairs, Department of Human 

Services NSW 

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Funded by the Federal Department of Health & Ageing and NSW Health



Building Expansions, Maintenance and Renovations 

WAMS were advised at the closure of this financial year that they were successful in obtaining 

funding under the Health and Hospitals Fund Regional Priority Round for a Multidisciplinary Health 

Care Centre for the treatment and prevention of chronic disease to purchase vacant land and build 

suitable accommodation to house visiting specialists and staff. WAMS had already purchased five 

blocks of land adjoin their premises which front north to south across Wee Waa and Dundas Streets. 

We are awaiting formal advice on how the funding will be distributed, and how the construction is 

being planned to occur. 

The ongoing maintenance and upkeep of work places and staff housing is integral to the safety 

of clients, staff and visitors. The budget is insufficient to conduct repairs for all properties. Most 

of the units have been renovated and outfitted to accommodate the increase in visiting health 

personnel. 

The black soil in the north-west has produced serious problems for one of the buildings plumbing 

supply for over six months of the year. Offensive odours permeated the building had created a 

lingering stench for people to evacuate their offices for an extended length of time. Such inconvenience 

severely disrupted the flow of business for administration, client appointments and staff offices. 

Brewarrina Aboriginal Health Service (BAHSL) 

WAMS continue the auspice of BAHSL and experience limitation on service expansions due to a 

formal advice from OATSIH regarding the governance structure. It is concerning that the community 

of Brewarrina through BAHSL may be penalised in its ability to offer a Primary Health Care Service 

complementing the health and social needs of the people whilst office space and staffing remain at 

a standstill. 

We are extremely grateful for the ongoing leadership of Mrs Hellen Mannix, Registered Nurse, 

who continues to competently manage the local operations. 

BAHSL have their separate web page which captures an overall record of staffing, programs and 

community events. All services are promoted via the telephone services ‘Messages on Hold’, 

and a local newsletter has been produced detailing events over each season. 

‘Healthy for Life’ 

The regional program covers the communities of Walgett, Brewarrina, Bourke and Orana Haven. 

Skye Duncan who is the Manager for the Walgett program took leave from April to August for 

the birth of her second child. Sarah Brown has also taken leave during this period as she awaits the 

birth of her second child. 

Judy Johnson (Chief Executive Officer of Bourke Aboriginal Health Service), and Hellen Mannix 

(Manager of Brewarrina Aboriginal Health Service Limited). Orana Haven has appointed Mr Norm 

Henderson during this period and programs have re-commenced to the clients. Locum Dieticians 

and Exercise Physiologists conducted regional visits 

The official opening by Mr Mark Olive (aka ‘ the Black Olive) of the Community Garden based at 

Walgett during WAMS twenty five years celebrations was a significant occasion for all involved. 

The garden beds are surrounded by young citrus trees to offer both shade and communal access 

to orange, lemons and mandarins. The first harvest of produce during the latter part of this financial 

year was distributed to Elders and other community members. The next stage of this development 

is an invitation to community agencies and/or individuals to identify a quantity of garden beds and 

plant their choice of vegetables. 

A submission has been lodged to continue ‘Healthy for Life’ Men’s Pit Stops and Womens Health 

Days at Bourke, Brewarrina, Walgett and three smaller communities. 

Family Centred Primary Health Care program 

As this program moves into its third year of operation WAMS welcome to Ms Faasipa Stowers 

who was appointed in the last quarter of this reporting period as Team Leader. During this time the 

two positions of both male and female Aboriginal Health Workers continue to be vacant. Until such 

time a full complement of staff is obtain, staff from the Program Team, Clinic Team and Healthy for 

Life Teams has rotated their work schedule to temporarily support the staffing levels. 



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Regular visits are conducted in the townships of Namoi and Gingie Villages. Locum GPs Dr Mark 

Young and Dr Meg Higgins rotate their placements at Goodooga each fortnight. WAMS Locums 

cover the Pilliga outreach clinic. Allied health services are rostered to the abovementioned areas as 

required, eg podiatry, visions testing, early childhood. 

Community Development and Involvement 

Directors and staff share the attendance at local, regional and state meetings over a scheduled 

twelve month period. Staff also attend meetings that are relevant to their individual work roles. 

GWAHS Aboriginal 

Health Forum 

Social and Emotional 

Wellbeing program for 

Bila Muuji 

GWAHS Aboriginal 

Health Partnership 

Brewarrina and Walgett 

Community Working 

Party meetings 

Community Working 

Party COAG meetings 

Indigenous Community 

Volunteers meeting with 

Bila Muuji and WAMS 

St Josephs Primary 

School 

Indigenous Community 

Volunteers meeting with 

Bila Muuji 

Local Service Providers Walgett Show Local DV meetings Local CDAT meetings 

AHMRC College Local Health Advisory 

Council meetings 

AH&MRC Directors 

meetings and annual 

members meeting 

Local High and Primary 

Schools 

Remote Service Delivery 

meetings 

Bila Muuji members 

meetings 

Sydney Aboriginal Health 

Forum 

Walgett Interagency 

meeting 

Staff continue to co-present its Aboriginal History ‘floor’ Puzzle to non-government and government 

agencies. The puzzle has not only been used by WAMS personnel in the delivery of a cultural 

awareness presentation to new and existing WAMS staff, visitors to WAMS (from Ministers to 

government and non-government representatives) but also by agencies for their respective cultural 

awareness training sessions. This year WAMS loaned the puzzle to the local Aboriginal Lands 

Council, local Shire Council, members of the Collarenebri community, local Community School and 

St Josephs Public School. 

Conclusion 

The WAMS Annual General meeting was held in November. It was an honour to have been elected as 

Chairperson, with Vice Chairperson Doug Sharpley and Secretary, Jenny Trindall being the Executive 

Committee. I wish to pay recognition to Lawrence Walford who previously served as Chairperson and 

has now returned to serve as a Director and thank him for his service to the organisation. I also offer 

my sincere appreciation for the service of Kerri Green who resigned in January 2011. The remaining 

Directors nominated in November were Iris Hall and Garry Trindall. Welcome to Bert Gordon and 

Richard Simpson to fill casual vacancies at the same time. 

Lastly, I sincerely give thanks to the staff for their ongoing commitment to their clients and to our 

communities that WAMS serves. They are the ‘face’ of our business. I was humbled to see staff work 

tirelessly during the twenty five years celebrations with a smile on their face each and every day. This 

is the role of WAMS – for the community – by the community. 

WILLIAM KENNEDY, CHAIRPERSON 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

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Funded by 

the Federal Department of Health & Ageing and NSW Health



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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FINANCE OFFICE REPORT 


It has been my pleasure to assist WAMS Management and the Board of Directors for another year 

as Finance Officer. From this position I would like to formally recognise the following organisations 

for their ongoing support – The Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, The NSW 

Department of Health, The Department of Employment, Education and Workplace Relations, The 

Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, NSW Department of Family 

and Community Services The Greater Western Area Health Service and the NSW Rural Doctors 

Network. 

The 2010/2011 year has been a very busy time with the 25 year celebrations held in April, the 

renovation of additional units at Gilbert Lodge, vehicle changeovers, the purchase of vacant land 

adjacent to WAMS in Wee Waa Street, extensive repairs to WAMS properties following the storms in 

January and the news of funding for a new chronic disease building. 

WAMS finished the year with a small surplus on an income of nearly $8.8 million. The Directors note 

that following an independent audit, there were no significant changes in the state of affairs of the 

Co-Operative, and that it continued to provide medical services to all people in accordance with its 

objectives. It also notes that no WAMS Director had any interest in any contract or proposed contract 

that was approved during the year. 

Funding was again fully expended for most programs. Funds generated from Medicare revenues 

were used to cover general running costs not funded by program funding, the maintenance of our 

buildings and grounds and other community projects undertaken by WAMS. During the year WAMS 

was fortunate to receive approval from OATSIH to use surplus funds from the previous year to 

purchase new vehicles, repair and renovate buildings, update office furnishings and purchase new 

equipment. 

WAMS was also privileged to receive one-off funding from NSW Health for the purchase of two new 

transportable homes to help with the critical shortage of appropriate staff and visitor accommodation. 

It is planned that these buildings will be sited on the land recently purchased in Wee Waa Street. 

Additional projects that were completed during the year included replacing the shop front building 

doors, re-furnish the two counselling rooms, the purchase of Kayaks to be used for activities to help 

men and women to re-connect with the river, replacement of both of the old dental x-ray machines 

and a major upgrade of the eye health equipment located at WAMS. 

Exciting news of the year was the announcement in the May federal budget that WAMS was successful 

in their application for funding to build a specialised Chronic Disease building. Funding for both the 

new building and four associated staff accommodation units will be rolled out during the 2011-2012 

year. The grant of nearly $3 million dollars will be a major boost to WAMS and the Walgett area in 

general and will eventually provide new services that are currently not available. 

WAMS was once again ably assisted by Handsaker Ford with the changeover of vehicles at the 

conclusion of their lease, the ongoing maintenance and repairs when needed as well as assistance 

with model selection to maximise trade values. I would also like to recognise the support of Mr 

Robert Handsaker with regards his time and advice as to lease terms and management of the 

WAMS vehicle fleet in general. 

In closing, I would like to extend my since appreciation to the great team we have within the finance 

office of Mr Bill Lorimer, Mrs Naomi Barrett and Mrs Stephanie Shepherd. They have capably 

maintained the finance office and keep it all working, at times under great duress, but always to a 

very high standard. It is only through their great efforts that WAMS has been able to maintain the high 

standards of financial accountability that has provided once again a fault free audit result. I would 

also like to recognise the many responsibilities that fall back to the finance office and this dedicated 

team and the demands this places on their time. All would agree they are a wonderful asset to both 

WAMS and the finance officer. 

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In closing I would like to recognise and thank the WAMS Directors for their confidence and direction 

given to the Finance team over the last twelve months, and the DCEO for his help and assistance 

throughout the year. 

Lastly I wish to especially recognise our CEO Christine Corby for her ongoing support and dedication 

to this ever growing organisation, for her tireless efforts with all things big and small, and it should be 

noted, for her direction of the 25 year celebrations. 

ANDREW DENISON 

FINANCE OFFICER 



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CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT 


Introduction 

Another year with many many memories for the business! This time was a significant period for 

the corporate memory of the organisation as WAMS celebrated twenty five years of service. I would 

never have believed that WAMS would still be standing strong to achieve such a milestone for a local 

rural Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO). The four day celebrations 

were varied and fun-filled of entertainment for individuals, children, families, and in particular, for 

Walgett itself. A moment that will remain with me as a significant memory is seeing staff dressed in 

popular costume characters (e.g. Scooby Doo, the Hulk, Mister T, B1 and B2, Donald ad Daisy Duck, 

Shrek and Princess Fiona, Spiderman, the Easter Bunny) walking down the main street waving to 

the crowd, having their photos taken with children and also adults!. 

The ongoing Remote Service Delivery (RSD) program has created an additional layer of organisational 

response for Walgett, WAMS, and the community. Twenty eight RSD-related meetings were held 

over the past twelve months, most of which have been attended by senior management (e.g. WAMS 

Chairperson, Chief Executive Officer and Managers). The meetings revolved around both monthly 

meetings and sub-group meetings for the strategic design of the Local Implementation Plans’ (LIP) 

seven Building Blocks. Many public servants, Ministers, Federal and State politicians have met with 

the members of the local Community Working Party (CWP), individuals and agencies to gauge 

community views regarding the LIP. 

New Programs 

WAMS were successful in obtaining funding under the Health and Hospitals Fund Regional Priority 

Round for a Multidisciplinary Health Care Centre for the treatment and prevention of chronic disease 

to purchase vacant land and build suitable accommodation to house visiting specialists and staff. 

WAMS had already purchased five blocks of land adjoining their premises which front north to south 

across Wee Waa and Dundas Streets. We are awaiting formal advice on how the funding will be 

distributed, and how the construction is being planned to occur. 

WAMS have also been granted funding by NSW Health to purchase two transportable homes 

as part of a salary packaging arrangement to attract staff to work at WAMS 

Quality 

I am very proud of all staff who once again worked above and beyond their normal duties for WAMS 

to achieve its fourth cycle for accreditation with the Quality Improvement Council (QIC) and GPA Plus 

accreditation. This is significant for WAMS as it is the first time that Brewarrina Aboriginal Health 

Service (BAHSL) were also accredited with both agencies. 

The Strategic Plan was updated for the following three years. The document incorporates the overall 

operations of the organisation including Policies and Procedures, QIC Workbook, and the funding 

guidelines. 

Senior management are now progressing on the development of a Succession Plan for WAMS 

which will incorporate a strategy foe encouraging young people to be a member of the organisation 

in the first instance, and then nurture the interest to stand as a Director. 

WAMS are grateful to Indigenous Community Volunteers (ICV) for arranging personnel to assist during 

the planning of WAMS celebrations and for those who volunteered their services during the twenty 

five years celebrations. ICV connected WAMS with persons who did carpentry and cataloguing. 

(NSW) Aboriginal Health Awards 

WAMS nominated several of their staff and programs in a range of categories for the annual New 

South Wales Aboriginal Health Awards at the beginning of this financial year. It was a pleasant surprise 

when the recipient of the NSW Health Department’s Director Generals Award was announced to be 

one of WAMS staff, Mrs. Phyllis Tighe. Phyllis has worked tirelessly across several Area Health 

boundaries to deliver over twenty clinics each year for Vision screening and the delivery of glasses 

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Collegiate Working Arrangements 

WAMS work in partnership with a variety of organisations in all communities where staff conduct 

their businesses. These include personnel from the Health Services, local Aboriginal agencies, 

all levels of private and public Schools, the Shire and the local Working Party. 

There have been several local and regional Memorandums of Understandings signed to formalise 

working relationships with community agencies and government departments both on a short term or 

permanent arrangement as per the status of the relationship. These formalised arrangements create 

an opportunity to maximise services whilst also recognising the individuality of each business. 

Medical students from the John Flynn Scholarship and both medical and dental students from 

several universities have applied to work at WAMS over this reporting period. Such placements are 

an experience for both the student and for WAMS staff to share their rural knowledge and Aboriginal 

health experiences, as well as for clients to impart their personal health history and cultural and 

social expertise to the students. 

(NSW) Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council (AHMRC) 

As Chairperson of the AHMRC I give personal thanks to the respective Directors of the AHMRC region 

who constantly work together as a strong advocate for the AHMRC, for AHCCOs and for Aboriginal 

Health. The Directors are always professional and courteous, and also delightful colleagues to work 

with and share a laugh or three. 

The ongoing political change at a state and commonwealth level that occurs not only in health 

but also in Aboriginal Affairs is a constant concern. There has been an increase in the competitive 

tendering processes, something which is affecting our members due to some of the submissions 

being based on the quality of the submission and not the need for the program. I am deeply worried 

that our smaller ACCHOs may not enhance their business in order for the demand by their clients. 

One wonders where all this is leading. 

I accompany the Chief Executive Officer and other senior staff of the AHMRC to many meetings 

pertaining to political relationships, networking, liaising, lobbying and advocating on behalf of our 

members at a local, regional, state level and or national levels. 

The Aboriginal Health College is a leading training agency with many of our members and other 

health agencies, government and non-government department enrolling their staff in the wide range 

of courses offered. 

Bila Muuji 

The members of Bila Muuji are Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) 

from Balranald, Bourke, Brewarinna, Coonamble, Dareton, Dubbo, Orange, Walgett, Wellington 

and Orana Haven Rehabilitation Centre that meet every second month. The collegiate relationships 

as a member are valuable to share common concerns of business and also offering strength in 

numbers when lobbying for programs or submitting for a regional proposal. Members also offer 

advice to those communities wishing to establish an Aboriginal Health and/or Medical Service. 

Meetings are shared between Sydney and Dubbo due to the inability of the major funding agencies 

(NSW Health and OATSIH) to travel away regularly from their work base. The Sydney meetings are 

linked into occasions when the AHMRC hold their meetings to allow the regional Directors to attend 

both meetings, therefore saving on their travel and time away from their respective ACCHO. 

The Annual General meeting was held in December 2010. The Executive Committee of seven 

members is: Chairperson, Christine Corby, Vice- Chairperson Lyndon Gray (Dareton), Secretary 

Judy Johnson (Bourke), and Treasurer Darren AhSee (Wellington), with Executive members of 

Jamie Newman (Orange), Tim Horan (Coonamble), and Cecil See (recently appointed as CEO 

at Dubbo). 

The membership engaged the services of John Piccles (who formerly worked for WAMS, NSW 

Health and OATSIH) to provide executive support to the individual ACCHOS and to also assist 

in the design of the meetings, confirming presenters and following up any business arising 



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Linkages and Partners 

The members recognise the continued Partnership between Western Local Health District and their 

organisation. We formally thank Ms Jenni Floyd for her ongoing support of this arrangement. 

Members finalised their Business Plan with the assistance of personnel from Indigenous Community 

Volunteers (ICV). An application was lodged to fund the Plan which included the employment of 

permanent executive support. 

Bila Muuji is pleased to announce that a second student, Mr Josh Wyper is the recent recipient 

of the Charles Sturt University (CSU) Bila Muuji Oral Health Scholarship. Josh travelled to Dubbo 

to meet the members and remained for part of the day to observe the governance operations of the 

regional consortia. The inaugural scholarship recipient, Stacey Webb, has indicated she would like to 

gain employment in the Dubbo area and is maintaining contact with the Western Local Health District 

Oral Health section in the event a vacancy may occur that will suit her skills and qualifications. 

Regional Programs 

Funding is recurrent for the following: 

- Oral Health Promotion Officer 

- Information and Technology Officer 

- GP Registrar program 

- Smoking Cessation 

Such regional programs offer a two-fold advantage for each individual service. They are shared 

across the members as an essential service not normally available to the individual members. 

For some, the regional programs are complementary to existing services and offer a supportive 

concept to the member service. 

The members have ‘Healthy for Life’ programs (focussing Ante Natal care and Chronic Diseases), 

which were funded on different occasions and shared across the region in three separate sections, 

e.g. Brewarrina, Bourke, Walgett and Orana Haven; Coonamble, Dubbo, Orange and Wellington; 

Dareton and Balranald. 

The upper sector of Bila Muuji (Brewarrina, Bourke, Orana Haven and Walgett) conduct a Social and 

Emotional Well-being program employing Counsellors, Psychologists and Psychiatrists to provide 

individual, family, and educational school and community programs. 

Staff appointments 

WAMS employed permanent personnel, casual workers, part-time staff, contractual and locum 

specialists. Medical students from a range of universities spent a variety of time working with, 

and observing the clinical and social operations of an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health 

Organisation (ACCHO). 

WAMS were unable to secure the permanent position of a Doctor during this period and once again 

have relied on the commitment and dedication of locums who choose to return on more than one 

occasion to our organisation. 

The visiting consortium of midwives from Canberra continues to support the Midwifery program 

and also mentors the Health Worker in the delivery of ante natal and post natal care. The current 

Obstetrician, Dr Simone Mulder is taking leave to wait for the pending birth of her child. She has 

kindly arranged for a visiting service during her absence. 

WAMS continue to work with Dr Sandra Meihubers, WAMS Dental Consultant, and Ms Jenni Floyd, 

from Western Local Area Health District. They assist in securing Dentists, Dental Therapists and 

other oral health personnel to work in our clinic. Without this collaborative arrangement, clients 

would be required travel some six hours return journey by road for specialist oral health care. 

WAMS are grateful to Indigenous Community Volunteers (ICV) for arranging personnel to assist 

during the planning of their celebrations and for those who volunteered their services during the 

actual event. ICV also connected WAMS with persons for carpentry work and archival cataloguing. 

38 





Welcome to Reg Humphreys as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer. Reg has previously worked in 

Walgett and is familiar with the social mores of the community which should enable him to adapt to 

WAMS business principles and organisational linkages. 

Maryanne Rutene commenced in the role of Executive Support Officer for the Chief Executive Officer 

(CEO) at the last quarter of the previous financial year. She ensured that the CEO met deadlines, 

attended meetings and delegated business where required. Towards the closure of this financial 

year, she notified of her resignation. WAMS wish Maryanne well in her next vocation. 

WAMS submitted for additional staff in their Service Development Reporting Framework (SDRF) 

document The continued expansion of the business has necessitated for additional administrative 

personnel to be included for the effective and efficient management of recruitment, governance and 

daily operations. 

The workforce employed during the year was: 

WAMS 

Alcock Rebecca RN – Healthy for Life 

Amidy Cheryl Cleaner 

Ashby Wendy Dental 

Barrett Naomi Finance 

Biro Edwina Midwife 

Brown Sarah PHW 

Carter Denise Midwife 

Corby Christine CEO 

Cotter Margaret Midwife 

Dennis Mark Groundsman 

Dennis-Tighe Phyllis Eyes 

Doolan Felicity Cleaner 

Dowse Phillip AHW 

Dowse Sarah Dental 

Duncan Skye Manager 

Fernando Rosalyn AHW – Healthy for Life 

Fernando Vivienne Cleaner 

French Justin Groundsman 

Gilmore Kylie Manager 

Green Marion Cleaner 

Hammond Maria Child Care 

Hooper Kellie Medical 

Hudson Rita Cleaner 

Humphreys Reginald DCEO 

Hunt Jennifer Eyes 

Jacky Bianca Medical 

Janissen Carol Cleaner 

Kennedy David Ears 

Kennedy Gail Dental 

Kennedy Suzann Medical 

Lane Ricco Trainee Mental HW 

Mason Greg Transport 

Megalokonomos Ann 

Locational Supported Playgroup 

Morgan Simone Locational Supported Playgroup 

Murray Patricia Child Care 

Murray Victor Groundsman 

Naoum Steven Dentist 

O’Neil Neroli Midwife 

Owers Kyla Dental 

Peacock William Transport 

Peters Roslyn Child Care 

Peters David Medical 

Plazina Peter Indigenous Outreach Worker 

Pollard Anne Midwife 



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Prochazka Michael Dentist 

Proust Virginia Midwife 

Reeves Margaret RN - FPHC 

Richardson Jessie Manager 

Rigby Helane AHW 

Rose Kirin Medical 

Rowe Kelly Drug and Alcohol 

Rutene Maryanne Admin 

Rutene Reginald Drug and Alcohol 

Rutterman Karen Administration 

Sands Stella Administration 

Sands Ernest Groundsman 

Shepherd Stephanie Finance 

Shields Katie Medical 

Shlat Mehrangiz Dental 

Simpson Trevor Mental HW 

Stowers Faasipa RN – FCPHC 

Thorne Naomi Dental 

Thorne Rodney Groundsman 

Thurston Donna Mobile 

Thurston Kayla Dental 

Walford Barry Groundsman 

Walford Daniel AHW 

Walford Karnie Midwifery HW 

Walford Marissa Cleaner 

Walford Noel Cleaner 

Weatherall Patricia Administration 

Williams Eliza FHW 

Wood Fay AHW - Collarenebri 

Wooldridge Gary Groundsman for Pilliga 

WAMS Visiting Personnel: 

Cardiologist 

Counsellor 

Dermatologist 

Diabetic Educator 

Obstetrician 

Podiatrist 

Respiratory Physician 

Richard Cranswick 

Jennifer Perino - Lisa Burns – Ross Leonard - Judy Scolari-Gibson 

Ian McCrossin 

Zoe Rose 

Dr Geraghty – Dr Moulder 

Luke Buchtmann – Amy Buchtmann 

Chris Clarke 

Brewarrina 

Bennett Nicole AHW 

Boney Chris Groundsman 

Bristow Jacqueline RN 

Brown Cherie AHW 

Fazaldeen Dorothy Cleaner 

Ferguson Retta AHW- Healthy for Life 

Gibson Fred AHW 

Gordon Julie AHW 

Gordon Kristy Reception 

Hardy Brenda Cleaner 

Mannix Hellen, RN Manager 

Nicholls Deanne AHW 

Skuthorpe Michaela AHW/Smoking Cessation 

Training 

Professional development is offered to staff to update skills, provide training relevant to their duties, 

and to offer networking with their peers. WAMS continue to enrol their staff at the (NSW) Aboriginal 

Health College who has gained qualifications from Certificate Three to Diploma level. Such 

qualifications are a professional growth for the staff member to confirm their theoretical application 

into the practical health provision to clients. 

40 





Community Events/Health Promotion Programs 

WAMS promote their businesses across many mediums, eg the web page – walgettams.com.au, 

‘Messages on Hold’ the external phone message system, local fliers for particular events, and sponsor 

radio 2WEB at Bourke. Various methods of advertising offers a formal and informal information flow 

our clients and the community to access all levels of activity conducted by WAMS. The seasonal 

newsletter, Profile of Services which summarises programs conducted with identified staff positions 

is disseminated to local agencies and relevant visitors. 

Staff are involved in health and community development programs within Walgett and their service 

area, with a primary role in supporting the programs conducted in the local schools. Health promotion 

events were held in recognition of national and state ‘Days’ of importance. Staff conducted activities, 

and they also participated with other agencies that had events held in order to maximise resources. 

WAMS: 


Collarenebri 

Collarenebri 

Open 

Open 

Day 

Day 

NAIDOC 

NAIDOC 

Week 

Week 

celebrations 

celebrations 

Australia’s 

Australia’s 

Biggest 

Biggest 

Morning 

Morning 

Tea 

Tea 

Santa’s 

Santa’s 

Cave 

Cave 

St. 

St. 

Josephs 

Josephs 

Dance-athon 

Dance-athon 

SORRY 

SORRY 

Day 

Day 

Footy 

Footy 

Colours 

Colours 

Women’s 

Women’s 

Health 

Health 

Day 

Day 

at 

at 

Walgett 

Walgett 

Dharriwaa 

Dharriwaa 

Elders 

Elders 

Group 

Group 

Open 

Open 

Day 

Day 

Walgett 

Walgett 

Show 

Show 

ANZAC 

ANZAC 

Day 

Day 

Jeans 

Jeans 

for 

for 

Genes 

Genes 

Women’s 

Women’s 

Men’s 

Men’s 

Pit 

Pit 

Men’s 

Men’s 

Pit 

Pit 

Health 

Health 

Day 

Day 

Stop 

Stop 

at 

at 

Stop 

Stop 

at 

at 

at 

at 

Coonamble 

Coonamble 

Walgett 

Walgett 

Collarenebri 

Collarenebri 

Rugby 

Rugby 

Children’s 

Children’s 

Harmony WAMS 


Day 

League 

League 

Day 

Day 

in 

in 

the 

the 

at Open 

Open 

Walgett Day 

Day 

Knockout 

Knockout 

Park 

Park 



Open 

Open 

Day 

Day 

Walgett 

Walgett 

Court 

Court 

House 

House 

opening 

opening 

NAIDOC 

NAIDOC 

Week 

Week 

HARMONY 

HARMONY 

Day 

Day 

at 

at 

Collarenebri 

Collarenebri 

and 

and 

Walgett 

Walgett 

Christmas 

Christmas 

Raffle 

Raffle 

Remembering 

Walgett 

Walgett 

Show 

Show 

the ‘Freedom 

Ride’ 

International 

International 

Womens 

Womens 

Day 

Day 

Safe 

Safe 

Families 

Families 

Open 

Open 

Day 

Day 

APEX 

APEX 

Park 

Park 

Opening 

Opening 

Remembering 

Remembering 

the 

the 

‘Freedom 

‘Freedom 

Ride’ 

Ride’ 

BAHSL: 

BAHSL 

BAHSL 

BAHSL 

Open 

Open 

Day 

Day 

Assisted 

Assisted 

at 

at 

Bourke 

Bourke 

Pit 

Pit 

Stop 

Stop 

Australia’s 

Australia’s 

Biggest 

Biggest 

Cuppa 

Cuppa 

Assisted 

Assisted 

at 

at 

Bourke, 

Bourke, 

Coonamble 

Coonamble 

and 

and 

Walgett 

Walgett 

Men’s 

Men’s 

Pit 

Pit 

Stop 

Stop 

Men’s 

Men’s 

Pit 

Pit 

Stop 

Stop 

Assisted 

Assisted 

at 

at 

Coonamble 

Coonamble 

Pit 

Pit 

Stop 

Stop 

Assisted 

Assisted 

at 

at 

Walgett 

Walgett 

Pit 

Pit 

Stop 

Stop 

Closing Comments 

I believe that WAMS is a beacon of light in our rural area, and a legacy for Walgett. A quarter of a 

century, a period of growth from childhood to adulthood. A period of time with teething problems, 

understanding the purpose of the business and the commitment to the clients and the communities 

we serve. 

Closing Comments 

I believe that WAMS is a beacon of light in our rural area, and a legacy for Walgett. A quarter of a 

century, a period of growth from childhood to adulthood. A period of time with teething problems, 

understanding the purpose of the business and the commitment to the clients and the communities 

we serve. 

My sincere appreciation to both the Directors and staff, past and present, who have each contributed 

to ensuring that WAMS reached this ‘silver’ milestone. The loyalty of or clients is integral to our 

growth, and I give my heartfelt thanks for their perseverance in good times, and when times were 

tough. WAMS – welcoming, achieving, managing, striving. 

My sincere appreciation to both the Directors and staff, past and present, who have each 

contributed to ensuring that WAMS reached this ‘silver’ milestone. The loyalty of or clients is 

integral to our growth, and I give my heartfelt thanks for their perseverance in good times, and 

when times were tough. WAMS – welcoming, achieving, managing, striving. 

CHRISTINE CORBY, OAM 

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 

CHRISTINE CORBY, OAM 

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 



41



BREWARRINA 

42 



Walgett Brewarrina Aboriginal Medical Health Service Co-Operative Limited Limited 


COMMUNITY NURSE MANAGER REPORT 


Introduction 

WAMS continue the arrangement with OATSIH, AHMRC and the Directors of Brewarrina Aboriginal 

Health Service Limited (BAHSL) to manage the organization until such time it becomes fully functional 

and returns to its independent status. 

Staffing 

Current personnel: 

• Hellen Mannix Manager 

• Michaela Skuthorpe Aboriginal Health Worker and Smoking Cessation 

• Fred Gibson Aboriginal Health Worker Mental Health 

• Retta Ferguson Aboriginal Health Worker Healthy for Life 

• Nichole Bennett Receptionist 

• Kristy Gordon Receptionist part time 

• Carrie Warraweena Cleaner 

• Chris Boney Gardener 

• Cherie Brown Relieve Aboriginal Health Worker Clinic 

: 

Visiting Services 

• Dr’s Clinic - Ochre every Friday - half day 

• Dr Karin Jodlowski-tan Tan every Thursday 

• Diabetic Clinic every Friday – ceased 15 April 

• Drug & Alcohol Fortnightly 

• Women’s every Thursday 

• Childs Health Clinic Fortnightly 

• SEWB Weekly - Upper Sector Bila Muuji 

• Smoking Cessation Weekly - Upper Sector Bila Muuji 

• Podiatry Monthly - two days 

• Respiratory Bi Monthly 

• Ultra Sound Clinic Fortnightly 

Healthy for Life program Dietician and Physio/exercise program – Services offered every Monday 

fortnight. 

Health Promotion 

• Flu and Pnuemovax Immunisations for the community of Brewarrina, ongoing. 

• Breakfast program Brewarrina Central School, supply of fruit weekly 

• Jeans for Genes Day August 

• Biggest Morning Tea 25 May 

• BAHSL Open Day 8 June 

• Coonamble Men’s Pit Stop 14,15,16 June 

• Reconciliation Day March and School activities 28 June 

Staff Development 

Michaela Skuthorpe AHW Clinic and Smoking Cessation 

Commencement of Cert IV Aboriginal Primary Health. 

Child and Family Wellbeing 

4 December 

René Bittouns Smoking Cessation Training 

2, 3, and 4 May 

A.Trac Symposium 

21, 22, 23 June 

Julie Gordon AHW Clinic 

Commencement of Cert IV Aboriginal Primary Health 

Fred Gibson AHW Mental Health 

Diploma of Community Services (Alcohol and other Drugs) 


4 December 

Retta Ferguson AHW Healthy for Life 

Commencement of Cert IV Aboriginal Primary Health 




4 December 

43

Brewarrina Walgett Aboriginal Medical Health Service Co-Operative Limited Limited 


Hellen Mannix Manager/Community Nurse 

Immunisation Update 

November 

Nicole Bennett Receptionist 

Nil 

Kristy Gordon Receptionist (part time) 

Nil 

Services Offered 

• Triage, assess and refer clients to appropriate health providers 

• Wound care 

• Clinical services as they present 

• Home visits as required 

• Follow up of referred clients 

• Medications 

• Local Medical Transport 

• Liaise and arrange transport with appropriate services 

• Liaise and arrange appointments 

• Co-ordinate; liaise with health providers involved with high risk /long term clients 

• Attend meetings 

• General duties 

• Visiting Health Clinics 

Meetings 

• Management Meetings at WAMS 

• Murdi Paaki Drug & Alcohol 

• Community Working Party 

• Bila Muuji Aboriginal Health Service Incorporated – regional meetings 

• Interagency Health Meetings 

Conclusion 

BAHSL continue to work in conjunction with the Brewarrina local Dr, and LWAHS to provide health 

services for the Brewarrina community. I would like to thank the staff at BAHSL, the WAMS CEO, and 

the WAMS Directors and staff for the support offered in my position. I look forward to the challenges 

and diversity of the following financial year. 

HELLEN MANNIX 

COMMUNITY NURSE/MANAGER 

44 





CLINIC & DOCTORS 



45



CLINIC RECEPTION 


Introduction 

Three casual staff members were recruited to the team over a period of time, two moved on with one 

staying on as causal. A team effort is required by staff that work in Reception, the duties required of 

this position are many and varied. Whilst acknowledging the importance of mateship and cohesive 

teamwork Reception staff also recognise dilemmas when they arise and endeavour to problem solve 

or remedy a situation as it occurs. If issues are unable to be resolved on the spot staff follow the 

normal chain of command using WAMS organisational chart. 

When new Locum GP’s come to work we as Reception staff have learnt that each GP practices and 

works differently to each other, it can become a balancing act trying to organise patients to see the 

GP’s as one GP may consult quicker than the other. In hindsight, it is also good to learn different 

and new strategies and procedures that can be implemented to WAMS as part of ongoing quality 

practices. 

Meetings 

• Attend monthly Staff meetings 

• Monthly Clinic meetings 

• Attend Reception meetings 

• Attend in-house in-services as required 


• Supervision Sessions held with Clinic Manager 

• One Reception staff and Medical Records staff member completed studying Certificate Three 

Aboriginal Health through the College of AHMRC 

• One Receptionist staff completed Bachelor of Business Certificate Three with a Medical 

Component through OTEN training 

• One Receptionist staff completed FERRET training in Dubbo 

General Duties 

• Data entry onto the Medical Director and Ferret system 

• Adding and scanning data 

• Scanning, filing and entering reports, results into Ferret for GP’s 

• Making up new client files 

• Keeping the filing room in good order 

• Complying with confidentiality codes 

• Up-keeping of numerical profile for Medical records 

• Stationary cupboard up-keep 

• Assist with making Specialist appointments 

• Ensuring correct paperwork i.e.: referrals/ pathology and other results are available for 

Specialist Clinics 

• Utilise the Reception communication book on a daily basis 

• Liaise with all health professionals internally and externally 

• Ensure admin paperwork is available in all GP consulting rooms 

• Submit Medicare vouchers on line at the close of business each day 

• keep a record of all claims that are sent 

• Liaise with Medicare Australia 

Conclusion 

We continue to work at the forefront as the patients first point of contact and make every effort to 

ensure all patients health care needs are met according to their health requirements. 

In our role of Receptionists we are competent and work within our guidelines as set out in WAMS 

Policies and Procedures. 

SUZANN KENNEDY 

BIANCA JACKY 

KELLIE HOOPER 

46 

SENIOR RECEPTIONIST 

RECEPTIONIST 

RECEPTIONIST 





SENIOR ABORIGINAL HEALTH WORKER 


Introduction 

My role sees me mentoring new staff to the Clinic, face to face contact with patients, coordinate 

and arranging patient transport and work with a multidisciplinary team that provides a broad 

range of health care to the general community. 

I assumed the role of Acting Clinic Manager during the absence of Jessie Richardson 

at various times. During this time, I supported the Management team and staff while 

occupying this position. 

Over the last two reporting periods I have also been the on site Acting Manager of the Chronic 

Disease Team including the Healthy for Life Program and the Family Centred Primary Health 

Care Team. 

Meetings 

• Attend monthly staff meetings 

• Monthly clinic meetings 

• Monthly Supervision Sessions with Clinic Manager 

• Management meetings 

• Men’s Pit Stop meetings 

Community Programs 

• Brewarrina Men’s Pit Stop 

– Attended the Men’s Pit Stop organising meetings 

– Assisted with setting up for the program and then packing up after the event 

– Ordered stores as needed for the program 

– Performed Cholesterol checks 

– Blood glucose levels 

• Bourke Men’s Pit Stop 






• Coonamble Men’s Pit Stop 






• Assisting with WAMS Open Day 

– Assisted with setting up for the day 

– Cooked a healthy BBQ for the public 


• Assist with local events WAMS are actively involved with 

• Assist with co-ordinating the Walgett Show 



47




• Assist in the Clinic when required 

• Dispensing Medications as per WAMS Locum GP’s Script 

• Venipuncture 

• Triage patients 

• Tend to patients Dressings 

• Set up and assist with GP procedures 

• Make appointments for patients to see Specialists 

• Order, rotating and disposal of Pharmaceuticals 

• Order Immunisations and refrigerate same 

• Co-ordinator for maintaining regular calibrations and checks of the DCA2000 

• Order stores for Clinic 

• Transport patients when required 

• Enter data into FERRET and WINIFRED 

• Collate the scripts into monthly batches 

• Overseeing the management and maintenance of the fleet of vehicles 


• Completed Diploma in Aboriginal Health Work with AHMRC (Aboriginal Health & 

Medical Research Council) 

Conclusion 

I look forward to continuing to provide the Walgett and surrounding communities with 

professional health care to improve the outcomes and wellbeing of Aboriginal People. 

PHILLIP DOWSE 

SENIOR ABORIGINAL HEALTH WORKER 

48 





GP LOCUMS 


Introduction 

The General Practitioners (GP’s) work as an interactive part of our team and are supportive 

and proactive during health promotional events. They are also instrumental delivering 

primary health care services to our community and work well within the framework of a 

dynamic multidisciplinary team. 

WAMS have been unable to recruit a permanent Doctor. However, the organisation continues 

to provide a service to our community by securing Locum (GP) services. 

Over the past twelve months the following Doctors worked at our service; 

– Judith Andrews 

– John Boully 

– Vivienne Cebola 

– Monique Taylor 

– Uday Kulhalli 

During the year, WAMS have the good fortune by having husband and wife team Doctors 

Karin and Martin Jodlowski-Tan work with our organisation in a rostered arrangement 

between themselves. When they are not working at WAMS, recruitment agencies attempt 

to engage locum GPs ensuring a service is provided for our clients. 

Conclusion 

As Walgett is geographically isolated the ongoing struggle to attractive a GP to our community 

is ongoing. WAMS continue to advertise for a full time GP. 

JESSIE RICHARDSON, RN 

CLINIC MANAGER 



49



COLLARENEBRI 

50 





COLLARENEBRI ABORIGINAL HEALTH WORKER 


Introduction 

The Collarenebri Aboriginal Health Worker (CAHW) position has been recruited to twice 

during the last financial year. 

One applicant was very proactive and thoroughly enjoyed their role but did not complete the 

three month probationary period. 

WAMS have successfully recruited a Gamilaraay women who to this position who has spent 

the majority of her life living in Collarenebri. She is currently on a three month probationary 

period but reports that she is motivated and committed to this role. 

Community Programs and Health Promotion 

During the period when no CAHW was employed, other WAMS personnel provide a support 

role to the community when available and ensure that referrals to other health care providers 

occur in order for clients to access the services. 

Conclusion 

The importance of having a good reliable and competent AHW in this position ensures the 

community of Collarenebri receives health related services on a needs analysis basis. It 

also helps strengthen ties and builds a rapport at a local level between mainstream health 

services and AMS’s. 

JESSIE RICHARDSON 




51



DENTAL 

52 





ORAL HEALTH PROGRAM 


Objectives 

• To provide Oral Health services to the Aboriginal community serviced by WAMS 

• Reduce the incidence of dental diseases experienced by the Aboriginal population 

serviced by WAMS 

• To provide data related to dental service provision and utilisation, including demographic 

and epidemiological data. 

• Contribute to the improved general health of the Aboriginal population by improving 

oral health care. 

Activities 

WAMS has continued to provide oral health services to the people of Walgett and surrounding 

areas. As the only dental clinic in town, it provides dental care to Aboriginal and non- 

Aboriginal people. 

During this financial year, WAMS engaged eight Dentists: 

Dr David Wearn 1 -9 July (1.5 weeks) 

Dr Thien-Nhien Nguyen 19 - 30 July (2 weeks) 

Dr Thien-Nhien Nguyen 13 -24 September (2 weeks) 

Dr Rick Smyth 4 - 30 October (4 weeks) 

Dr Lea Foster 1 -12 November (2 weeks) 

Dr Bill Diebert 15 - 26 November (2 weeks) 

Dr Lea Foster 29 November - 9 December (2 weeks) 

Dr Steve Naoum 13 -17 December (1 week) 

Dr Michael Prochazka 7 - 25 February (3 weeks) 

Dr Lea Foster 28 Feb - 11 March (2 weeks) 

Dr Thien-Nhien Nguyen 14 - 25 March (2 weeks) 

Dr Lea Foster 28 March - 8 April (2 weeks) 

Dr Michael Prochazka 2 - 6 May (1 week) 

Dr Lea Foster 9 - 20 May (2 weeks) 

Dr Chris Bourke 23 -27 May (1 week) 

And Dental Therapists: 

Ms Mehrangiz Shlat 19 - 30 July (2 weeks) 

Ms Debbie McGibbon 29 November - 9 December (2 weeks) 

Ms Robyn Hicks 14-18 Mar, 16-20 May, 6-10 June (Total 3 weeks) 

WAMS also engaged the services of a Dental Prosthesist, Mr Peter Muller from Dubbo, in 

March 2011. Mr Muller visited WAMS for two days per month, and provided much needed 

denture care to the people of Walgett. 

There was a Dentist at WAMS for a total of twenty nine and a half (29.5) weeks in this year. 

Apart from Drs Nguyen, Foster and Bourke, all the dentists have worked previously with 

WAMS. 

We are very grateful to these Dentists for their commitment to our dental program and their 

enthusiasm for the organisation and the community. 

There were seven weeks of dental therapy services for school children. Dental Therapists 

Ms Shlat and McGibbon worked for WAMS on secondment from the previous South Eastern 

Sydney Illawarra Health Service and Western Sydney Area Health Service respectively. Ms 



53



Hicks worked at WAMS through a partnership arrangement with the Western NSW Local 

Health District. 

We are most grateful to Ms Jenni Floyd, Area Program Manager for Oral Health, Western 

NSW Local Health District, and to the staff at the Dubbo Community Dental Clinic, who 

continue to support WAMS through funding and staff support, at a time when they are 

experiencing extremely low dental staffing levels. This is a demonstration of our successful 

and ongoing partnership with the Western NSW Local Health District. 

Recruitment of Dentists is a national problem, though WAMS is developing a group of 

interested Dentists who are willing to commit to regular visits to Walgett. WAMS also utilises 

other avenues of recruitment support such as linking in to professional networks and liaising 

with the Australian Dental Association to inform Dentists of the opportunities available at our 

service. In fact the NSW Branch of the Australian Dental Association has an information 

brochure about WAMS and its dental services, on the main members’ page of its website, 

which has raised further interest among dentists willing to work at WAMS. 

Performance Measures 

The Dental program collects and analyses data using OASIS dental software, and 

demographic data using Ferret. The following services and visits were recorded: 

EXAMINATIONS 753 DENTURES 139 

RADIOGRAPHS 511 TOOTH EXTRACTIONS 439 

RESTORATIONS 740 SURGICAL EXTRACTIONS 15 

ENDODONTIC TREATMENTS 59 MEDICATIONS PRESCRIBED 0 

PREVENTIVE 364 PERIODONTAL TREATMENTS 150 

Note: the number of Medications Prescribed is “0”, as Dentists utilise the services of WAMS 

Dispensary. 

Dentists endeavour to practise preventive care and try to restore teeth rather than extracting 

them. However, the history of dental care seeking behaviour is weighted heavily towards 

relief of pain and associated tooth extraction/s. 

We can now see that as we move closer to achieving a model of improved dental care by our 

regular locum Dentists, a level of trust will be built between Dentist and patients, and people 

are accepting more preventive and restorative dental care. 

Patient Classification 

ABORIGINAL NON-ABORIGINAL TOTALS 

Female 303 159 462 

Male 218 195 413 

TOTAL 521 354 875 

Dental Equipment and Software 

WAMS received funds from the Centre for Oral Health Strategy for a new dental x-ray 

machine which was installed in Surgery 1. WAMS also received two digital x-ray sensors 

which will be installed once WAMS converts to the use of electronic patient files. 

WAMS purchased OASIS dental software to replace Dentrix. Mr Sean Perera, who works 

as an installation consultant with OASIS, developed a reporting module within OASIS which 

enables WAMS to produce data reports related to dental care. 

54 





School Tooth Brushing Program 

The school based tooth brushing program continues to run at the Walgett Community 

College Primary School, and St Josephs primary school has also set up a similar program, 

in cooperation with WAMS staff. In Collarenebri WAMS dental staff worked with the Bila 

Muuji Oral Health Promotion Coordinator and school staff, to establish the brushing program 

in the school. The school tooth brushing program is enthusiastically supported by the staff 

of the schools. 

Dental clinical staff including the visiting Dental Therapist visits the schools regularly to 

monitor the program and provide ongoing support. We are grateful to the Centre for Oral 

Health Strategy and the Western NSW Local Health District for their continuing support for 

the program. 

Further Oral Health Promotion Activities 

WAMS dental staff set up a dental stand at the WAMS Open Day, NRL Aboriginal All Stars visit, 

NAIDOC week, and WAMS 25-year celebration events where they provided advice on oral 

hygiene and diet, and distributed oral hygiene packs. Dental staff has also provided dental 

education sessions to Elders and Young Mothers groups in Walgett and Collarenebri. 

WAMS and Bila Muuji 

WAMS dental staff works closely with Mr Suman Kavooru the Bila Muuji Regional Oral 

Health Promotion Coordinator appointed to this position in January 2011. The team is further 

strengthening the existing oral health promotion activities, and the dental staff is expanding 

their knowledge and skills in the area of oral health promotion. 

WAMS continues to work with the other Bila Muuji member organisations to participate in 

the Oral Health Promotion Partnership with the Western NSW Local Health District, and the 

Memorandum of Understanding with Charles Sturt University. 

As part of the Memorandum with Charles Sturt University, a second Bila Muuji Oral Health 

Scholarship was awarded to a student in the second year (Mr Josh Wyper) of the Bachelor 

of Oral Health program, which encourages the student to learn about and work in Aboriginal 

communities in western New South Wales. 

Staff, Training and Support 

In August 2010, staff from the Dental Assistants Association presented a 2-day in-service 

training workshop on infection control and occupational health and safety in the dental 

workplace. 

Also in August Ms Wendy Ashby, Dental Team Leader, attended the Centre for Oral Health 

Strategy’s two-day Aboriginal Oral Health Workshop held in Sydney. 

Consultation and Co-Operation 

The WAMS Dental Consultant continues to support the program in offering best practice 

dental care to the community serviced by WAMS. The Consultant works actively to recruit 

and support Dentists, support local staff, and ensure adherence to adequate practice 

management and reporting procedures. The Directors and staff are extremely grateful for 

the support the Consultant has provided to promote and recruit resources for the Dental 

Clinic. 

The Western NSW Local Health District provides ongoing technical support and advice for 

WAMS staff, and there are good referral procedures between WAMS and the Western NSW 

Local Health District dental clinics, for oral surgery and orthodontic cases. 

WAMS also has a good communication and referral network with private Dentists in 

Dubbo. 



55



Conclusion 

Despite the continuing difficulties in recruiting dental staff, WAMS manages to provide dental 

care to Walgett and nearby communities, with an increasing emphasis on preventative dental 

care, and adherence to best practice clinical management. 

SANDRA MEIHUBERS 

DENTAL CONSULTANT 

56 





DRUG & ALCOHOL 



57



DRUG AND ALCOHOL PROGRAM 


Introduction 

In the last twelve months it has seen the provision of established Drug and Alcohol 

developments in most of the Node sites that are under the WAMS network. There has been 

a consistent trend throughout the year with regards to referrals received from most sections 

of the community. These referral sources include: Hospitals, Courts, Probation and Parole, 

Life without Barriers, YETTA Correctional Centre, Police, Mission Australia, Reconnect and 

family, which indicates that the WAMS service is been utilised. 

Drug and Alcohol Clinics are being held at Brewarrina and Collarenebri on a fortnightly basis. 

Interagency networking is starting to forge together with meetings with the Lightning Ridge 

Mental Health Team and WAMS Drug and Alcohol and Mental Health Teams. The Drug and 

Alcohol Worker, Murdi Paaki Outreach Worker and I have attended training that has been 

of benefit to the organisation. 

Meetings/Conferences 

July to September 2010 

Reg Rutene 

• Attend monthly staff meetings via Teleconference 

• Program weekly meetings 

• InterPART 

• CDAT meeting 

• MHPN workshop 

• Smart Recovery 

• In service training 

• Mission Australia 

• Murdi Paaki Management Committee meeting 

• Collarenebri Hospital 

• Goodooga Community Meeting 

• Magistrate Bentley 

• Police Youth Liaisons Officer 

• Collarenebri School 

• NAIDOC Celebrations 

• QMS meeting at WAMS 

• Goodooga Hospital 

• Ministers Visit 

• “Spirit of the Darling” Bourke 

• Circle sentencing 

• Liquor Accord 

Kelly Rowe 



• InterPART 

• CDAT meeting 

• MHPN workshop 

• Smart Recovery 






• NAIDOC Celebrations 


• Circle sentencing 

• Outreach at Goodooga 


58 




October to December 2010 

Reg Rutene 



• InterPART 


• Men’s Pit Stop meeting at WAMS 


• Brighter Futures 

• AOD managers Conference 

• Youth Sub Committee at Walgett Community Centre 



• QMS meeting 

• MPDAN Meeting at Wellington 

Kelly Rowe 




• Youth Sub Committee at Walgett Community Centre 




• MPDAN Meeting at Wellington 

January to March 2011 

Reg Rutene 

• Attend Staff meetings 

• InterPART MERI workshop Euragai Goondi 


• Reflective Supervision 

• Brighter Futures 


• Probation and Parole 

• Orana Haven 

• Walgett Police 

• Video conference with HUB 

• Meeting with Mental Health Team and Lesley Roxbee 

• Collarenebri central School 

Kelly Rowe 

• Attend staff Meetings 





• Interpart MERI Workshop 

April to June 2011 

Reg Rutene 

• Attend MPDAN staff meeting at Dubbo Zoo 


• Fortnightly meetings with AOD team 

• CDAT conference NSWU Sydney 




59




• Red Dust Healing at Walgett Community Centre 

• Maggie Dent at Walgett Sporting Club 


• Lighting Ridge Mental Heath Team. 

Kelly Rowe 

• Program weekly meeting 

• D&A casework / assessment 

• Smoking Cessation at Dubbo - three day course 

• Core of Life Training at Walgett 

• Rod McQueen at Walgett 

• Smoke Check 

Community Programs & Health Promotion 

April – June 2011 

Reg Rutene 

• Namoi Men’s AOD Group 

• Brewarrina Open Day 

• Collarenebri Drug Action Week 

• Walgett Drug Action Week 

• Walgett Hospital Detox client assessments and referrals 

• D&A counselling 

• D&A Groups 

• Brief Intervention workshop 

• Smart Group Community Centre 

• Men’s Pit Stop at Coonamble 

Kelly Rowe 


• Walgett Drug Action Week at Walgett Community Centre 

• Smoking Cessation 

• Smart Group Community Centre 

• Better Choices Group at WAMS 


January - March 2011 

Reg Rutene 


• Women’s Refuge 


• D&A Groups 

• Street Health Promotion 



• SMART Recovery 

• WAMS 25 year Celebrations 

Kelly Rowe 


• Street Health Promotions 


• SMART Recovery Group Community Centre 


• WAMS 25 years celebrations 

60 






October to December 2010 

Reg Rutene 



• Walgett Hospital 


• D&A Groups at Brewarrina 


• AOD Workshop 

• Motivational Interviewing Workshop 

• In-service presentation 

• Smart Group at Walgett Community Centre 

Kelly Rowe 



• In-service presentation 

• Smart Group at Walgett Community Centre 



July – September 2010 

Reg Rutene 

• Men’s Refuge 


• Walgett Hospital 




• Walgett Rugby League knockout 

• CDAT 

Kelly Rowe 



• Lightning Ridge School 


• CDAT 


Reg Rutene 

• In-service 

• Smart Recovery Training 24 August 

• AOD Workshop 11 October 

• Motivational Interviewing Workshop 13 October 

• Cultural Training 8 November 

• Aboriginal Mental Health First Aid 22-23 November 

• Drug and Alcohol Managers Network Conference 25-26 November 

• Reflective Practice Workshop 9 February 

• MERI Workshop WAMS 

• Community Re-enforcement and Family Therapy at Orange 2- 3 May 

• ECAV Training 11 - 12 May 

• Brief Intervention workshop 16 May 

• Red Dust Healing at Walgett Community Centre 19 May 

• MPDAN staff Meeting at Dubbo 26 - 27 May 



61



Kelly Rowe 

• In-service 

• Hep C Training 26 July 

• Smart Training 24 August 

• Smoking Cessation 1 September 

• AOD Workshop 11 October 

• Motivational Interviewing Workshop 13 October 

• Smoking Cessation Training 19 – 22 October 

• Cultural Training 8 November 

• Smoking Cessation at Dubbo - three day course 2 – 4 May 

• Core of Life Training Walgett 5 – 6 May 

• ADAN Symposium Port Macquarie 11 -12 May 

• Rod McQueen at Walgett 16 May 

• Smoke Check 21 June 

• ATAC Symposium at Sydney 22 – 23 June 

• MPDAN Staff Meeting 26 – 27 June 

Staff Leave 

Reg Rutene 

• Leave 30 September - 1 October 

• Leave 13 December - 4 January 

• Leave 28 February - 16 March 

• Sick Leave 10 June 

• Personal Leave 1 July 

Kelly Rowe 

• Personal Leave 22 July 

• Sick Leave 16 July, 3 August 

• Sick Leave 16 - 19 August 

• Sick Leave 30 August 

• Leave 27 - 30 September 

• Leave 27 – 29 May 

• Leave 30 June 

Conclusion 

The year has been a valuable experience, working and supporting clients and various 

organisations in regards to the alcohol and drug sector. We have established a good 

foundation to continue to work from with a number of the community stakeholders. There is 

so much to accomplish, before we really can say, that we are making a difference. 

Young Aboriginal men and women who show potential to be leaders in their community 

need to be nurtured with education and mentorship to help change the sub-culture of drug 

and alcohol mis-use in the Walgett Region. However, we need to look at the positives and 

the small steps that have already been taken. WAMS is a beacon of hope for many in the 

Walgett community - twenty five years of service is the proof of that. 

REG RUTENE 

MURDI PAAKI DRUG AND ALCOHOL COORDINATOR 

62 





EAR HEALTH 



63



HEARING HEALTH WORKER 


Introduction 

Over the past year the Hearing Health Worker has worked toward achieving an accreditation 

in Cert IV for Aboriginal Health and Hearing training from the Royal Deaf and Blind Society. 

The Hearing program is a vital part of Aboriginal Health as many Aboriginal Children suffer 

with Otitis Media and other ear infection. 

The Hearing Health Worker has worked continuously to provide health care across the 

community, assisting GP’s and visiting specialists. I have worked with the program team to 

deliver health promotion for various promotional events. Participating in these events has 

enhanced opportunity for the community to engage in hearing health services. I have also 

assisting in clinical procedures, dispensary and transport when required. 

Two significant events for this reporting period were the 25 year Anniversary for WAMS and 

the Freedom Ride visitors. These two events depict the advancement but most importantly 

the struggles for Aboriginal people and their survival. 


• Monthly Staff Meetings 

• Monthly Program Meetings 

• Hearing Conference 

• Men’s Business 


• 25 year Anniversary 

• Parenting Program 

• Harmony Day 

• Visit from Freedom Ride 

• Minister Humphries 

• Pink Ribbon Day 

• Movember – For the month of November 

• School Presentation Day 

• School Sport Events 

• Ricky Walford Shield 

• Genes for Jeans Day 

• Mungindi Country League Carnival 

• Children’s Day in the Park 

• St Josephs Primary School Dance-a-thon 

• WAMS 25 Year Anniversary 

• Men’s Pit Stop 

General Duties at WAMS 

• Liaise with Program Team on a regular basis 

• Assist in the clinic when required 

• Transportation within Walgett for WAMS clients 

• Work with other Program Team Members to ensure WAMS clients have access to 

appropriate services 

• Work in GP Clinic 

• Work in Dental Clinic 

• Work with FCPHC Team 

• Assist Clients were needed eg medical appointment, social transport 

• Strengthening business and community contacts/links through WAMS. 

• Assisting Program members in promotion of programs 

64 





• Flier distribution for WAMS upcoming events 

• Review of Smoking Cessation Information at WAMS 

• Transporting clients 

• Support fellow co-workers 

• Assemble WAMS Aboriginal Cultural Awareness ‘snake’ puzzle 

• Work in dispensary. 


• AH&MRC Certificate Four 

• Ear Health Work Shop 

• D&A Training 

• Cultural Awareness Training 

• Core of Life Training 

• Shake a leg Training 

Staff Leave 

Annual Leave 



1 to13 January 

31 January to 1 February 

14 February 

Conclusion 

I am looking forward to developing my skills in Hearing Health over the next year and assisting 

the community by conducting hearing test locally with support from the Royal Deaf and Blind 

Society and helping Aboriginal people access hearing services in a culturally sensitive way. 

DAVID KENNEDY 

HEARING HEALTH WORKER 



65



EYE HEALTH 

66 





EYE HEALTH PROGRAM 


Introduction 

This year has been extremely exciting for the Eye Health Team. In July 2010, Mrs. Phyllis Tighe 

(Eye Health Coordinator) won the Director General Award at the NSW Aboriginal Health Awards. 

In March the Program took ownership of a OCT Machine and a Visual Field Machine. This equipment 

will assist in improving outcomes for clients with visual problems. 

In April the Team joined with other Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service Cooperative Limited staff past 

and present to celebrate twenty five years of service to Walgett and surrounding communities. 

The following communities were received Eye Health Services: 

• Armidale 

• Ashford 

• Boggabilla 

• Brewarrina 

• Collarenebri 

• Coonamble 

• Glen Innes 

• Goodooga 

• Gunnedah 

• Inverell 

• Lightning Ridge 

• Moree 

• Mungindi 

• Narrabri 

• Pilliga 

• Quirindi 

• Tamworth 

• Tenterfield 

• Tingha 

• Toomelah 

• Walgett 

• Walhallow 

• Weilmoringle 

• Wee Waa 


Jenny Hunt and Phyllis Tighe 

• Program Meeting 

• Staff Meeting 

• Weekly Team Meetings 

• Staff In-services 



• WAMS 25 Year Celebrations 


Phyllis Tighe 

• ICEE Training 

Jenny Hunt 

• Certificate Three in Aboriginal Health at the Aboriginal Health College 

• ICEE Training 

Partnerships 

The Eye Health Coordinator continues to liaise and work with the following organisations: 

• International Centre for Eye Care Education 

• Prince of Wales Hospital-Eye Health Team 



67



• AHMRC 

• Royal Institute Deaf and Blind 

Formal Partnerships continue with Vision Care and Precision Optics. 


• Make appointments for patients to see the Optometrist. 

• Arrange Referral appointments from Optometrist to Ophthalmologist. 

• Ensure follow up care is maintained. 

• Order glasses, deliver, and fit, as required. 

• Do minor repairs to glasses when required. 

• Administration duties 

• Arrange transport for clients 

• Initiate a recall system for diabetic clients 

• General clinic duties as required 

• Ensure statistics and reports are kept up to date 

Staff Leave 


• Annual Leave 24 December to 10 January 

Conclusion 

This year has been extremely exciting with WAMS celebrating twenty five years of service to the 

community. We look forward to the upcoming new Financial Year. 

PHYLLIS TIGHE 

EYE HEALTH COORDINATOR 

JENNY HUNT 

EYE HEALTH ASSISTANT 

68 





FAMILY CENTRED 

PRIMARY HEALTH CARE 



69



FAMILY CENTRED PRIMARY HEALTH CARE 


Introduction 

This report relates to the annual activity of the Family Centred Primary Health Care (FCPHC) 

program. Registered Nurse and Team Leader Margaret Reeves concluded her contract at the end of 

July 2010. There was no permanent Aboriginal Health Workers (AHW) throughout this year. 

To maintain service delivery during the period of July 2010 through to April 201, the primary focus 

was to keep FCPHC clinics functioning. To enable this to occur the WAMS Health Service Coordinator 

and Registered Nurse Skye Duncan has been attending clinics along with WAMS Program 

and Clinic staff from WAMS who were utilised within FCPHC. 

WAMS employed Faasipa Stowers who commenced on 30 March 2011 as Registered Nurse (RN) 

and Team Leader for FCPHC Program. 

Goodooga 

WAMS were successful in recruiting Dr Meg Higgins and Dr Mark Young to conduct alternating 

fortnightly clinics in Goodooga, Quantitative and qualitative evidence would suggest that the 

community has responded very well to Goodooga clinics and are supportive of FCPHC. This service 

has been able to be maintained throughout the year. 

Pilliga 

Maintaining service delivery for the community of Pilliga has been inconsistent throughout the year 

due to seasonal change, inaccessible roads and at times there has been no General Practitioner 

(G.P) being available from WAMS. Nurse-led clinics were established to enable FCPHC to be able 

to maintain service delivery with the RN referring to G.P’s for episodes of escalating and collaborative 

care outside the scope of nursing. 

Namoi and Gingie 

Data from Namoi and Gingie would suggest that FCPHC has re-established their rapport with the 

community. 

Specialist Clinics 

Visiting Respiratory and Dermatologist specialist’s clinics continue as normal there have been no 

deviation to service provision. The following is an overview of our time over the past year. 


• Home Visits in the community of Walgett with primary focus on Gingie and Naomi. Referrals 

are sourced from Walgett Hospital, WAMS Internal referrals, RaRMS, client self referrals. 

• Health assessments 

• Client consultations. 

• Acute and Chronic wound management such as burns, staph infections, and chronic ulcers. 

• Coordinating visiting Respiratory and Dermatologist Specialists and General Practitioners 

Clinics. 

• Coordinating fortnightly Outreach Clinics in Goodooga and Pilliga 

• Liaising with other health providers at state and federal level. Liaising with WNSWLHN in 

the areas of Walgett, Lightning Ridge and Goodooga. Liaising with HNELHD in the area of 

Pilliga. 

• Liaising with medical practitioners at WAMS or RaRMS in partnership with clients when 

presented with episodes of acute on chronic exacerbations. Working in partnership with clients 

and advocating for clients to be able to access GP services for medical assessment to ensure 

early detection and management plan of medical problems, medication management. 

• Patient education on a variety of chronic disease topics, specific to the client and/or family, 

medication management and purpose, GP consultations outside the scope of nursing and 

rationale for this. 

• Medicare for services provided by FCPHC. 

• Pathology services 

• Assisting in WAMS clinic as required and for nursing tasks outside the scope of the enrolled 

nurse working in WAMS clinic fulltime. 

• Referrals to Allied Health professionals. 

• Internal referrals to other WAMS services. 


70 





• Attended the Walgett Show to promote FCPHC services and conduct basic health checks. 


• Attended National Prescribing Service in-service on Opioid therapy in chronic pain two(2) 

hours. 

• Attended three (3) days ECAV Training Child Protection in Walgett. 

• Attended 3rd CRIAH research forum two (2) days in Sydney. 

Meetings 

Goodooga 

• Attended shared service meetings with the Lightning Ridge Medical Centre 

• Attended shared service meetings with Community Service staff in Lightning Ridge. 

Pilliga 

• Attended meeting with Diabetic Nurse Educator (HNELHD). 

Walgett 

• Attended meeting with Walgett Health Service Manager and Nurse Manager. 

• Monthly staff meetings 

• Fortnightly team meetings 

Community Programs 

Goodooga 

• Family Fair Day 

Walgett 

• WAMS 25th Celebrations 

• Gingie Community centre opening 

Conclusion 

WAMS is currently advertising for Aboriginal Health Workers (one female and one male) specifically 

for FCPHC. FCPHC hopes to have a full complement of staff in the next quarter, to enable 

the program to provide a comprehensive health service delivery to outreach communities. 

FCPHC team look forward to the on-going partnership with the community of Goodooga. Through 

the continuation of conducting clinics with Dr’s Meg Higgins and Mark Young who have already 

established and are maintaining their rapport with the community. Anecdotal evidence suggests 

that the community are looking forward to FCPHC programme re-establishing in-services to school 

students at Goodooga Central School. 

It appears FCPHC have re-established a rapport with the community of Pilliga with the hope of 

having GP continuity for outreach clinics. We look forward to working alongside other services within 

WAMS and in partnership with the community of Pilliga to establish health promotion activities and 

participate in community programs in the near future. FCPHC hopes to have a second computer 

working in Pilliga in the near future, to assist in timely analysis and to be able to access 

client data. 

FCPHC looks forward to being able to build on the rapport established this quarter and continue 

to work in partnership with the community of Namoi and Gingie adjusting service provision to meet 

the needs of the community (where possible). 

The identified challenge of working in collaboration to ensure that accurate and relevant information 

is sourced from various services involved in client care, can only occur with on-going effective and 

accountable communication practices thus enhancing not only the client and/or family health journey 

but ultimately health outcomes. 

FCPHC continues to look forward to working in partnership with various services, with the client and 

their family at the centre of care provision and participating in service delivery. 

FAASIPA STOWERS. RN 

TEAM LEADER 



71



FAMILY HEALTH 

72 





FAMILY HEALTH WORKER 


Introduction 

Eliza Kennedy commenced work as the Aboriginal Family Health Worker on 1 November 

2010. Unfortunately Ms. Williams resigned from her position in January 2011 due to family 

reasons. Services continued to be provided by other WAMS staff through a variety of 

Programs. 


• Attending WAMS monthly staff meetings. 

• Attended Program meetings as required. 

• Family Health Network Meeting 16 to19 November 


• Presenting data reflecting work achieved on a quarterly basis 

• Support Women and Children who are victims of Domestic Violence 

• Network with other local service providers 

Community Programs & Health Promotions 

• Barwon Cottage Girls Group weekly meetings 

• White Ribbon Day 22 November 

• DEG LIP Women’s Workshop 2 November, 30 November 

• Women’s Group 7 December 


• Attending weekly Friday staff in-services 

• Cultural Awareness Training 8 November 

• Sexual Assault Training 10 to 11 November 

• First Aid Training 22 to 23 November 

• Domestic Violence Training 1to 3 December 

Conclusion 

The Family Health Worker Position remains vacant as of the time of this report. WAMS staff 

through individual programs continues to provide education to the community and individual 

service to clients as required. 

KYLIE GILMORE 

PRACTICE MANAGER - PROGRAMS 



73



GOONIMOO 

74 





GOONIMOO 


Introduction 

The team at Goonimoo has worked closely with WAMS and the community this year 

on improving the service for all children to have access to High Quality Early Childhood 

Education. 

We are delivering weekly and fortnightly sessions to eleven venues including: 

• Goodooga 

• Coonamble 

• Pilliga 

• Collarenebri 

• Lightning Ridge 

• Mercadool (three isolated properties) 

• Birraleegal 

• Gingie 

• Glenrow 

Staff also support children from Gingie and St .Joseph’s Public School on a weekly basis 

with Homework Centre. We offer transport to families who otherwise would not be able to 

attend these services. Even though this has been a slow process; Goonimoo’s numbers 

have increased significantly from one hundred and sixty nine (169) children to three hundred 

and seven children (307) children attending. Goonimoo has supported Barwon Cottage, 

Safe Families, Walgett Shire Council, Outback Division, MacKillop and Collarenebri through 

many events within our region. 

With all the new National Curriculum Framework and EYLF Program we may need to be 

ready by 2012. As mobile services are still classed as out of scope we need to be prepared 

for the changes occurring in Early Childhood. Staff have been accessing training to prepare 

the team for the changes. However, we will need support from WAMS to access more 

training and visit other Early Childhood Services to be prepared for these changes. Under 

the new laws all staff working directly with children have to have a minimum of a Certificate 

III. 

Goonimoo participated in the WAMS 25 years celebrations. We provided support for the 

Baby Competition, participated in the Street Parade and interacted with the community 

during the event. 

The Team consists of Maria Hammond (Coordinator), Roslyn Peters (Early Childhood 

Worker), Patricia Murray (Early Childhood Worker), Simone Morgan (Team Leader – 

Locational Supported Playgroups) and Monique Watts (Early Childhood Worker). They 

attended the following meetings and participated in the following community events. 


• Goonimoo Mobile Programming 

• Transport for families to play sessions 

• General Goonimoo Duties 

• Reporting, Observations and other relevant data 

• Home Visits 


• Program Team Meetings Weekly 

• In-Services Weekly 

• Homework Centre (Gingie and St Joseph’s) Weekly 



75



• Staff Meeting Monthly 

• Supervision Sessions regular 

• MacKillop E.C Network Meeting 22 July 

• Erin Allen Succeed Consultancy 16 August 

• Early Childhood Meetings 22 August and 13 September 

• Training/Numeracy/Science 6 September 

• Mobile Meet 7 to 9 September 

• Dept Human Services 22 September 

• State Training / IPSU 11 to 13 October 

• Dept Human Services 20 0ctober 

• Koolyangarra 16, 23, 30 November 

• MacKillop 25 November 

• KIDS EXCEL 26 November 

• Gingie 30 November 

• Gail Simpson 2 to 3, 10 December 

• Santa’s Cave 13 to 17 December 

• Relationship Workshop Meeting 11 January 

• Safe Families 14 January 

• Slip, Slop, Slap/Sun Protection 21 January 

• Dept Human Services 16 February 

• Early Childhood MacKillop 17 February 

• Early Childhood Information Day 10 March 

• ECTARC Meeting 11 March 

• Mobile Meeting (Tim Keegan) 14 to17 March 

• Early Childhood Training 4, 5 April 

• Early Reference Group 9 to12 April,18 April, 18 May 

• Safe Families 18 April, 18 May 

• Walgett Show 14, 15 May 

• Maggie Dent 11 May 

• EYLF Training 13 May 


• Annual State Training 20 to 24 June 

• Maggie Dent 30 June 


• Homework Centre (St Joseph’s and Gingie) Weekly 

• Homework Centre (St Joseph’s Term 1 

• Children’s Day in the Park 15 September 

• Cultural Awareness Training 8 November 

• Santa’s Cave 13 to 17 December 

• Relationship Workshop Meeting 11 January 

• Slip, Slop, Slap/Sun Protection 21 January 

• Walgett Partnership Agreement Signing 2 February 

• Opening Apex Park 22 February 

• International Women’s Day 8 March 

• Walgett Show 14 and 15 May 


• WAMS Open Day 29 June 


• In-Services Weekly 

• Training/Mathematics/Science 6 September 

• Mobile Meet (Gosford) 7 to 9 September 

• State Training / IPSU 11 to 13 October 

• Child Protection 28 February, 2 March 

76 





• Relaxation Technique 29 to 30 March 

• ECAV Training 10 to 12 May 

• EYLF Training 13 May 

• First Aid Training 6 June 

• Maggie Dent 11 May, 30 June 

• Annual State Training 20 to 24 June 

Staff Leave 

MARIA HAMMOND: 

• T.I.L 18 to 26 November 

• Annual Leave 17 December to 3 January 

• T.I.L 12, 27, 28 January 

28 to 29 April, 2 May 

14 to17 June 

PATRICIA MURRAY 

• Causal Employee 

MONIQUE WATTS 

• Causal Employee 

ROSLYN PETERS 

• Annual Leave 5 to 8 July, 23 to 30 September 

1 to 4 October 

23 December to 3 January 

• T.I.L 31 January, 3, 4, 24 February 

4 to 8, 17 to 18, 25 to 29 April 

SIMONE MORGAN 

• Annual Leave 23 December to 3 January 

• T.I.L 17, 25, 28 February 

ANN MEGALOKONOMOS 

• T.I.L 16 February 

21 to 28 June 

Conclusion 

This year has been extremely busy, but productive. Working and supporting the children, 

families, the community and WAMS. We are taking small steps to accomplish high quality 

education for children 0 to 5 years and their families. With all the changes that are being 

implemented within children’s services staff have worked extremely hard accessing training 

to prepare us for the transition. 

We will be asking WAMS to help us and support Goonimoo with more access to training; as 

the changes to mobile services are still in draft form. We have not had confirmation of the 

implementation date. However; when we receive this date we will need to be organised and 

prepared to take on the new challenge. 

We have collaborated with the community of Walgett; as is shown in the data collected. 

As more children and families are accessing our services; we hope to work together with 

other sections of WAMS to improve the education and health of the younger children of our 

community. 

MARIA HAMMOND 

GOONIMOO COORDINATOR 



77



HEALTHY FOR LIFE 

78 







Introduction 

The Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service (WAMS) Healthy for Life Program has seen staff 

changes this year. Recruitment to positions has been successful and the Registered Nurse 

Healthy for Life position has been filled. 

Skye Duncan RN Health Services Co-ordinator is on Maternity leave and Phillip Dowse 

Senior Aboriginal Health Worker is acting in this position. 

The contract with an external staff agency continues and through this, the Healthy for Life 

Program has been able to retain the services of an Exercise Physiologist and Dietician who 

provide their services on a rotational basis to WAMS, as well as Brewarrina Aboriginal Health 

Service Limited (BAHSL), Bourke Aboriginal Health Service (BAHS) and Orana Haven (OH) 

as part of the Bila Muuji Upper Sector Consortium (BMUSC). 

Rosalyn Fernando AHW Healthy for Life developed the process for the BMUSC Healthy 

for Life Well Women’s Health Check Days and these have now been run across the three 

BMUSC sites with outreaches from these to smaller towns. 

As well, the Program was successful in gaining funding from OATSIH to develop a Community 

Garden on the grounds of Euragai Goondi and has entered into a partnership agreement 

with Murdi Paaki Regional Enterprise Corporation (MPREC) who have built the garden and 

will provide training for the horticultural and forestry as well as a commercial vegetable plot 

from this site. 

The following is an overview of the Healthy for Life staff’s time over the past year: 

Meetings 

• Attend monthly Staff meetings 

• Six weekly Healthy for Life meetings 

• Attend in-house in-services as required. 

• Attending the Healthy for Life Well Women’s Health Check Planning Days 


• Consulting clients as required. 

• Health Assessments and Care planning. 

• Diet and Exercise Programming 

• Assist with making Specialist appointments 

• Liaise with all health professionals internally and externally. 

• Travelling across the BMUSC (Bourke, Brewarrina and Orana Haven) weekly (Exercise 

Physiologist and Dietician only). 

• Updating Immunisation records. 

• General Observations. 

• Referrals to other health professionals as required 

• Running the BMUSC Healthy for Life Well Women’s Health Check Days at Walgett and 

Collarenebri 

• Contributing to the BMUSC Healthy for Life Well Women’s Health Check Days at 

Brewarrina and Weilmoringle for BAHSL and Bourke and Enngonia for BAHS. 

• Working with the Dharriwaa Elders Group ( DEG) at Walgett on health checks and 

assisting them with their garden boxes at the WAMS Community Garden 

• Networking within the Walgett community to get more groups to take up garden boxes 

at the Community Garden 



79




• Supervision Sessions held four to six weekly with Health Service Coordinator. 

• Aboriginal Health Worker completed the Certificate IV in Aboriginal Health through the 

College of AHMRC. 

• Attending the AH&MRC Chronic Disease conference in Sydney. 

• H4L RN Alcock commenced Australian Immunisation Course for a over a period of 

twelve weeks, modules are completed and submitted via the internet 

Conclusion 

We look forward to continuing to provide our services to the people of Walgett who are living 

with a Chronic Diseases and to working in partnership with the WAMS Maternity Team to 

improve the health of Aboriginal mothers, babies and children in order to assist them to 

improve their quality of life. 

Permanent Staff: 

Rosalyn Fernando 

Rebecca Alcock 

Sarah Brown 

Contracted personnel: 

Rebecca Gawthorne 

Matt Brown BMUSC 

AHW Healthy for Life 

RN Healthy for Life 

Exercise Physiologist 

(Maternity Leave and then RTW one day per week) 

BMUSC Dietician 

Exercise Physiologist 

80 







Introduction 

On 15th February 2011 I recommenced work as the Exercise Physiologist for the Healthy for 

Life program one day per week after ten months of maternity leave. 

Since returning to this position I have received minimal client referrals. 

A large amount of interest was shown in the WAMS Exercise Therapy room but unfortunately 

it has been unavailable whilst repairs have been completed making it difficult to retain interest 

in the Healthy for Life program. 

I have commenced weekly group exercise classes for females to accommodate the closure 

of the WAMS Exercise Therapy room but this also has had extremely poor attendance. 


• Provide exercise advice to clients suffering from or at risk of developing a chronic 

disease. 

• Developing exercise programs for individuals with chronic disease. 

• Providing support for clients through review of progress and programs for 

individuals. 

• Developing group exercise sessions to cater for Healthy for life clients wishing to 

exercise in a group setting. 

• Working with WAMS midwifery team to develop both ante and post natal exercise 

classes and advice for mothers. 

• Calibration of exercise equipment belonging to the Healthy for Life program. 

• Working with the Healthy for Life team in each centre to ensure individual and program 

goals are being met. 


• WAMS 25 Year celebrations 

• “Deadly Girls” group exercise classes 

Conclusion 

The Healthy for Life program remains a challenge with attendance continually low. With the 

help of Healthy for Life RN Rebecca Alcock my aim is to increased attendance for initial 

appointments and exercise sessions over the next period. I look forward to this challenge. 

SARAH BROWN 

EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST 



81



MENTAL HEALTH 

82 





BRINGING THEM HOME WORKER 


Introduction 

This year has been extremely enjoyable working with other service providers and the various 

communities. The highlight has been the 25 year celebrations in August. I look forward to 

completing both Certificate Fours in late 2011. 




• SEWB Meeting 

• New Staff Orientation 

• OH&S meeting 

• Lightning Ridge Mental Health Team 

• Mens Camp Burrendong Dam 



• Elders 


• Jenny Wright Shield 


• St Josephs Primary School Dance-a-thon. 

• Cricket Promotional Days 

• Pink Ribbon Day 

• Pit Stop Coonamble 

• School Musical 

• Santa’s Cave 

• Worked on entertainment preparation for 25 year Anniversary 

• Men’s Group 

• Partnership Signing WAMS and GWAHS 

• Work with Exercise Physiologist on school programs 


• PACE Collarenebri 




• SMART Training 

• SEWB Spring Gathering 

• Bronze Medallion 

• Cultural Awareness 

• Core of Life 

• Shake a Leg 


• Assist in the clinic when required 

• Transportation within Walgett for WAMS clients 

• Transport to Lightning Ridge for specialist appointments 

• Debrief WAMS staff as required 

• Counselling 

• Referrals for WAMS clients to specialist services 

• Support and follow up on SEWB clients 



83



Staff Leave 

• Annual Leave 27 August 

• Annual Leave 3 September 

• Annual Leave 29 to 30 November 

• Annual Leave 1 to 3 December 

• Annual Leave 1 to 4 March 

Conclusion 

Overall this year has seen a ongoing commitment to providing support to clients in Walgett 

and other communities. 

TREVOR SIMPSON 

BRINGING THEM HOME WORKER 

84 





MENTAL HEALTH WORKER – TRAINEE 


Introduction 

This year has been very enjoyable. I have had the opportunity to enrol and attend Certificate 

Four Training through the AH&MRC. This training has given me insight into what my role is 

as a Mental Health Worker. 

Community Programs and Health Promotion: 


• Mungindi Country League Carnival 



• St Josephs Primary School Dance-a-thon. 

• Goodooga Sports Day 

• Sports Safe Training at High School 

• SANTA’s Cave 

• SEWB Loss and Grief Workshop 

• Bronze Medallion training 

• Partnership Signing between WAMS and GWAHS 

• WAMS 25 Year Celebrations 

• Men’s Pit Stop at Coonamble 

Meetings/Conferences: 

• Attend monthly WAMS Program meetings 

• Attend monthly WAMS staff meetings 

• Attend weekly WAMS staff in-services 

• Drug and Alcohol, BTH, Mental Health and FCPHC 

• Drug and Alcohol, BTH, Mental Health and FCPHC 

• Santa’s Cave Meeting 

• Coonamble Pit Stop Meeting 

• Assisting in preparations for 25 year celebrations 

General Duties at WAMS: 

• Work with other Program Team Members to ensure WAMS clients have access to 

appropriate services 

• Work in WAMS GP Clinic 

• Work in WAMS Dental Clinic 

• Work with FCPHC Team 

• Assist Clients were needed e.g. medical appointment, social transport 

• Liaise with Program Team on a regular basis 

• Strengthen business and community contacts/links through WAMS. 

• Assisting Program members in promotion of programs 


• Review of Smoking Cessation Information at WAMS 

• Transporting clients 

• Support fellow co-workers 


Staff Development: 

• SEWB Spring Gathering 

• Mental Health First Aid 


• Certificate Four Mental Health 



85



Staff Leave: 

• Annual leave in January 

Conclusion: 

Overall this year has been extremely rewarding. Undertaking the Certificate Four Training 

has allowed me to provide more service to clients and given me a better understanding of 

Mental Health issues. 

RICCO LANE 

TRAINEE MENTAL HEALTH WORKER 

86 





MIDWIFERY 



87



MIDWIFERY PROGRAM 


Introduction 

The team at Yinaar Gaayili have worked closely with the community this year on improving 

the care and support of ante natal and post natal mother and their families. With the continued 

support and fortnightly visits from the consortia of Midwives and on the ground work provided 

by the Midwifery Health Worker Yinaar Gaayili has assisted in the safe arrival of thirty five 

beautiful babies. 

During this year Yinaar Gaayili underwent some repairs to the flooring, so alternatively the 

ante natal and post natal clinics were conducted from the main clinic building in Pitt Street 

with minimal disruption to our clients. The Midwifery Health Worker conducted home visits 

and patient transport when required. 

Yinaar Gaayili continues to support mother with emergency packs for hospital and pre-loved 

baby cloth are always on hand each clinic for mother to take if required. Breastfeeding 

education continues to be our main focus with our mother and self care. 

The Midwifery Health Worker assisted Dr Simone Mulder on her visit to WAMS. Dr Mulders 

visits provide our women with Obstetric and Gynaecology care. 

The Midwifery Health Worker conducted a six week parenting program in conjunction with 

Goonimoo and Locational Supported Playgroups. The program was open to all parents that 

attended the play session. 

The highlight for our program was participating in the 25 year celebrations of WAMS. Our 

team hosted a baby show and participated in a street parade. These events had very positive 

feedback from the community 


• Weekly Program Team Meetings 

• Monthly staff Meetings 

• Supervision 

• Brighter Futures Meeting 7 April 

• Dubbo Base research officer 27 June 

• NSW Family Health Network Meeting 24 to 27 May 


• Yinaar Gaayili Yarns Notice board Ongoing 

• Breast feeding Week 7 August 

• Child protection Week 15 September 


• Visits to Women Safe house 28 January,10 February, 10 March 

• Providing Parenting and Mother craft 28 March and 4 April 

• MacKillop Play Group 5 April 

• WAMS 25 Year Celebration 11 to 15 April 

• Red Nose Day 24 June 


• Ante natal and post natal clinic 

• Support specialist 

• Data collection 

• General Clinic Duties 

• Transport 

• Internal and external referrals 

88 





• Health Promotion 

• Home visits 

• Assist Program team when required 

• Uniform Team 

• Family Violence Meeting 


• WAMS in-services weekly 

• Core of Life facilitator training 5 to 6 May 

• Mandatory Reporting 10 May 

• Chid Protection 10 to 12 May 

Staff Leave 

• Annual Leave 12 to 14 July, 15 to 18 October 

• Annual Leave 27 to 29 December 

• Annual Leave 2 to 3 February,1 to15 March 

Conclusion 

Yinaar Gaayili is developing into a service that is providing mothers and their families 

with a positive, informative and safe place to receive the support and care they require. 

Breastfeeding mothers can sit and feed their babies in a safe and nurturing environment. I 

am looking forward to seeing Yinaar Gaayili grow in the next twelve months. 

KARNIE WALFORD 

MIDWIFERY HEALTH WORKER 



89



PRACTICE MANAGER 

(CLINIC) 

90 







Introduction 

The past twelve months have seen been as hectic as ever, we have staff leave the 

organisation and new staff have come on board and are working in all areas of the business. 

WAMS turnover of Locum GP’s has been consistent although it is pleasing to see that the 

majority of the GP’s return on a regular basis. WAMS continue to recruit nationally for a full 

time GP. 


I attend planned, informal, formal and ad hoc meetings. Not only do meetings allow time 

to plan, implement and evaluate events, they provide the occasion for people to network, 

discuss effective and efficient strategies for activities to be measureable, achievable, realistic 

and time-specific. 

Monthly staff meetings Monthly clinic meetings HAC meetings monthly 

QMS meetings Management meetings Board meetings 

Ministerial meetings Home care meetings Ad hoc meetings 

Primary School meetings Oral Health promotion Supervision sessions 


Community driven programs are vital part of providing a service that ensures the community 

is receiving an optimal level of care that is appropriate to their needs. WAMS is a leading 

organisation locally and regionally, nationally WAMS have received awards in recognition of 

our drive and commitment to deliver outreach services to various communities. 

Health Promotional activities prove invaluable when vital information is broadcasted to the 

local and wider communities. From a Managers perspective health promotion is paramount 

when delivering good sound clinical advice or education thus ensuring all concerned have 

the benefit of being part of a healthy community. WAMS is instrumental with showcasing 

health promotional activities, fund raising and making a difference whether on a local level 

or on a larger scale. 

Compulsory attendance for Anti Discrimination tuition, national strategies and guidelines 

are delivered to all staff therefore ensuring all staff are fully informed of current practices 

regarding discrimination disciplines. 

Conclusion 

From a Management viewpoint it is empowering to be able to have input regarding the daily 

running of the organisation to ensure a smooth transition occurs regarding WAMS business 

whether it’s organising transport, staff back fill or attending meetings. 

Clinical duties are limited; however, I am on hand to provide cover as Receptionist, clinic 

nurse or dispensary assistant. I look forward to the new year and have no believe it will be 

as challenging. 

JESSIE RICHARDSON 

CLINIC PRACTICE MANAGER 



91




(PROGRAMS) 

92 





PROGRAM PRACTICE MANAGER 


This year has been extremely busy with increase in meetings due to the Remote Service 

Delivery. 


• Monthly Board of Directors Meetings 



• Monthly Interagency 

• Monthly Community Working Party 

• Monthly SAAP Services 

• Monthly Management Meetings 

• Monthly Midwifery Meetings 

• Monthly Namoi House Incorporated 

• Three Monthly Murdi Paaki Management Committee 

• Weekly Team meetings 

• As required Remote Service Delivery 

• RFDS 16 July 

• MPDAN 22 July 

• Safe families 22 July 

• Accreditation Debrief 26 July 

• OCHRE Health 5 August 

• MPDAN 6 August 

• Kevin Humphries, MP 10 August 

• Minister Lynch 11 August 

• Early Childhood Review 17 August 

• PaCe Meeting 24 August 

• Liquor Accord 26 August 

• Barwon Cottage 26 August 

• CentaCare 26 August 

• NSW Health 27 August 

• DEG 2 September 

• MPDAN 8 September 

• Youth Centre 14 September 

• Sexual Assault Services 14 October 

• MPDAN 25 October 

• Magistrate 28 October 

• DEG 28 October 

• Cultural Awareness 8 November 

• Walgett Magistrate 25 January 

• DV Meeting 8 March 

• AMIHS 16 March 

• MSOAP 18 March 

• AMIHS 17 March 

• Liquor Accord 28 April 

• AH&MRC – Hip Hop 24 May 

• LSP 31 May 

• Regular WAMS 25 Year Celebration Meetings 


• DEG 23 August 

• Daffodil Day 27 August 


• WAMS 25 Year Celebrations 11-15 April 



93




• Manage compliance of the WAMS Program Team with GPAplus accreditation and 

QMS Standards – WAMS has achieved both Accreditation reviews 

• Manage and implement quality improvement initiatives within the Program Team 

• Provide Monthly Reports to the Management Team, Board of Directors and Program 

Team 

• Complete monthly supervision sessions with Program Staff 

• Manage resources as required 

• Complete Medicare audits 

• Assist Program Staff to complete required data 

• Assist the CEO/DCEO as delegated and required 

• Manage the Program Team as required 

• Ensure Goonimoo complies with Children’s Services Regulations 2004 

• Complete Reports for various Funding Bodies 

• Develop and work on Memorandums of Understandings (MoU’s) with various 

Agencies 

• Staff Supervision 

• Support Midwifery Consortia 


• Governance Training 9 November 

• WAMS In-services 

• Rising to the Challenge – Breech Delivery 21-22 February 

• MERI In-service 22 March 

• Core of Life 5 – 6 May 

Staff Leave 

• Annual Leave 23 to 28 September 

1 to 17 January 

Conclusion 

Despite the extra workload related to the Remote Service Delivery, I enjoy the opportunity 

to participate and ensure future planning for local Health Services meet the needs of the 

community. 

I look forward to the next financial year. 

KYLIE GILMORE 


94 





PUBLIC HEALTH 



95



PUBLIC HEALTH WORKER 


Introduction 

On 15 February 2011 I recommenced work after ten months of maternity leave and have 

filled the Public Health position one day per week. 

Since commencing this position I have been involved in a number of community programs 

which I have thoroughly enjoyed. I delivered my Healthy Preschoolers’ program to 

Koolyangarra Preschool. I have also attended weekly visits to Walgett Community Colleges 

Behavioural class, as well as attending Rugby League sessions at St Josephs School and 

accompanying St Josephs Netballers to local tournaments. I have also been conducting swim 

sessions with WAMS workers aiming to complete their bronze medallions in preparation for 

the WAMS 25 year celebrations. I have attended Reconciliation Day at the Walgett High 

School as well as completing “Shake a Leg” training in Dubbo. I also assisted in the WAMS 

25 year celebration week which was great to be involved in. 


• Provide ongoing Health Promotional Activities that focus on improving the Health and 

Wellbeing of Aboriginal People in Walgett 

• Provide support to local school sports programs 

• Provide a Health Lifestyle Program to Preschool Children 


• Healthy Preschoolers program at Koolyangarra Pre School 

• WAMS 25 year celebrations 

• Reconciliation Day at Walgett High School 

• Netball development at St Josephs primary school 

• Rugby League development at St Josephs primary school 

• Behavioural class at Walgett Community College 



• Shake A Leg training 

Conclusion 

I have enjoyed promoting healthy living throughout the Walgett community and look forward 

to continuing my work during the coming year. 

SARAH BROWN 


96 







Introduction 

This year has seen a slight decrease in the Number of Health Promotions provided by this 

Author. In January 2011, I accepted a part-time Secondment to the Locational Supported 

Playgroup Program for three days a week. 


• Weekly staff in-services 

• Weekly program team meetings 

• Monthly program meetings 

• Monthly staff meetings 

• Monthly Health promotion meeting WAMS /WHS working in partnership 


• Cuppa for Kids 

• Phone meeting with AHMRC personnel re BREATHE project 

• Bila Muuji Smoking cessation project 


• Fliers and posters hand outs every week 

• Breakfast Club rostered 

• Daffodil Day 27 August 

• Footy Colours Day 3 September 


• Measure Up September 

• Rugby koori knock-out at Walgett 18 September 

• Cuppa for Kids (our l’l Gus Day) 29 September 

• Red Apple month October 

• Goodooga clinics 7 to 8 October 

18 November 

• Goonimoo Children’s Mobile Children Resources Unit week 

11 to 15 October 

• Breakfast Club St. Joseph’s School 20 October 

3, 17 and 29 November 

13 December 

• Pink Ribbon Breakfast 25 October 

• Oz Tag 5 Week program 27 October to 24 November 

• Breakfast Club Public School 12 and 26 November 

10 December 

• Smoking Cessation 17 November 

• Santa’s Cave 13,14,16,17 December 

• Worlds AIDS Day Collarenebri 29 November 

• Worlds AIDS Day Lighting Ridge 1 December 

• Worlds AIDS Day Walgett 1 December 

• Relationships health information Day Collie 14 January 

• Slip Slop Slap pool 28 January 

• D&A Information Day 21 February 

• Apex Park Opening 22 February 

• Salt awareness information hand out 11 March 

• Seniors Week luncheon 25 March 


• Assist Clients were needed e.g. medical appointment, social transport. 

• Liaise with Program Team on a regular basis. 

• Strengthening business and community contacts/links through WAMS. 

• Assisting Program members in promotion of programs. 



97




• Condoms 

• Assist WAMS Staff 


• Promoting community learning 26 August 

• Cultural Awareness 8 November 

• Mental Health First Aid training 22 to 23 November 

Staff Leave 

• Leave 1 July to 8 August 

• Sick Leave 19 August 

• Personal leave 30 September 

• Leave 4 November 

• Annual closure of WAMS Christmas period 

Conclusion 

I have enjoyed my time as the Public Health Worker and look forward to the next year. 

ANN MEGALOKOMONOS 


98 





SEXUAL HEALTH 



99



SEXUAL HEALTH 


Introduction 

Funding for this Program is suspended by NSW Health due to the position being vacant for 

the majority of this period. WAMS continues to liaise with the funding body for the release 

of these monies. 

Conclusion 

WAMS have successfully negotiated one-off funding for the purchase of staff housing for 

NSW Health Positions in order to offer quality accommodation in addition to salary packaging 

of this vacancy. 

KYLIE GILMORE 

PROGRAM PRACTICE MANAGER 

100 





VEHICLE MANAGEMENT 



101



MOTOR VEHICLE REPORT 


Introduction 

This financial year has seen the WAMS vehicle fleet increase due to several new programs with 

additional staff, direct funding by OATSIH for three new cars and an increased requirement 

to service a broader area. WAMS fleet numbers now stands at twenty seven vehicles overall 

but will increase again once the three new vehicles have been purchased. All vehicles have 

been purchased and traded again through Robert Handsaker Ford at Narromine. 

Vehicle Selection and Financing 

Following advice from the dealer principal, Mr Robert Handsaker, we have continued to 

operate several Ford Mondeo sedans and a Ford Focus due to their reduced fuel consumption 

and suitability for travel around town. Trade-in values have kept pace with end of lease 

residual payouts and we will continue to monitor vehicle financing and selection with the 

aim of providing the best choice for individual situations while attempting to reduce overall 

costs. 

During the year all new leases were taken out with Westpac Equipment Finance. This has 

proved to be quite beneficial for WAMS as we have been able to negotiate with Westpac 

very favourable leasing rates. All the old leases with Macquarie Bank have now been paid 

out and we move into the new year with all leases under the one roof for the first time in 

some years. 

Staffing 

WAMS would like to acknowledge the very real efforts and hard work that our Transport 

Officers Ms Marissa Walford, Mr Greg Mason, Mr Bill Peacock, Mr Peter Plazina and Mr 

Richard Walford put into looking after of our fleet. They spend many long hours cleaning the 

vehicles and co-ordinating their servicing, registration and maintenance. Most would agree 

that it is rare to see a badly maintained or unwashed WAMS vehicle on the road, so due 

credit goes to our Transport Officers. 

Vehicle Updates 

Replacement Date – September 2010 

AMS018 

AMS034 

BRE011 

Replacement Date – November 2010 

AMS021 

Replacement Date – March 2011 

AMS011 

AMS016 

AMS029 

AMS035 

Replacement Date – April 2011 

AMS032 

AMS037 

Replacement Date – June 2011 

AMS014 

AMS023 

BRE028 






Conclusion 

With an increased fleet and greater demands placed on our staff and their time we face a 

challenging time in the year ahead. Management of our vehicles is nearly a full time job in 

itself and I wish to recognise the work and effort put into this by Mr Phillip Dowse. It is hoped 

that we may be in a position to build additional secure parking for our vehicles in the next 

year or so as we are now struggling to garage all our vehicles at night. 

In addition, the constant enquiry for patient transport means that many of our vehicles 

are doing increased kilometres between changeovers. WAMS hope that by establishing a 

strong working partnership with Robert Handsaker Ford we will be well placed to meet these 

challenges and proceed in a planned and businesslike manner. 

ANDREW DENISON 

FINANCE OFFICER 



103






Community Garden 

Launch 

WAMS walkthrough 

25 Anniversary Ball

1 3 4 5 6 

2 

8 

7 10 11 

9 

12 

14 

15 16 

13 

17 18 19 21 22 

20 

23 

1. Mr T (A Team) Daniel Walford 13. The Hulk Ricco Lane 

2. Velma (Scooby-Doo) Fay Wood 14. Rooster Reg Humphreys 

3. Fred (Scooby-Doo) Barry Walford 15. Bananas in Pyjamas 1 Maryanne Rutene 

4. Fluffy Bunny Noel Walford 16. Bananas in Pyjamas 2 Reg Rutene 

5. 80’s punk Marissa Walford 17. Daisy Duck Roslyn Peters 

6. Sponge Bob Kirin Rose 18. Donald Duck Sipa Stowers 

7. Snow White Kylie Gilmore 19. Floppy Eared Bunny Stephanie Shepherd 

8. Scooby Doo Trevor Simpson 20. Pirate Sarah Brown 

9. Witch 1 Donna Thurston 21. Shrek Ann Megalokonomos 

10. Clown Karnie Walford 22. Princess Fiona Maria Hammond 

11. Spiderman David Kennedy 23. Witch 2 Naomi Barrett 

12. Hannibal (A Team) Greg Mason 

for the community – by the community

Annual Report 10-11.pdf - WAMS

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