Conversations on the Couch
Each year MPHN looks at the various sources of information available about the health of the region including data and feedback from the community. Often we know what data is telling us about the health needs of the Murrumbidgee but it’s important to also know and understand what local people are actually experiencing. The Conversations on the Couch initiative allows for this to occur, whereby staff from MPHN visit several towns with a population greater than 1,000 in the Murrumbidgee. This drop-in session allows community members to voice their concerns about local health and health service issues or challenges. The aim is to gain community views on what locals think can improve health.
On the day you will have an opportunity to speak with an MPHN staff member about health matters or experiences important to you and your community. There is no set agenda or questions we are seeking feedback on - the conversation is led by you.
Conversations on the Couch is an activity as part of MPHN’s HNA Community Feedback. All feedback is collated and used to guide MPHN’s Health Needs Assessment, which helps determine any gaps in services and initiatives.
For more information click the links below:
2024 Schedule
Temora – Friday 12 April 2024 10am-12pm - Espresso House Temora, 210 Hoskins Street, Temora,
Berrigan – Wednesday 1 May 2024 10.30am-12.30pm - Berrigan Bakehouse, 47 Chanter Street, Berrigan
Deniliquin – Thursday 2 May 2024 10am-12pm - Josh’s Bakehouse, 327 George St, Deniliquin
Jerilderie – Friday 3 May 2024 10am-12pm - Jerilderie Bakery, 57 Jerilderie St, Jerilderie
Wagga Wagga, Fitzmaurice Street – Thursday 30 May 2024 9.30am-12.00pm
Wagga Wagga, Marketplace – Thursday 30 May 2024 1.00pm-4.00pm
Coolamon – Friday 31 May 2024 10am-12pm, Coolamon Cheese Co, 87 Cowabbie Street, Coolamon.
Griffith Yarns on the Couch – Monday 3 June 10am-12pm - Griffith Local Aboriginal Land Council, 5 Wiradjuri Place, Griffith
Griffith – Tuesday 4 June 2024 9.30am-11.30am
Griffith – Tuesday 4 June 2024 1.00pm-3.30pm
West Wyalong Yarns on the Couch – Monday 8 July 2024 10am-12pm - West Wyalong Local Aboriginal Land Council, 76-78 Main Street, West Wyalong
Narrandera – Tuesday 23 July 2024 10am-12pm
Leeton – Tuesday 30 July 2024 10am-12pm
Tumut – Friday 23 August 10am-12pm
West Wyalong – Friday 30 August 10am-12pm
Past Conversations on the Couch
In late September and early October 2019, MPHN took to the road and travelled around 1,750 kilometres and spent around 16 hours listening to people in the communities of Cootamundra, Temora, Tumut, Holbrook, Corowa, Barham, Leeton and Narrandera.
During the eight coffee and chat sessions, a total of 60 people provided MPHN with some very valuable insights into issues in their communities. Much of the conversations focused on mental health issues related to the current drought, a lack of awareness of how and what services should be accessed. Other health issues raised include dementia, palliative care, issues of drug and alcohol use, prenatal care and disability services. General practitioner shortages were again raised along with a lack of visiting specialists in some locations.
