Hunter New England Central Coast
primary health network

primary care workforce and development portfolio team
High-Performance team 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 High-Performance Team Program to support the ongoing professional development of the Primary Care Workforce and Development Portfolio Team.

Delivered in Newcastle, NSW, the program focused on personal responsibility and accountability, strengthening relationships, and building a collective commitment to a high-performing team culture. It also introduced practical frameworks, including peer feedback, to enhance communication and support individual and team growth.

A distinctive feature of the program was ALA’s agenda-setting process, which empowered the team to identify and explore their most pressing adaptive challenges. This approach ensured the learning objectives were directly relevant to the real-world needs and contexts of the Primary Care Workforce and Development Portfolio Team.

Commitment to a high-performing team culture was further reinforced through the development of a collective team vision. The team also aligned around a shared framework grounded in vulnerability-based trust, healthy conflict, commitment, accountability, and collective results. Overall, the program supported the team to progress with clarity and confidence, contributing to a cohesive, future-focused team committed to the ongoing success of the organisation.

HNECC PHN
Primary Care Workforce and Development Portfolio Team

 primary care workforce
and
development portfolio team
Program Feedback

ALA’s leadership program was
motivational and challenging?

100% strongly Agree

ALA’s approach supported the needs of the Primary Care Workforce and Development Portfolio Team?

96% strongly Agree

Th e Primary Care Workforce
and Development Portfolio Team actively participated in the program?

100% strongly Agree

ALA’s leadership facilitator was
credible and effective?

100% strongly Agree

 “engaging, thought provoking on a personal and professional level”

Amy Callinan
Primary Care Improvement Officer

 “thank you…
excellent workshop, engaging and created
a safe space”

Sarah Hoolihan
Primary Care Improvement Officer

 “thank you for disarming us from the beginNing…
it was completely different to my expectations”

Bonnie Finch
Primary Care Improvement Officer

Program outcomes:

To what extent would you recommend the Australian Leadership Academy?

99% highly recommend

  • Shared Ownership and Accountability

    The team developed a collective commitment to working above the line, recognising below-the-line behaviours, taking responsibility for impact, and responding constructively to challenges

  • Values, Vision, and Direction

    The team clarified shared values and co-created a clear team vision, building alignment around priorities, expectations, and a common direction for the future.

  • Vulnerability-Based Trust and Healthy Conflict

    The program strengthened trust through openness, honesty, and respectful challenge, enabling healthy conflict, deeper dialogue, and stronger relationships across the team.

  • Constructive Communication and Feedback

    Team members enhanced their ability to listen to understand, assume good intent, seek and provide feedback, and address issues directly to support learning and performance.

  • Commitment to Collective Results and Future Success

    The team aligned around accountability, collaboration, and shared outcomes, reinforcing a strong commitment to sustained team effectiveness and the long-term success of the organisation.

“The importance of leading with personal responsibility…
great work and a great day”

John Bailie
Executive Manager, Primary Care Improvement

 Australian leadership academy clients