Hunter New England Central Coast
primary health network
commissioning team and contracts team
leading with effective relationships program
OrganisationAL Profile
Hunter New England Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN) is one of 31 PHN’s established by the Australian Government to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of primary health care services.
Covering a diverse region that spans urban, regional, and remote communities, from the Central Coast to the New England Tablelands, HNECC PHN works to improve health outcomes by supporting local health professionals and strengthening service integration.
With a strong focus on community needs, collaboration, and innovation, HNECC PHN partners with healthcare providers, community organisations, and all levels of government to deliver equitable, person-centred care across the region.
Its work is grounded in evidence, driven by data, and committed to ensuring all people have access to the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
HNECC PHN engaged the Australian Leadership Academy (ALA) to design and deliver a bespoke Leadership and Effective Relationships Program to support the ongoing professional development of the Commissioned Services Team and Contracts Team.
Delivered in Newcastle, NSW, the program focused on leading with personal responsibility and accountability, deepening self-awareness, and strengthening relationships. It also introduced practical frameworks, including Leading High-Performance Conversations, to enhance communication, influence, and accountability in everyday interactions.
A defining feature of the program was ALA’s agenda-setting methodology, which enabled the teams to surface critical adaptive challenges and future priorities. As a result, the Commissioned Services Team and Contracts Team strengthened alignment, collaboration, and overall effectiveness, enhancing their capacity to navigate complexity and deliver impact.
HNECC PHN
Commissioning Team and
Contracts Team
commissioning team and contracts team
Program Feedback
ALA’s leadership program was
motivational and challenging?
95% strongly Agree
ALA’s approach supported the needs of the Commissioning Team and
Contracts Team?
95% strongly Agree
The Commissioning Team and
Contracts Team actively participated
in the program?
96% strongly Agree
ALA’s leadership facilitator was
credible and effective?
97% strongly Agree
“the facilitator was
knowledgeable
and skilled…
He always had useful suggestions to move past a barrier.
Emma Dhyon
Primary Care Practice Liaison Officer
““Thank you!
Very engaging and refreshing…
left me feeling invigorated”
Billi McGrath
Coordinator, Commissioning Team
Program outcomes:
To what extent would you recommend the Australian Leadership Academy?
96% highly recommend
Personal Responsibility and Accountability
The team committed to taking personal responsibility and accountability, acting with self-awareness by modelling above-the-line behaviours to strengthen cohesion and create a positive impact.
Coaching Capability and Growth
The program supported the team to develop their leadership practice by applying a coaching mindset, active listening, asking powerful questions, and engaging in developmental conversations to increase influence and effectiveness in everyday interactions.
Team Performance
The team worked together to embed consistent ways of working, support one another’s growth, and apply insights to enhance cohesion, communication, decision-making, and overall performance.
High-Performance Conversations
The team aligned around the application of a high-performance conversation framework, working assertively with colleagues and service providers, and strengthening leadership, influence, and capability across the organisation.
Embedding for Future Organisational Impact
The team committed to integrating coaching and feedback practices, reinforcing program learnings, strengthening collaboration, sustaining a high-performing team culture, and achieving long-term organisational outcomes.
“wonderful day…
very engaging”
Ashlee O’Reilly
Contracts and Procurement Officer
“great session…
having a framework to support uncomfortable conversations”
Francesca Graves
Primary Care Commissioning Team
“amazing program, content was pitched perfectly and practically applicable.”
Amanda Martin
Manager, Commissioning Development
