The future of healthcare in Eden is set to focus on improving service coordination, strengthening community wellbeing, and reducing barriers to care, with three priorities identified at a planning workshop held in Eden on 21 November.

The Collaborative Care Project, supported by NSW Health and led locally by Rural Doctors Network (RDN) in partnership with local stakeholders, has identified the most important needs for the Eden community following extensive consultation.

The first priority is improving how health services work together, including exploring opportunities for co‑location and expanding local Aboriginal health services to create easier, culturally safe pathways to care.

The second priority is supporting prevention and community wellbeing by helping people understand their health, make informed choices, and access community‑led programs that focus on staying healthy and getting help early.

The third priority is finding solutions to transport barriers so people can reach timely, affordable and culturally appropriate healthcare, including better transport options, telehealth, and services delivered closer to home.

These priorities emerged from a community survey, along with in‑depth interviews with local health professionals and service providers.

Local partners - including Southern NSW PHN Coordinaire, Eden Aboriginal Lands Council, Southern NSW Local Health District, NSW Ambulance, RDN, and Bega Valley Shire Council - will now work together to develop solutions.

More information on the project can be found online at https://collaborativecare.au/eden