HNECC PHN Partnerships and Engagement Team — Australian Leadership Academy

Hunter New England Central Coast
primary health network

partnerships and engagement team

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 Executive Leadership Program aimed at strengthening the capability, cohesion, and strategic influence of its senior leadership team.

Central to ALA’s approach was the dynamic agenda-setting process, through which executive leaders identified their most pressing adaptive challenges and key priorities. This ensured the program was grounded in real-time needs and directly relevant to the team’s strategic context.

The program focused on cultivating values-based leadership, building high-performing teams, and embedding the behaviours essential to trust, accountability, and shared commitment. Through interactive leadership development, peer feedback, and reflective practice, the team enhanced self-awareness, strengthened its ability to lead through adaptive challenges, and developed a collective focus for ongoing organisational success.

partnerships and engagement team
Program Feedback (c)

ALA’s leadership program was motivational and challenging?

98% strongly Agree

ALA’s approach supported the needs of the Partnerships and Engagement Team?

96% strongly Agree

Partnerships and Engagement Team actively participated in the program?

98% strongly Agree

ALA’s leadership facilitator was
credible and effective?

100% strongly Agree

“the importance to work as a collective, engage in lively robust meetings, reflecting regularly and seeking feedback”

Sydney Cruikshank
Professional Development Officer

“I thought it was excellent.
Active and entertaining.
The session pack was supportive and informative and the information
was engaging.”

Michael Pope
Executive Manager Populations, Access and Performance

To what extent would you recommend the Australian Leadership Academy?

96% highly recommend (6)

Program outcomes

Clarity and Alignment
Established a shared understanding of the Executive Team’s current state and a unified team vision for future direction.
Values-Driven Leadership
Reinforced core organisational values as the foundation for strategic focus, decision-making, and leading meaningful change.
Accountability and Growth
Fostered individual and collective ownership of leadership gaps, promoting a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Stronger Team Dynamics
Strengthened relationships and collaboration through a renewed commitment to trust, communication, and mutual support.
Sustainable Leadership Development
Laid the groundwork for the ongoing development of PHN people leaders to ensure their long-term effectiveness and organisational impact.
Engagement and Connection
Embraced a leadership mindset grounded in engagement, challenge, support, and relationship-building—key to driving collective success.