Dubbo’s Western Diabetes Masterclass a roaring success

Highlighting the strong regional commitment to improving diabetes care, more than 100 health professionals from across Western and Far West NSW, including Rural Doctors Network, came together the following day for the 2026 Type 2 Diabetes Masterclass on Saturday 13 June. 

The Masterclass was a collaborative initiative between Care Partnership Diabetes and Western Sydney Diabetes, led by the Western Primary Health Network and hosted by Dr Alex Hoyle at the Savannah Room, Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

The free, full-day, multidisciplinary education event focused on improving care for people living with type 2 diabetes across Western NSW and brought together leading experts and local clinicians to share evidence-based practice, practical insights and regional perspectives. The day covered key areas including best practice management, medication and treatment pathways, patient engagement, and coordinated, team‑based care.

Jessica Dunworth, Tori Towney and Leah Pascoe all represented Rural Doctors Network and presented at the Masterclass. Rural Doctors Network’s Jessica Dunworth and Tori Towney joined with optometrist Eliza Whiteley to present ‘Following the Diabetic Eye Journey: Improving access through team-based care’.

Following the presentation, Eliza took to social media to share some of the highlights from the event with her followers.

“Jess and I had the pleasure of speaking at the Type II Diabetes Masterclass held on the weekend in conjunction with the Western NSW local health district, the Far West Local Health District, Western NSW Primary Health Network and Rural Doctors Network,” Eliza said.

Eliza then asked her followers, “Why do the eyes matter? 98% of vision loss and blindness from diabetes is preventable” before using the opportunity to share further insights and some important statistics to help raise awareness.

WNLHD said the workshop created space to share insights, discuss local challenges and explore opportunities to improve outcomes for communities across the region and thanked all presenters and speakers for sharing their expertise and insights.

The Care Partnership – Diabetes Program is a collaboration between the Western NSW Local Health District, the Far West Local Health District, the Western NSW Primary Health Network, and Rural Doctors Network.

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Related reading:

• Impactful diabetes education workshops take place in Dubbo (2026)
• “I will use this every day” – participants give glowing feedback after successful and practical diabetes workshops (2026)
• Build practical, culturally safe diabetes care skills that can be applied in your community (2026)