a celebration of the work of the toowoomba & darling downs...

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Improving health outcomes through facilitating the development of sustainable Primary Health Care partnerships at the right time, in the right place

A celebration of the work of theToowoomba & Darling Downs Primary Health Care Partnership CouncilJuly 2007 to June 2011

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The big sky and rolling plains of the Western Downs reveal charming

rural townships, classic Aussie pubs, stunning sunsets and

real country experiences.

Business in the west traditionally happens at a pace that matches the

peaceful lifestyle of rural communities, but these days the exploration

and mining boom is leading to change. As the region grows, so does the

need for better integrated health care.western region

G r a i n S i l o s - D a l b y

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BackgroundPrimary Health Care practices in rural and remote Queensland find it difficult to access the range of professional education and practice development programs available to their urban colleagues. This makes it a challenge to maintain standards and deliver coordinated Primary Health Care. To address this need, the Partnership Council funded a Primary Health Care Liaison Officer role within RHealth between 2007 - 2011.

The Liaison Officer supported the Primary Health Care sector across the Darling Downs and South West Queensland with a range of services including education, practice improvement, data management, Chronic Disease management, service coordination and referral pathways integration.

OutcomesThe Liaison Officer established Practice Nurse Networks in Stanthorpe and Warwick; provided a range of professional education and development events and resources for the primary health care workforce; disseminated Chronic Disease resources; installed audit software and data extraction tools and trained practices in their use; conducted clinical quality improvement processes; and conducted the GP Census in 2009 and 2010.

AchievementsThe Project has improved access to professional development for the Primary Health Care workforce. Service delivery will continue, with the role being absorbed into the General Practice Support Team at RHealth and the place engagement model of regional Liaison Officers and Chapters.

To find out moreGo to www.rhealth.com.au

Liaison Officers are located

strategically in Roma, Kingaroy

and Toowoomba. They focus

on enhancing the team

approach to Primary Health

Care in rural and remote

communities.

AUSPICING ORG: RHealthTOTAL FUNDING: $149,000

PROJECT YEARS: 2007-2011FUNDING SOURCE: Chronic Disease

PROJECT PRIORITY AREA: Chronic & Complex Care

PROJECT PARTNERS:General Practice

Primary Health Care ProvidersCommunity Health Services

Queensland Rural Medical Education

PROJECT ACHIEVEMENTS:Improves service coordination and integrationEnhances capacity of the systemImproves client/patient outcomesImproves appropriateness of service deliveryImproves consumer access to service deliveryImproves sustainability of service delivery post project funding

AUSPICING ORG: RHealth TOTAL FUNDING: $90,600

PROJECT YEARS: 2008-2011 FUNDING SOURCE: CHIC

PROJECT PRIORITY AREA: Integrated Health Promotion

and/or Prevention

PROJECT PARTNERS: RHealth

Western Downs Regional Council Darling Downs Public Health Unit

Queensland Health Department of Communities

Spiritus

PROJECT ACHIEVEMENTS:Improved relationship between service providersImproves service coordination and integrationEnhances capacity of the system Improves consumer health related behaviours

BackgroundThe Healthy Communities Network (Network) grew from a Capacity for Local Partnerships and a Healthy Active Australia funded project, led by RHealth, which established the Chinchilla Healthy Active Partnership (CHAP). This partnership was stepped up to a regional level to address regional issues and improve sustainability. As a result, in 2008-2009, a coordinated approach to engage the whole Western Downs region in a Healthy Community strategy culminated in the establishment of the Western Downs Healthy Communities Network.

OutcomesThe Network hosted a number of community capacity building workshops, a community forum, and auspiced a variety of sporting, physical activity and youth engagement activities.

The Network meets regularly, and has established an electronic newsletter. Local groups have been assisted to access funding and the Coordinator represented the network at interagency meetings across the Western Downs.

AchievementsThe Network will continue to meet through the auspices of project partners and has become integral to the Western Downs Regional Council’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy and is cited as a key partner in 19 of the 40 recommended actions.

The Network Coordinator has been able to work in the gap between organisations and their core business, bringing people together to identify needs and explore opportunities. The Network has also had flexible funding to enable small, innovative community projects to get off the ground.

To find out moreGo to www.rhealth.com.au

The Network has raised its profile

and is now used by mining and

gas companies seeking to work

with local agencies to monitor and

improve health outcomes.

Primary Health Care Liaison Officer Supporting the Primary Health Care sector across South West Queensland

1 Western Downs Healthy Communities NetworkCreating a healthy community through cross-sector partnerships2

Photos courtesy of RHealth

Photo courtesy of RHealth

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toowoomba region

Also known as the Garden City, Toowoomba is a place of flowers, fresh

mountain air, dignified buildings and breathtaking vistas. In spring when

the Carnival of Flowers is held, it is a riot of perfume and colour,

where everything feels alive.

As the regional capital for the Darling Downs, Toowoomba has long been

a major centre for commerce, industry, education and especially, health.

C a r n i v a l o f F l o w e r s

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BackgroundCURO is Latin for “to care for”. CURO became the implementation project for a number of Partnership Council initiatives around Chronic Disease care coordination.

The key to CURO was the role of the Care Coordinator assigned to each patient. In consultation with the patient’s GP they would conduct a comprehensive assessment, develop a Care Plan, encourage client self-management behaviours, coordinate referrals to Allied Health Services, regularly reviews a client’s progress and liaise with hospitals about patient admissions.

OutcomesThe CURO administration service is managed by Queensland Health. At the time of going to print there were 47 GPs from 27 practices (more than 50% of practices in the region) registered, and 36 Care Coordinators working with 81 patients enrolled in the program.

AchievementsThe project demonstrated that while it’s a good idea in theory to have people from different organisations all working on the one project, in reality, it’s proven to be very difficult to maintain partnerships. In spite of that, good outcomes have been achieved.

The program won the Health and Community Services Workforce Innovation Award in the Collaborative Workforce Achievement category in 2010.

To find out moreThis program is no longer funded. Please contact Queensland Health for more information.

Chronic Disease Framework A framework for Chronic Disease Care Coordination

“The truth is I’d not been looking

after myself the way I should. I just

didn’t really care, or understand.

I was so depressed. My Care

Coordinator made me realise what

I was doing to myself and now that

I’ve taken her advice I’m feeling a

lot better.”

Sylvia Langford, Patient

“Everyone in health does Care

Coordination. It’s what we do. But

from the patient’s point of view it’s

often seen as duplication. And from

a service delivery point of view it’s

also duplication. CURO is one way of

coordinating the care to eliminate

the duplication.”

Wendy Pannach, Queensland Health

Chronic Disease the CURO ProgramThe Chronic Disease Community Coordination Program in action

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AUSPICING ORG: GP Connections

TOTAL FUNDING: $1,054,127 PROJECT YEARS: 2008-2011

FUNDING SOURCE: Chronic Disease

PROJECT PRIORITY AREA: Chronic & Complex Care

PROJECT PARTNERS: Queensland Health

BlueCare GP Connections

RHealth

PROJECT ACHIEVEMENTS:Improves relationship between service providersImproves service coordination and integrationEnhances capacity of the systemImproves service provider satisfactionImproves appropriateness of service deliveryImproves responsiveness of service deliveryImproves consumer access to service deliveryImproves consumer satisfaction with service deliveryImproves client/patient outcomes

This model outlines the patient

process from assessment and

registration to service delivery

and review under the guidance

of a Care Coordinator. Alongside

the process, a set of tools and

resources are defined to support

the process.

This Framework is the model of

service delivery used for

Project 9, the Curo Project.

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BackgroundThis project delivered, through weekly sessions, healthy lifestyle choices and skills to the children at Kulila Indigenous Kindergarten and their caregivers. Topics included healthy nutrition choices (including culturally appropriate resources for caregivers), healthy activities and hygiene (including oral hygiene).

OutcomesAn Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker from Carbal Medical Centre visited Kulila Kindergarten twice weekly during the school year and delivered information on healthy eating, hygiene, activity and other life skills to the children. Any health issues that may affect the success of their schooling were assessed and appropriate referrals were made.

The Health Worker also offered free Child Health Checks. The child’s health was assessed and plans were made with the parent or carer to help improve the child’s health status. This contact was also important in building a rapport with the family and making future visits to the medical centre less daunting.

The Health Worker also checked the immunisation status of the children and worked in with the Toowoomba Health Service Hearing Health Service.

AchievementsThis was a very cost effective partnership to ensure children grow up strong and have the best start possible in their education.

To find out moreThe project is ongoing, go to www.carbal.com.au

AUSPICING ORG: Carbal Medical Centre

TOTAL FUNDING: $5,400 PROJECT YEARS: 2007-2010

FUNDING SOURCE: Chronic Disease CHIC & CD

PROJECT PRIORITY AREA: ATSI Focus

Early Childhood Health

PROJECT PARTNERS: Kulila Indigenous Kindergarten

PROJECT ACHIEVEMENTS:Improves consumer health related behavioursChanges the way consumers use health services (positively)

“It’s such an opportunity to work

with the young children. I get to

talk to them about the difference

between healthy food and

party food.”

Janet Miller,Indigenous Health Worker

BackgroundThis project demonstrates a significant collaboration between a mainstream service provider and an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Service to ensure Indigenous patients can access services equitably.

GP Connections and Carbal Medical Centre jointly provided Podiatry and Psychology Services for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander patients, under the More Allied Health Services (now called the Rural Primary Health Services) program. GP Connections provided the services, Carbal’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practice Nurses provided the service coordination for their own patients. Cultural Sensitivity Training was also delivered to all Allied Health Professionals as an integral part of this project.

OutcomesOutcomes during the funding period included the delivery of 136 Psychologist and 43 podiatry services and the completion of 33 Diabetes Care Plans and 15 Mental Health Management Plans. These services would not have been delivered without Indigenous service coordination.

Clients were also be encouraged to participate in the Indigenous Healthy Lifestyle Program run under the auspices of Growing Strong through collaboration with Toowoomba Health Services, and interfaced with the Diabetes Specialist Service Centre run by GP Connections.

AchievementsThe collaboration enhanced the delivery of interdisciplinary care, including case management, to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients under Chronic Disease Management plans.

To find out moreGo to www.carbal.com.au

AUSPICING ORG: Carbal Medical Centre



PROJECT PRIORITY AREA: ATSI Focus, Chronic & Complex Care

PROJECT PARTNERS: GP Connections

Allied Health Practitioners

PROJECT ACHIEVEMENTS:Improves client/patient outcomesEnhances capacity of the systemImproves appropriateness of service delivery Improves responsiveness of service deliveryImproves consumer access to service deliveryImproves consumer satisfaction with service deliveryImproves relationship between service providersImproves service coordination and integration

This model is completely

transferable to other Divisions of

General Practice and Aboriginal

and Torres Strait Islander

Community Controlled Health

Organisations.

It utilises the capacity of the

Division and the strengths of

the Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander Medical Service to

enhance both services greatly.

iMAHSDelivering allied health services in a culturally appropriate way18 Healthy Kulila Kids

The children of today are the leaders of tomorrow19

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In the high country of the Southern Downs people know that the good

things of life should not be rushed. Major centres include Warwick, the

“Rose and Rodeo City ” , with magnificent sandstone buildings, and to the

south, the Granite Belt and Stanthorpe, surrounded by vineyards

and orchards.

Health care workers on the Southern Downs have always taken a holistic

approach to care, as do all of the projects reported in this section. southern region

Q u a r t P o t C r e e k - S t a n t h o r p e

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BackgroundThis project established the cross-sector Warwick Healthy Community Network. The Network auspiced a comprehensive physical audit for Warwick to support the Regional Council to create supportive physical environments and reduce the barriers to physical activity. The Network also initiated a number of community based physical activities and classes to make use of the enhanced physical environment and seed an ongoing interest in physical activity.

OutcomesThe project developed, in partnership with the Regional Council, a range of local fitness trails and exercise sites; advanced the agenda of shade creation; and reviewed the Regional Council’s Planning Scheme to ensure it was supportive of healthy and active communities.

To support the enhancements to the physical environment, the project established a walking group; trained local nurses to become Tai Chi instructors; ran BMX and skateboard classes to provide alternative physical activities for young people; and delivered a Mobile Steady Steps program to elderly residents. A brochure listing available free physical activities along

with nutritional education information was produced, as was the pocket booklet “5 Great Walks of Warwick”.

AchievementsThe Warwick Healthy Community Network has successfully coordinated stakeholder interest in healthy active lifestyle initiatives, identified and addressed community issues and linked organisations to develop and strengthen projects.

To find out moreThe Warwick Healthy Community Network continues to advocate for the coordination of physical activities and the development of a healthier physical environment across the Warwick community.

This project has created an

ongoing partnership between

the health sector, the Southern

Downs Regional Council and the

community.

“It’s one thing to talk, it’s another

thing entirely to be able bring

funding to the planning table”.

Richard Henshaw,

Health Promotion Officer, DDPHU

AUSPICING ORG: Toowoomba Hospital

Foundation TOTAL FUNDING: $43,600

PROJECT YEARS: 2008-2010 FUNDING SOURCE: Chronic Disease


and/or Prevention

PROJECT PARTNERS: Queensland Health (Warwick Hospital)

Community Health Darling Downs Public Health Unit Southern Downs Regional Council

Department of Sports and Recreation Department of Education

RHealth Head Space

Lifeline

PROJECT ACHIEVEMENTS:Improves relationship between service providersImproves consumer health related behavioursCommunity physical infrastructure

BackgroundThe Healthy Living Program is a group-based healthy lifestyle program for unwell patients living with a Chronic Disease plus depression or anxiety. It is delivered over 12 weeks in a non-medical setting by a team of Allied Health Practitioners including Psychologists, a Dietician, a Personal Trainer and an Occupational Therapist.

This program is holistic and includes practical education topics such as nutrition, cooking, physical activity, depression management and stress management. Partners and patient’s carers are encouraged to be part of the program.

OutcomesThree programs have now been delivered, with 22 participants and 15 carers. The dropout rate has been low, and participant satisfaction scores continues to exceed expectations. Clinical measurements and reviews indicate that patients’ physical and mental health does improve as does their quality of life. Local GPs are also convinced the program helps their patients and continue to refer.

AchievementsThe project confirms that peer group work, in a non-medical setting, supported by an Allied Health Professional team, provides a positive, practical and enjoyable way to improve well-being. It also encourages better patient compliance with health promoting behaviour and decreases the need for medical interventions.

To find out moreThe project is seeking further funding and has a website, go to www.warwickhealthyliving.org.au

AUSPICING ORG: Total Health and Education Foundation



PROJECT PRIORITY AREA: Integrated Health Promotion and/or Prevention Chronic & Complex Care

PROJECT PARTNERS: Warwick Base Hospital

RHealth School of Total Education

PROJECT ACHIEVEMENTS:Improves client/patient outcomesImproves consumer health related behavioursImproves relationship between service providersEnhances capacity of the systemImproves service provider satisfactionChanges the way consumers use health services (positively)

“I keep coming every week even

though the course has finished, I

feel that being part of a group has

helped me greatly with both my

physical and mental health needs.”

“I came here with chronic liver

disease and reoccurring bouts of

depression, expecting strategies

for the depression. But It’s a more

holistic approach that’s looked at

not only my mental but my physical,

nutritional and social health as

well.”

Southern Downs Healthy CommunityCreating a healthy community through cross-sector partnerships

Warwick Healthy Living ProgramThe Warwick Chronic Disease Project for patients with Complex Needs

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BackgroundCHIP is a community-led, DVD based, lifestyle education program designed to empower participants to reverse and prevent Chronic Disease by lowering blood cholesterol levels and high blood pressure through an improved diet and making other lifestyle changes.

The holistic, intensive, hands-on program runs for 40 hours over a 30 day period, with a series of education sessions and practical workshops on topics ranging from medicine and science to spiritual growth and forgiveness.

OutcomesThe CHIP program was run twice in Stanthorpe involving 46 participants, who achieved significant improvement in their cardiovascular fitness and also their mental health. Total cholesterol was lowered an average of 10%, as was both weight and blood pressure.

AchievementsCHIP promotes and supports a close association between participants and their Physicians both during and after the program, and has established an Alumni Network for graduates that supports them to continue maintaining their healthier lifestyles.

Local non-health sector partnerships have been initiated to promote healthy eating. Two health food shops and a large vegetable grower have supported the pilot program with discounts and in-season produce.

To find out moreGo to www.chiphealth.org.au

AUSPICING ORG: Seventh Day Adventist Church

Southern Chapter TOTAL FUNDING: $15,300


PROJECT PRIORITY AREA: Integrated Health Promotion and/or Prevention

PROJECT PARTNERS: Stanthorpe Community Health

Stanthorpe Medical Centre Stanthorpe Seventh-day Adventist

(SDA) Church Rosella Farms

Go Vita (Warwick) Oh So Natural

PROJECT ACHIEVEMENTS:Improves client/patient outcomes

“This is not a slow and gentle

program for those who are looking

for incremental change. It’s for

people who are willing to make big

changes, because the alternative is

radical invasive surgery.”

“This program just pulls you along

with it ... there was never a session

that I didn’t want to go to. I’m

planning on helping out with the

next course.”

“Before CHIP, I was so exhausted,

sleeping every afternoon. Now I

have so much more energy, even

after my hip operation. I feel

great!”

BackgroundAfter a spike in average suicide rates on the Southern Downs for males aged 25-40, and young people in 2007, a broad community based Southern Downs Suicide Prevention Taskforce was established to address the issue through collaborative action.

The Taskforce applied to the Partnership Council initially for funding to train four Mental Health First Aid trainers from government and not-for-profit organisations (there were none in the region) and subsequently for funding to deliver low cost Mental Health First Aid course across the region.

OutcomesTo date, over 200 members of Southern Downs communities have completed the course and courses are continuing to be delivered as and when required.

Feedback from participants has confirmed that there is a better recognition of mental disorders in the community and increased acceptance of people with mental disorders. Suicide is slowly being de-stigmatised and negative attitudes towards people with mental health problems are disappearing.

AchievementsSheran Gleeson, the Project Coordinator and a Mental Health First Aid Trainer says, “Trainers have formed an informal network and are ready to deliver the course when and where a community or organisation requests it. Thanks to the Partnership Council, this training is now available, cost effectively, to members in the region”.

To find out moreTo access the Mental Health First Aid website go to www.mhfa.com.au

AUSPICING ORG: Southern Downs Suicide Prevention Taskforce


FUNDING SOURCE: CHIC PROJECT PRIORITY AREA:

Community Mental Health

PROJECT PARTNERS:Queensland Health

Department of the Environment, Economic Development & Innovation

Department of Sport & Recreation Local Government - Warwick,

Stanthorpe & Goondiwindi Queensland Country Women’s Assoc.

Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health

University of Southern Queensland RHealth

Ozcare Rotary Club

PROJECT ACHIEVEMENTS:Improves client/patient outcomesImproves consumer health related behavioursChanges the way consumers use health services (positively)Improves sustainability of service delivery post project fundingImproves relationship between service providers

“Mental illness is like an iceberg in

our communities. It’s all under the

surface. The MHFA course is a part

of the process of breaking down

the stigma and giving ordinary

people in the community the tools

and the confidence to be able to

help one another.”

Sheran Gleeson, Stanthorpe

Coronary Health Improvement Project (CHIP)A volunteer-led lifestyle-medicine approach to self-management

Southern Downs Suicide Prevention ProjectThe work of the Southern Downs Suicide Prevention Taskforce

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BackgroundInglewood is dealing with the same Chronic Diseases that larger communities face, and with no fitness centre, and no fitness related services or businesses in the town, residents were at a disadvantage when it comes to accessing advice and support to increase their activity levels.

To meet this need, the Inglewood Multipurpose Health Service developed and brought to Inglewood a ten week “Performance for Life” course, accessing Toowoomba-based health professionals including an Exercise Physiologist, a Sports Nutritionist and a Personal Trainer. Physical, nutritional, spiritual and social aspects were addressed in various formats including health talks, demonstrations, exercise programs, and motivational sessions. The plan was that once the course was delivered, participants would continue with the physical activities after the course left town.

OutcomesBelinda Markey, the Coordinator of the Healthy Ageing Program at the time says, “That 22 participants ranging in age from 23 to 83 attended the course and that the project improved their level of confidence to get involved with physical activity, changed their beliefs around exercise and proved suitable for a community without access to sophisticated equipment”.

A local support group was formed and many of the participants continued with the program after it ‘left town’.

AchievementsParticipants voiced their enthusiasm for change following the course, as they realised small change can bring big results over time.

To find out moreFor more information about the service centre, go to www.goondiwindi.net/alliedhealth.html

AUSPICING ORG: Inglewood Community Health Centre TOTAL FUNDING: $4,550



and/or Prevention

PROJECT PARTNERS: Ipswich 60 & Better Program Inc.

Inglewood Multipurpose Health Service

PROJECT ACHIEVEMENTS:Improves relationship between service providersImproves service coordination and integrationImproves consumer health related behaviours and integrationImproves client/patient outcomesImproves sustainability of service delivery post project funding

“It was a great experience, taught

me to have self-control. And not just

with exercising.”

“I thought the program was

fantastic, very informative and

motivating for our community.”

“There was something for everyone

– performance tips for middle-aged

long distance runners to people

living with Chronic Disease.”

If there’s one thing that stands out with all these 28 projects, it’s how interagency and cross-sector partnerships have generated worthwhile and sustainable outcomes for the community. Outcomes like physical infrastructure in a number of rural communities, ongoing networks in others and better self-management and healthier lifestyles for patients with Chronic Diseases right across the Toowoomba and Darling Downs region.

That’s not to say that every project went smoothly, or that there weren’t issues that had to be dealt with when traditionally independent services, be they private or public, ‘bumped’ up against each other in the day-to-day challenge of joined-up service delivery.

What stood out for me in my travels across the region, and in my interviews with all Project Officers, stakeholders and communities, was the clearly expressed sentiment that the benefits of working together far exceeded any challenges that were experienced, and that everyone was better off in the end.

Other collaborations, partnerships and networks have also developed in the region, outside of the Partnership Council. In 2010 the Council commissioned a small study to identify these networks. So to conclude this book, two of these non-PC funded networks are described on the following pages. They, together with all of the projects showcased in this book, represent our hope for the future of Health Care in this region.

Garry HansfordToowoomba and Darling Downs Primary Health Care Partnership Council SecretariatOctober 2011

Most of these projects would

never have got off the ground

had it not been for the

Partnership Council. A common

final comment from all projects

was ‘why does it have to end

here?’

Some final thoughts …The benefits of working together far exceed the challenges

Performance for LifeHealthy ageing the Inglewood way

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The Toowoomba Healthy Lifestyle Network began as a Heart Foundation initiative to bring together a reference group of health workers interested in enhancing community awareness and participation in physical activity, healthy eating and making healthy lifestyle choices.

It quickly developed into a broad network of over 15 groups and individuals that meet every month. Participating organisations include the Heart Foundation, Cancer Council Queensland, Queensland Health (Darling Downs Public Health Unit and Community Health), Toowoomba Regional Council, GP Connections (Healthy Lifestyle Program; Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Program and Community Support Worker), Department of Communities, Sport and Recreation, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health representative, University of Southern Queensland, Energise, an Allied Health Professional representative and Active After-School Communities.

The network has collaborated at ‘Pitstops’ and Health Checks within workplaces, at Farmfest 2010, Toowoomba Show 2011 and other community events. Members also worked together on the 10,000 Steps Toowoomba Workplace Challenge, with over 600 participants.

Members have developed good relationships and this has strengthened their own networks and contacts. They have supported each other in projects outside the specific projects of the network. While the network finishes as a project of the Heart Foundation in December 2011, members are keen to maintain the network.

Toowoomba Healthy Lifestyle Network Toowoomba Liquor Industry Action Group (LIAG)The Toowoomba Liquor Industry Action Group is designed to promote safety and amenity in and around licensed venues in Toowoomba City. The Group seeks to establish a climate of trust and cooperation between regulatory authorities and the local Liquor Industry.

Members include over 30 local licensees, Queensland Police Service, The Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation, Queensland Health, Toowoomba Regional Council, Queensland Fire and Rescue Service, Queensland Ambulance Service, Queensland Transport, registered security providers and the Taxi Industry.

Initiatives of the Toowoomba LIAG Think the Drink: A high school event educating students about the laws associated with being on a licensed premises, individual responsibilities and personal safety.Bans: Patrons who behave poorly in or around a licensed venue can be banned from 30 licensed venues in Toowoomba, for up to one year.Come on mate … pace yourself for a great night out: A social marketing campaign targeted at young men in licenced venues.No Drugs in Pubs: A campaign to stamp out drugs in licensed venues including posters and video images.Marshalled Taxi Ranks: Staffed by security personnel, very effective in reducing rank-rage and cutting taxi waiting times.Conflict Management: 37 managers and bar staff have been trained in effective conflict management.

Members have developed

good relationships and this

has strengthened their own

networks and contacts. They

have supported each other in

projects outside the specific

projects of the network.

This program was not funded by the Partnership Council but reflects the success of partnership and collaboration within a community.

This program was not funded by the Partnership Council but reflects the success of partnership and collaboration within a community.

Toowomba Liquor Accord: Set of industry best practice standards which members of the Accord agree to implement and uphold.

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Partnership Development for Primary Health CareHere is a summary of what we’ve learnt about partnerships over the last four years

What Makes Successful Partnerships Partnerships need to be relevant and useful, they need to achieve outcomes.Partners need to understand each other’s core business and be willing to work together.Good partnerships often rely on personal networks and personal relationships.Funded projects are the glue that holds relationships together to create and sustain lasting partnerships.Good partners bring drive, enthusiasm and a willingness to help others.“Show and tell” has its place. There is value in finding out what others are doing.Often a response to a definite need or crisis stimulates collaboration that was impossible to achieve before the crisis.

What Limits Partnerships“Talkfests” and commitment to regular meetings with limited outcomes reduces motivation.Busyness can prevent partners from seeing the opportunity or benefits of working together.There is a limit to how far groups and people will partner and share. Partnerships need to respect this and recognise the boundary between joint and individual priorities.Your project is not necessarily my project. Find the common ground.If you’re in a partnership, don’t work alone or do it all. Be willing to sacrifice some efficiency for the sake of the partnership.If people have a poor experience of collaboration they will be very wary of participating in further collaboration.

As a part of the Partnership Council’s evaluation process, Project Officers and stakeholders were asked to reflect on what makes successful partnerships and what limits partnerships. Here is a summary of what we have learnt.

a celebration of the work of the toowoomba & darling downs...

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