Our workforce and achievements
Our workforce
We have a highly skilled and dedicated workforce, committed to improving the health of our communities.
In 2025, we have a workforce of 7,350 people including 6,042 full time equivalent (FTE) staff and 542 (8.2%) who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (count on June 30 2025, Ministry of Health workforce dashboard plus average number of Visiting Medical Officers).
While our District continues to engage agency staff to support service delivery, we have made significant progress in reducing this reliance through innovative workforce strategies and will continue to build on this work.
Our Aboriginal Health workforce has grown in recent years, however further progress is needed to reach our target of 14.5%, which reflects the proportion of Aboriginal people in our population.
We recognise and value the role that over 500 volunteers play in supporting us to provide quality health care and improve the health outcomes for our communities. Volunteers are involved in many aspects of our hospitals and community health services, providing key support functions.
The below graph shows a breakdown of our workforce in 2025, by role type.
Our Achievements 2020-2025
As our 2020-2025 Strategic Plan concludes, we reflect on a decade of progress, innovation and adaptation across Western NSW. The District has actively embraced opportunities, innovations and partnerships to improve health care services, underpinned by community engagement, patient feedback and the dedication of a committed and highly capable workforce. The following examples highlight key achievements against our 2020–2025 priorities.
Reduction in long-term health risks, including a 32% reduction in adult smoking and 32% reduction in cardiovascular disease death rates.
Maintained high immunisation coverage, for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children at 5 years (>95%).
Increased Aboriginal workforce participation and new employment pathways, first LHD to have an Aboriginal-specific Employee Assistance Program and identified Aboriginal Breast Screen position.
Locally led initiatives such as the Aboriginal Yarning Project, COVID-19 response and Welcome Baby to Bourke program strengthened community connection and care, supported by Aboriginal art, signage, Acknowledgement of Country protocols and culturally safe facilities.
Expanded cancer, mental health, and drug and alcohol services, improving access to specialist care closer to home.
Completed major health facility redevelopments at Parkes, Forbes, Molong, Dubbo and Mudgee.
22 new clinical trials in Western NSW LHD since 2020, expanding into 11 new therapeutic areas, and engaging 70+ staff in research.
Expanded the use of virtual health, enabling people in rural and remote communities to access specialist care without needing to travel.
Introduced innovative outreach services, including a mobile CT imaging van and the HARP van providing hepatitis care in small towns.
Alongside these outcomes, there has been significant progress in the systems that enable safe, high-quality care.
We have strengthened workforce development, resource management, and digital infrastructure, enhancing our ability to deliver care that is coordinated, sustainable, and accessible across Western NSW.
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