Residents of Eden are encouraged to share their experiences of primary health care through a community survey which opens on Monday, 1 September.
The community survey will help identify local health priorities and any barriers people may be facing accessing primary and community health services in the area.
Primary health care is the ongoing care that people receive from their local health practitioners. This includes general practitioners, allied health and community health and wellbeing services. This ongoing care supports a person's physical, mental and social wellbeing throughout their lifetime.
The Collaborative Care program is a community-centred approach to address primary health care needs in rural NSW. The program, developed by Rural Doctors Network, has been tested throughout regional NSW working in partnership with local community and health stakeholders.
The program has expanded this year to include Eden. This expansion will provide the support needed to identify new and innovative solutions to address the health and wellbeing needs of the Eden community.
The survey is being conducted by the Eden Collaborative Care Working Group and supported by Bega Valley Shire Council, Coordinaire, Katungul Aboriginal Corporation, NSW Ambulance, Rural Doctors Network, and Southern NSW Local Health District.
It is fully anonymous and open to all residents over the age of 15. For more information and to access the online survey visit: https://collaborativecare.au/Eden.
Printed survey forms will also be available from Eden Library.
The community survey will be open until Sunday 28 September 2025.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:
"It's important we hear from the Eden community about their experience of primary healthcare to help us gain a firsthand understanding of local healthcare needs.
"The survey is open to all Eden residents and seeks to capture a broad range of perspectives from people of all ages and backgrounds.
"This is a crucial step in the Collaborative Care process and ensures that the voices of Eden residents are at the forefront of shaping future health initiatives.
"We've expanded on the program to bring more Collaborative Care projects to the communities that need them the most."
Quotes attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Health and Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland:
"Eden deserves a strong, accessible primary healthcare system that meets the needs of every resident. This survey gives the community a real opportunity to share their experiences and have their voices heard.
"By listening directly to local people, we can better understand where the gaps are and where services need to be strengthened.
"I encourage everyone in Eden to take part - your feedback will help us work with healthcare providers, council, and community organisations to deliver practical improvements in access to GPs, allied health and preventive services.
"Together, we can build a healthier future for Eden."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain:
"Collaborative Care is designed to empower local communities to have a say in the healthcare they receive.
"We believe local communities are the experts in their own needs. This survey is an important step in understanding the healthcare needs of local people in Eden."
Quotes attributable to Bega Valley Shire Mayor, Russell Fitzpatrick:
"We welcome the opportunity to improve local health services and collaboration.
"This survey is about listening to Eden residents' experiences with local health providers and making sure healthcare reflects what people really need.
"Every response will help shape improvements that benefit the whole community and ensure health services are better coordinated and more responsive to local needs, now and into the future.
"We thank the NSW Government for its investment in the project and are delighted to have the Rural Doctors Network facilitating the process."
