Category: HCCWA Blog

HCCWA congratulates consumer leader Michael Elwan on national mental health honour

Posted on October 15, 2026

Congratulations to Michael Elwan on being awarded the 2026 Australian Mental Health Prize (Lived Experience category) in recognition of his leadership, advocacy and contribution to mental health reform.

Michael is a respected lived experience advocate in WA whose work continues to strengthen mental health services, policy and community understanding. The Australian Mental Health Prize recognised his significant contribution to mental health advocacy and support, alongside other national leaders in research, clinical practice and community action.

HCCWA’s CEO Clare Mullen has the privilege of working alongside Michael through the Sustainable Health Review Recommendation 4 Steering Group, where he has brought thoughtful leadership, deep insight and a strong commitment to ensuring consumer and carer voices are at the centre of health system improvement, with a particular focus on ensuring the perspectives of multicultural communities are sought and considered. 

Michael’s national recognition is a reminder of the vital role lived experience leadership plays in creating more responsive, compassionate and effective health services.

Congratulations Michael on this well-deserved recognition.

If you know of others in our community of health consumer leaders and representatives who have been recognised for their contributions, please send them through to engagement@hconc.org.au

Carers Week and Mental Health month 2026

Posted on October 15, 2026

October is a month when we highlight the role that family and other unpaid carers play in our community by marking Carers Week. The theme in 2026 is: “Care for a carer: Making carers visible”.

It’s also the month we highlight mental health – and the needs and interests of people impacted by mental health conditions. The global theme for this in 2026 is: “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change”.

Health Consumers’ Council WA was set up to represent consumer and community interests and elevate and champion their lived experiences. The consumers in our name include patients, carers, family members, community members, and people with a wide range of lived experiences – across all areas of health, including physical and mental health.

These posts from Clara Deans – an experienced health consumer leader from WA – give voice to many of the issues relating to the themes of both these events on the theme of the invisible economy of care.

To everyone – like Clara – in a caring role, HCCWA sees you and will continue doing what we can to elevate and champion your voices.

And likewise to everyone who shares their lived experiences for the good of the broader community – thank you for your work, thank you for your courage, thank you for your strength.

Clare Mullen, CEO

Consumers influencing change nationally

Posted on October 15, 2026

The team has been busy gathering and sharing consumer perspectives to influence national decision making:

National safety and quality health service standards

The HCCWA submission to the Australian Commission for Safety and Quality in Health Care included the opportunity to ensure the role of consumer leaders is strengthened, as well as the role that standards have in ensuring healthcare is culturally safe and free of discrimination and bias. The submission was informed by workshops with health consumers, consumer representatives and leaders, and the HCCWA individual advocacy team.

Read the submission: https://www.hconc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/260925_HCCWA-3rd-Edition-Submission-Final.pdf

Select Committee on Women’s Health

The HCCWA submission to the Federal Inquiry into women’s health featured case studies of two women’s health issues – harm from medical devices and healthcare options for women who have experienced Female Genital Mutilation. The submission called for investment into health consumer voices to ensure that findings from the Inquiry can be co-designed with the people who experience health and healthcare. The submission was informed by in-depth discussions with women impacted by these issues and from HCCWA’s individual advocacy data.

Read the submission: https://www.hconc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/260925_HCCWA-3rd-Edition-Submission-Final.pdf

Federal Inquiry into access to and affordability of medical specialists

The HCCWA submission to the Federal Inquiry into access to and affordability of medical specialists reiterated points in our earlier related submission on modernising referral pathways:

  • that commercial interests should be made visible to consumers to enable fully informed decisions
  • that better information should be made available to consumers and GPs at the point of referral
  • that information about costs of procedures should include all costs and reduce the admin burden on consumers who have to speak to multiple services to understand their costs for the one treatment (i.e. surgeon *plus* hospital *plus* anaesthetist)

The submission was informed by HCCWA’s individual advocacy data and feedback from WA health consumers through a survey.

Read the submission: https://www.hconc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/260305-modernising-referral-pathways-response-as-submitted.pdf

 

Carers Week: being seen must mean being heard

Posted on October 15, 2026

Carers deserve recognition.

They also deserve healthcare that listens to them, respects their contribution and considers their needs.

National Carers Week runs from 11 to 17 October 2026. This year’s theme, “Care for a Carer: Making Carers Visible”, asks us to recognise and support unpaid carers in our communities.

In her article, “When I Became a Carer, I Did Not Expect to Become Invisible”, Clara Deans reflects on how caring can change a person’s life, priorities and sense of identity. Her account asks us to consider the person doing the caring, alongside the care they provide.

For Health Consumers’ Council WA, this raises a question: what should recognising carers look like in everyday healthcare?

It should mean asking what support a carer needs. Listening to their knowledge and concerns. Checking what they can realistically manage before planning care at home.

It should mean involving carers in ways that respect the choices, privacy and independence of the person receiving care.

Recognition already has a place in WA’s healthcare framework. The Western Australian Carers Charter says carers must receive respectful treatment and be included in services that affect their caring role. Their views and needs must be considered alongside those of the person receiving care.

We want those principles to shape everyday experiences. Before someone leaves hospital, ask whether their carer has the information and support they need. When a carer raises a concern, listen and respond. When designing services, make room for both consumer and carer perspectives.

We should also ask carers about their own health and wellbeing, and what would help them maintain a life beyond caring.

A fairer healthcare system should support people receiving care and the people who care for them.

Read Clara Deans’ article on LinkedIn.

Find information about carers’ rights through Carers WA.

CRM, Membership and Digital Engagement Officer | Perth | HCCWA

Posted on October 15, 2026

We’re hiring: CRM, Membership and Digital Engagement Officer

Use your data, systems and digital communication skills to help make healthcare fairer for Western Australians.

Health Consumers’ Council WA (HCCWA) is looking for a CRM, Membership and Digital Engagement Officer to strengthen our membership administration, improve our data and support our digital communications.

If you enjoy bringing order to information, helping colleagues use systems confidently and turning data into practical improvements, we’d like to hear from you.

Location: Mount Lawley, Perth WA
Hours: Full time
Salary: $72,852 to $91,065 per year
Applications close: 8am AWST, Monday 26 October 2026

Apply through SEEK: https://au.seek.com/job/95233288

About the role

JOB DESCRIPTION

Accurate information and effective communication help us connect with the people and communities behind our work.

In this varied, hands-on role, you will help maintain reliable records, coordinate member communications and understand how people engage with HCCWA.

Reporting to the Operations and Impact Manager, and working with key organisational leads, you will:

Manage our CRM and improve data quality
Administer Microsoft Dynamics 365, resolve duplicate or incomplete records, and establish clear data-entry standards. You will also lead data cleansing and preparation for our new CRM, supporting configuration, testing and issue resolution.

Support our members
Coordinate membership administration, maintain records and organise member communications.

Coordinate digital communications
Maintain and segment email distribution lists, and support the delivery of approved newsletters and digital campaigns.

Turn data into practical insights
Monitor membership and engagement data, produce reports and recommend improvements.

Help colleagues use systems confidently
Provide practical CRM training and support, and help streamline information management across CRM, SharePoint and Teams.

What you’ll bring

We’re looking for someone with experience in CRM, database or membership administration, strong analytical skills and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

You will also bring:

Experience maintaining data quality and developing clear processes and standards.

Strong organisation, accuracy and attention to detail, with the ability to manage competing priorities and work with limited supervision.

Experience using email marketing or digital communication platforms, including managing distribution lists and coordinating campaigns.

The ability to identify trends in engagement data and translate findings into practical recommendations.

Clear written and verbal communication skills, and confidence supporting colleagues with different levels of technical experience.

The ability to build productive relationships and handle membership and stakeholder information confidentially and responsibly.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 experience is highly regarded. We will also consider applicants who can demonstrate their ability to learn CRM and digital communication systems quickly.

Knowledge of data governance and privacy, or a relevant qualification, would be an advantage.

Why join HCCWA?

Your skills will support an independent, community-based organisation that champions the rights and voices of WA health consumers.

Since 1994, HCCWA has represented consumers in health policy, planning, research and service delivery. We provide individual advocacy and work to ensure diverse lived experiences inform improvements in health and healthcare.

We offer a collaborative working environment guided by equity, inclusion, compassion, courage, care and integrity, alongside flexible work, professional development, salary packaging and other employee benefits.

How to apply

Visit the SEEK advertisement and select Quick Apply.

See the JOB DESCRIPTION.

Please submit your current résumé, no longer than four pages, and a cover letter, no longer than two pages, explaining your interest in the role and how your experience meets the key requirements.

Apply through SEEK: https://au.seek.com/job/95233288

Applications close at 8am AWST on Monday 26 October 2026.

For enquiries, contact Mala Naidoo, Executive Officer Governance and Operations, at mala.naidoo@hconc.org.au.

The successful applicant must have the right to work in Australia and hold, or be able to obtain, a National Police Clearance and Working with Children Check.

HCCWA values equity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, identities and lived experiences.

Free Health Passport: helping you prepare for healthcare appointments

Posted on October 13, 2026

Sharing important information at a healthcare appointment can be difficult if you are not confident communicating in English or need communication support.

HCCWA’s free Health Passport is a practical tool designed to help you share key information with healthcare staff and feel more prepared for your appointment.

Who is it for?

The Health Passport is designed for people from non-English speaking backgrounds, particularly those who are not yet confident reading or writing in English. It can also help people who need communication support, such as an Auslan interpreter.

How to use it

Complete the Health Passport before your appointment. You can ask a family member, carer, community worker or service provider to help.

Bring your completed passport to your appointment and share it with healthcare staff. It gives them key information at a glance and may reduce the need to answer the same questions repeatedly.

Supporting more inclusive care

At HCCWA, we want everyone to feel heard, respected and supported when accessing healthcare. The Health Passport aims to make it easier to communicate your needs and help health services provide person-centred care.

Download your free HCCWA Health Passport

Please share this resource with your community, clients, colleagues and anyone who may find it useful.

We also welcome feedback from people using the passport and healthcare providers to help us improve the resource.

Upcoming training and events

Join our eNews and let’s make healthcare fair for all!

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EOI – nominations for Health Consumers’ Council WA Board

Posted on September 29, 2026

Help lead the movement for a fairer health system and better health outcomes for all

Health Consumers’ Council WA was established in 1994 as the state’s peak body for all health consumers – patients, clients, service users, carers, community – to provide a voice for the community on all aspects of health.

Our role is to amplify and champion the voices of WA health consumers to drive positive outcomes in health and healthcare. At this time of high demand for healthcare, and significant reform in health and social services, our work to ensure that consumer and community voices shape and influence decisions has never been more important.

Join our Board – about the role

HCCWA is an Association and a registered charity – led by a Board (Management Committee) of individual consumers and community members. We have three vacancies for new Board members due to people reaching the end of their term of service, and one person stepping down due to work commitments.

As an organisation representing the interests of all WA health consumers, and with a focus on addressing health inequities, we are seeking suitably qualified Board members who reflect the diversity of the WA community.

Nominees should also have an understanding and ability to contribute to the good governance of a consumer-led health advocacy charity including some or all of these areas of experience or expertise:

  • Governance understanding
  • Financial literacy
  • Strategic thinking
  • Risk awareness
  • Lived experience, representation and advocacy
  • Governance leadership
  • Financial expertise
  • Legal expertise
  • Health system expertise
  • Consumer and community engagement
  • Government relations and policy
  • Funding and partnerships
  • Communications and media
  • Digital, privacy and cybersecurity
  • Not for profit and charity sector knowledge

We are particularly keen to receive nominations from people with financial expertise, legal expertise, or digital/privacy and cybersecurity expertise.

Board member eligibility criteria

To be eligible to be a Board member a nominee needs to:

  • Be an individual over 18 years of age
  • Not be disqualified under the Associations Incorporation Act 2015 (WA) (s.39)
  • Not be undischarged bankrupt or under insolvency administration
  • Not have been convicted of a serious offence (in the past 5 years for indictable offences, or 2 years for summary offences
  • Be a member of the association or be willing to become a member. You can find more information about membership at https://www.hconc.org.au/provider/join-us/

You can find out more about the responsibilities of Board members at the website of the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commision: https://www.acnc.gov.au/tools/factsheets/responsible-people-board-or-committee-members

HCCWA Board members also need to agree to the objectives of Health Consumers’ Council WA, which are to:

  1. Provide information to Consumers to assist them to obtain health care appropriate to their needs
  2. Provide advocacy for Consumers experiencing problems with the health system, particularly the vulnerable and or disadvantaged
  3. Educate Consumers about the health system in Western Australia and new/changing health issues in general
  4. Provide training and support for Consumers to assist them to influence changes in the health system to the benefit of the community
  5. Maximise Consumer participation in decision making in the health system of Western Australia.

Find out more

To find out more about HCCWA, and these roles on the Board, we held an information session on 5 October.

Submit your expression of interest to nominate for the HCCWA Board by 14 October

The process for nominations is:

  • Submit your EOI for nomination by 8am Wednesday 14 October
  • Nominations will be considered by the HCCWA Board and assessed against what is required for the needs of the committee for its good governance (as per the HCCWA Rules)
  • Interviews and reference checks may take place before nominations are confirmed by the Board
  • Confirmed nominees will be presented for election at HCCWA’s AGM (Thu 3 December)
  • If there are more confirmed nominees than vacancies, an election will be held during the AGM
  • Elected Board members are appointed for an initial period of three years, with the option to renominate for a further three years at the end of this first term.

If you have questions about this, please contact Clare Mullen, Chief Executive at ceo@hconc.org.au

World Patient Safety Day 2026: Patients are partners in safe care

Posted on September 17, 2026

Patients live with their conditions every day, safe care should value what they experience.

World Patient Safety Day is held on 17 September each year. In 2026, the global theme is “Safe care for noncommunicable diseases”, with the slogan “Safe care for life!”

Noncommunicable diseases are long-term conditions such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory disease.

While healthcare consumers may see healthcare professionals for appointments, tests or treatment, it is the consumer who lives with their condition 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. That experience gives patients and families intimate knowledge that healthcare services need to listen to.

Patients bring essential knowledge to safe care

People living with long-term conditions often become experts in their own condition and experience. It’s not surprising, they know what is normal for them, they know how their condition affects their daily life, they know what treatments they have tried, what has worked, and what has not.

They may also notice subtle changes before those changes are visible during an appointment.

Families and carers can hold important knowledge too. They may help someone manage care, notice changes, communicate their needs or understand information.

This knowledge does not replace clinical expertise, it adds dimension to it.

Health professionals bring clinical knowledge and experience. Patients and families bring lived knowledge developed through managing a condition every day. Safe care needs both.

Partnership makes care safer

The World Health Organisation says people living with noncommunicable diseases must be partners in safe care. This means involving people meaningfully in decisions, learning from lived experience and providing information they can understand.

Partnership with healthcare professionals and services should look like:

  • Listening and curiosity when a person says something has changed.
  • Respect that people know about their own bodies and conditions.
  • Explain diagnoses, medicines, risks and treatment options simply and clearly.
  • Inclusion of support people to ask questions and participate in decisions.
  • Inclusion families and carers when the patient wants them involved.
  • Action on concerns rather than dismissal.
  • Involve people with lived experience in designing and reviewing services.

Partnership means recognising that patients and families hold information that can help those systems work safely.

Part of a global patient movement

World Patient Safety Day connects patients, families, health professionals, healthcare organisations and patient groups around the world.

This year’s theme reflects something patient, carer and health consumer organisations have long understood: safe care cannot be effectively designed without the people who receive it as partners in the design process.

HCCWA stands alongside patients and patient organisations globally in calling for healthcare that recognises lived experience, supports shared decisions, and treats patients and families as partners.

Safe care for life should apply wherever someone lives, whatever services they use and however long they need care. It should include people who face barriers like cost, distance, disability, language, culture, discrimination or difficulty navigating the healthcare system.

Your right to be involved

The Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights includes the rights to partnership, information, access, safety, respect, privacy and giving feedback.

Partnership means being included in decisions about your health care to the extent that you choose. It also means having your questions, experiences and concerns taken seriously.

If you are struggling to understand your options, raise a concern or resolve a healthcare problem in Western Australia, Health Consumers’ Council WA may be able to help.

Our Individual Health Advocacy Service is free, confidential and independent.

This World Patient Safety Day, our message is clear.

Patients and families are not passive recipients of care, we hold knowledge that matters.

Safe care means listening to that knowledge.

Safe care means valuing lived experience.

Safe care means patients and families are considered partners in care.

Learn more:

Paid WA Health Consumer Advisory Panel | WAPHA

Posted on September 16, 2026

Paid opportunity: Join WAPHA’s Consumer Advisory Panel

Help shape primary healthcare services across Western Australia by sharing your lived experience.

WA Primary Health Alliance, supported by Health Consumers’ Council WA, is inviting health consumers from across WA to express their interest in joining its Consumer Advisory Panel.

Panel members will provide advice and perspectives to help inform WA Primary Health Alliance projects, policies and primary healthcare services. Opportunities may include advising on services WAPHA commissions and joining tender evaluation panels.

You do not need previous advisory panel experience. Induction, support and payment will be provided.

Expressions of Interest close at COB on Wednesday 7 October 2026.

Apply to join the WAPHA Consumer Advisory Panel

Who can apply?

WAPHA welcomes Expressions of Interest from health consumers across Western Australia.

A health consumer may be someone with lived experience of a health issue as:

  • a patient or client
  • a current or former health service user
  • a carer
  • a family member
  • a friend supporting someone through a health issue

Your experience with healthcare can provide valuable insight into what works, what creates barriers and what services could do better.

Previous experience on an advisory panel is not required.

What will Consumer Advisory Panel members do?

Consumer Advisory Panel members may be invited to contribute to WAPHA projects on an ad hoc basis.

This may include:

  • sharing perspectives on primary healthcare needs and barriers
  • advising on projects, policies and commissioned services
  • contributing to the planning and evaluation of services
  • joining tender evaluation panels
  • helping WAPHA understand how decisions may affect health consumers, families and carers

Is this a paid opportunity?

Yes. Panel members will receive payment in line with WAPHA’s Paid Participation Policy.

WAPHA will also provide induction and support.

Why lived experience matters

People who use health services understand how healthcare decisions work in practice.

Consumers, carers, families and community members can identify barriers, gaps and priorities that may not be visible from within the health system. Their knowledge can help organisations plan primary healthcare services that respond more closely to community needs.

WAPHA values lived-experience expertise and aims to include it throughout the commissioning of primary healthcare services in WA.

About WA Primary Health Alliance

WA Primary Health Alliance operates Western Australia’s three Primary Health Networks.

WAPHA works to improve access to primary healthcare, particularly for communities and people at greater risk of poor health. Primary healthcare includes care delivered outside hospitals, such as general practice and locally commissioned health services.

WAPHA’s work includes:

  • supporting general practices to provide high-quality patient care
  • funding local primary healthcare services based on community needs
  • connecting services to make the healthcare system easier to navigate
  • working with health professionals, hospitals, service providers, governments and communities

How to apply

Complete the online Expression of Interest form by COB Wednesday 7 October 2026.

Submit your Expression of Interest

Know someone whose experience should be represented? Please share this opportunity with them.

Questions?

For questions about the Consumer Advisory Panel, contact communications@wapha.org.au.

What WA Consumer Representatives Told Us | HCCWA

Posted on September 15, 2026

Consumer Representative Networking Event

Written by
Paula Collins
Engagement Lead – Consumers and Stakeholders

In early September, we hosted our Consumer Representative Networking Event, bringing consumer representatives together both in person and online to share their experiences, stories and perspectives.

It was a great opportunity to hear about the current experiences of health consumer representatives across WA, and the room was full of conversation, energy and positivity. There was a real sense of enthusiasm for the opportunities ahead and to continue learning from one another, sharing ideas and finding new ways to strengthen consumer engagement.

Interestingly, several key themes emerged throughout the discussions, highlighting areas where we can continue to support and work alongside our consumer representatives.

Key themes we heard

A number of common themes and areas of interest emerged, including:

  • Consistency in consumer engagement — the current approach varies between providers, and there is an opportunity to explore greater consistency in how consumers are engaged.
  • Closing the feedback loop — consumers want to know how their feedback has been considered and whether it has contributed to changes or improvements in services.
  • Greater transparency and collaboration — there was interest in strengthening collaboration between service providers and exploring whether agendas and key discussion points could be shared with HCC.
  • Culturally safe healthcare — culturally safe healthcare remains a key priority, with consumers sharing concerns and experiences that highlight the need for continued focus in this area.
  • Communication and training — there was discussion about how consumer voices and lived experiences could be better incorporated into staff training and education.
  • Preventative health — participants highlighted the importance of preventative health and the broader impact it can have across the health system.

Looking ahead

Following these discussions, we’re keen to keep the conversation going and build on the ideas and insights shared at the event.

Some of the areas we’ll be exploring include:

  • Connecting with key consumer group committees to better understand upcoming meetings, agendas and opportunities for consumer participation.
  • Exploring how consumer voices and lived experiences could be incorporated into staff training and education.
  • Creating more opportunities for consumer representatives to connect, network and engage with HCC.
  • Sharing upcoming Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for new projects and opportunities to contribute.
  • Connecting with the Health Engagement Network (HEN) and encouraging consumer representatives to sign up for the WA Consumer Collaborative.
  • Sharing information about upcoming consumer training opportunities — click HERE to find out more.

We’ll be hosting another Consumer Representative Networking Event later this year, and we’d love to see both new and returning consumer representatives there.

There’s lots to keep the conversation going, so stay tuned to our newsletter for details about the next event. We look forward to connecting with you again soon!

Ready to get involved?

You do not need previous committee experience to become a health consumer representative. Your experiences of healthcare, as a patient, carer, family member or community member, can help improve how health services are designed and delivered.

Build your skills through HCCWA’s upcoming consumer representative training.

Connect with other consumers and find opportunities through the Health Engagement Network.

Join the movement for fairer healthcare in WA.

Explore consumer training

Join the Health Engagement Network

Join the movement:

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