A strong and empowered workforce
We are committed to building, supporting, and sustaining a strong, diverse, and adaptable workforce that reflects our communities and is empowered to deliver high-quality care, now and into the future.
Why this matters
Our workforce is the foundation of health care in Western NSW. Attracting, growing, and retaining staff is critical to meeting the needs of rural and remote communities, where recruitment and retention challenges are often significant.
By creating strong local career pathways, investing in training and development, and supporting our staff to thrive, we build a workforce that is proud to work here and prepared for the future. A strong workforce also means embedding a culture of inclusivity, respect, and wellbeing, so every staff member feels valued and able to deliver their best.
What we will do
Promote our region as a great place to work and live by expanding international and regional pathways. Attract and retain a skilled workforce by streamlining recruitment processes, intentionally growing our Aboriginal workforce, and building a team that reflects the diversity of our communities and adapts to evolving health needs.
Invest in education, training, and scholarship opportunities that grow a local workforce for local care. Strengthen partnerships with schools, universities, and training providers to create clear career pathways that attract and retains talent in our region.
Provide access to high-quality training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities that empower staff to expand their skills and deliver to their full potential. Embed career progression pathways and cultivate an environment where continuous growth is valued and supported.
Build workplaces that attract, retain and support all staff to grow with us. Offer meaningful incentives, support and recognition, provide flexible staffing models, and strengthen opportunities for staff and their families to connect with local communities.
Develop inclusive and accountable leadership that empowers staff to feel engaged, valued and supported in their workplace. Embed a culture of kindness, respect and safety to position Western NSW LHD as an employer of choice that prioritises staff wellbeing and engagement.
Use evidence-based workforce planning to identify gaps and opportunities such as shared workforce models. Adapt staffing models to changing models of care and build workforce agility. Equip staff with future-ready skills and foster innovation in care delivery.
Equip staff with skills, resources, and a mindset to embrace digital tools, data-driven decision-making, research, and continuous service improvement, while supporting them throughout the change process.
Create opportunities for staff to participate in research and innovation as part of their roles, building capability and strengthening Western NSW as a place where people want to work, learn and stay.
What success will look like
- More staff choosing to live and work in Western NSW, supported by faster, more consistent recruitment processes and strong local training and employment pathways.
- Growth in our Aboriginal workforce and greater workforce diversity across all professions and leadership levels, reflecting the communities we serve.
- Staff feel supported to reach their full potential through equitable access to structured development, mentorship, and career progression opportunities.
- Improved staff wellbeing, engagement and retention, with measurable gains in staff satisfaction and reduced turnover.
- Leaders who are accountable, supportive, and foster cultures of kindness, innovation, and adaptability.
- Workforce planning is consistent and data driven, enabling better forecasting and ensuring the right skills are in the right places to meet community needs into the future.
- Improved cultural safety across all services.
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