+61 2 4924 8000
Rural Doctors Network supported project wins at NSW Local Government Excellence Awards
12th June 2026
Gulargambone fields near Warrumbungles National Park, NSW.
Rural Doctors Network joins with Warrumbungle Shire Council in celebrating news that the Working Together for Healthy Warrumbungles project was named winner of the Partnerships and Collaboration category (Population under 100,000) at the 2026 NSW Local Government Excellence Awards.
The Awards Dinner was held at Royal Randwick Racecourse on 5 June and recognises outstanding achievements, innovation and excellence across local government in NSW.
The Award win acknowledges the success of the Healthy Warrumbungles initiative which was developed through a partnership between Warrumbungle Shire Council, Western NSW Local Health District, (WLHD), Western NSW Primary Health Network, NSW Ambulance and Rural Doctors Network.
Community Solutions Manager at Rural Doctors Network, Katie McDonell, says the approach driven by WLHD has been impressive, from the comprehensive needs assessment process to the partnerships across a diverse group of stakeholders.
“The work has been action-oriented and with the extra drive from Warrumbungles Shire Council, there are sure to be some great outcomes to follow,” Katie said. “Congratulations to all involved.”
Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Kathryn Rindfleish, said the Project has successfully brought together government agencies, health services and local communities to improve health and wellbeing outcomes across the Warrumbungle region.
"This recognition highlights what can be achieved when organisations work together with a shared commitment to improving outcomes for our communities," Mayor Rindfleish said.
"Council would particularly like to acknowledge and thank Kelly Murnane, Youth Coordinator and Healthy Warrumbungles Project Coordinator, and Ngaire Stevens, Manager Children's and Community Services, for their leadership, commitment and efforts in promoting this initiative across the Shire.
"We would also like to acknowledge our project partners, Western NSW Local Health District, Western NSW Primary Health Network, NSW Ambulance and the Rural Doctors Network, as well as the many community members who contributed their time, ideas and feedback throughout the development of the project."
Council also praised the efforts of all involved organisations who have worked with communities across the Shire to identify local priorities, develop a Health and Wellbeing Masterplan and commence implementation of actions aimed at improving access to services and supporting long-term community wellbeing.
Read the full story from Warrumbungle Shire Council here.
Related reading: