Rodney Stevens

Monika Wheeler has been appointed the new Chief Executive of Healthy North Coast, taking the reins from Julie Sturgess of the organisation that delivers the Australian government’s Primary Health Network on the North Coast.

Across Australia there are 31 Primary Health Network regions which are funded through grants, dependant on their performance, to coordinate primary health care in their region.

Primary health care is the first point of contact an individual has with the health system and relates to the treatment of non-admitted patients in the community.

Ms Wheeler brings 20 years of experience working in primary healthcare and social policy across the local, state, and national levels of government and the not-for-profit sector for Healthy North Coast, the NSW Ministry of Health, as a Policy Adviser to Australian Government Minister Tanya Plibersek MP, and with the United Nations.

Born and schooled in Lismore, Ms Wheeler said she is looking forward to working with the Board, staff, GPs, nurses, allied health professionals, Aboriginal medical services, local health districts and other key stakeholders to improve health outcomes for North Coast communities.

“Our region has sustained huge pressure, particularly in the last four years, with multiple natural disasters and COVID,” she said.

“Our primary care workforce has risen to the challenge of supporting our communities.

“Service providers have worked tirelessly to keep people healthy in the community and, where possible, to avoid the need for hospital care.”

Ms Wheeler said part of the challenge was the North Coast’s ageing population was expected to grow.

“Nearly one in three North Coast residents is expected to be 65 years or older in the next ten years – twice the NSW and national averages,” she said.

“We must create a future-ready health system that is able to meet this growing demand.

“We need to make health services easier to access, empower the community to make healthier lifestyle choices and reduce the burden of chronic illness.

“Healthy North Coast is well-placed to drive these changes in collaboration with GPs, allied health professionals and other stakeholders.

“I look forward to building on the achievements of recent years and to supporting the next phase of our strategic focus.”

Dr Adrian Gilliland, Independent Chair of Healthy North Coast, said the Board was delighted with the decision and opportunity to make this announcement before the end of the year.

He thanked former chief executive for her passionate leadership and Ms Wheeler for her work in the role since Julie Sturgess’ departure in September.

“Monika has spent almost ten years at Healthy North Coast, the last four as the Executive Director for Wellness,” he said.

“Her appointment to Chief Executive will undoubtedly further strengthen the organisation’s position as a leader in regional primary health.”

Dr Gilliland acknowledged Primary Health Care was at a critical juncture.

“A growing ageing population is increasing the demand placed on our healthcare system and workforce,” he said.

“The impact of climate change on our health and wellbeing is and will continue to be experienced locally.

“And the slower uptake of digital connectivity in the health sector has held us back in advancing a connected health system experience.

‘We need to remain focused on preventative and primary care — every dollar spent in primary and preventative health is worth two dollars in hospital services for long-term health outcomes.”