This week the diverse community of the west came together to celebrate the contributions of the Western Health Community Advisory Committee and the Consume Advisor Network.
In the melting pot that is the western suburbs, our community speaks 150 languages, more than 100,000 people identify as LGBTQIA+ and almost 20% of the population lives with a disability.
The Community Advisory Committee represents these communities, and each member offers guidance on strategic priorities and supporting initiatives to ensure Western Health provides the best services and clinical care.
They bring unique insights and perspectives from their personal and professional backgrounds, as well as their experience as health consumers.
Following significant growth, there are around 180 consumer advisors bringing firsthand insights into what patients and their families truly need and value. They provide advice from the perspective of both a consumer, and a carer. 
Rebecca Barbara, Consumer Partnership Manager, expressed her delight in bringing together the Community Advisory Committee, community members, and leadership teams to celebrate the achievements of the consumer advisor network.
"Our consumer advisors play a vital role in ensuring that Western Health remains a gold standard in partnering with consumers. They ensure our projects and initiatives are truly consumer-focused, shaping healthcare to meet the needs of the people in the west”
“We’re incredibly lucky to have such engaged and enthusiastic people involved in committees, project, reviews, forum and education opportunities at Western Health.
“The value that our Community Advisory Committee brings cannot be underestimated. Our Consumer Advisor team represents a rich tapestry of diversity, including people with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQA+ community, individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those with a wide range of faiths and spiritual beliefs.
“With ages ranging from 15 to over 75 and more than 47 percent born overseas, this team truly reflects the community we care for at Western Health.”
