Network Story: Mount Gambier MHPN
How and why the network was reinvigorated
Having met regularly from 2014 to 2017, the Mount Gambier Network was reinvigorated in 2024 when Tracey Wanganeen took on the volunteer role of Network Coordinator. This was after she started as Manager of the Mount Gambier Head to Health service, with FocusOne Health.
Having previously worked across country South Australia and participated in various Mental Health Professionals’ Networks, Tracey recognised how Networks can help create connections that support practitioners.
“The networks I had been a part of were beneficial in connecting with the supports available in each region,” Tracey explains, highlighting her motivation to encourage similar connections in Mount Gambier.
Tracey’s role as Coordinator extends beyond logistics; it involves actively listening to network members and understanding their goals for attending. This keen engagement has led to dynamic discussions on topics that are relevant to the Mount Gambier practitioner community.
Activity in 2024
A key milestones for the Network was an impressive turnout for the first meeting in February 2024, where the group made decisions about what they wanted to achieve together.
Pleasingly, the majority of those initial attendees returned for the rest of the year’s meetings, with new members also joining throughout the year.
May featured a discussion about trauma-informed care, facilitated by practitioners with relevant expertise. August and November featured presentations from local services aimed at increasing practitioners knowledge of the local mental health landscape
Across the year, around 15 practitioners attended each meeting. A group of this size has the opportunity for active engagement in discussions and to participate in valuable interdisciplinary networking.
Network achievements
The Mt Gambier Network has not only brought together health professionals from both private practice and non-government organisations but has also established a space for networking and identifying referral pathways to meet specific community needs.
“The Network has provided a valuable platform for practitioners to connect and share resources,” Tracey says, highlighting its impact on the Mount Gambier community.
