Building Resilience in Peer Workforces: From Individual Wellbeing to Systemic Sustainability
Tracks
Grand Ballroom 3 - In-Person Only
| Friday, November 7, 2025 |
| 11:45 AM - 12:15 PM |
Overview
Courtney Cross and Joanne Telenta, Coordinare, South Eastern NSW Primary Health Network
Presenter
Ms Joanne Telenta
Associate Director, Wellbeing And Priority Populations
COORDINARE, South Eastern NSW Primary Health Network
Building Resilience in Peer Workforces: From Individual Wellbeing to Systemic Sustainability
Presentation Overview
Persistent workforce shortages, limited services and geographic isolation in regional and rural primary healthcare require a fundamental shift in how workforce sustainability is conceptualised and operationalised. Peer Work offers an alternative model that is inherently place-based, community-embedded and draws upon the natural strengths of local wisdom and connectedness that exist within local communities.
Realising the full potential of a regional peer workforce model demands a shift from individual resilience, where sustainability hinges on the capacity of isolated workers, to systemic sustainability, where peer work is supported by integrated workforce structures, professional recognition and cross-institutional commitment.
This presentation shares our journey of building a sustainable peer workforce model, highlighting the lessons learned and key enablers that have driven its success. Central to this approach was the development of our regional peer workforce framework, co-designed with 70 Peer Workers across South Eastern NSW and jointly funded and developed by Primary Health Network and Local Health District partners. This framework enshrines a whole-of-region vision and commitment to strategic actions that enable the sustainable growth and development of the regional peer workforce to assume its rightful place in the local mental health ecosystem. Key enablers we will discuss include the development of Regional Peer Networks which unite peer workers across the region behind a shared professional identity, whole-of-workforce training to maximise cohesion and sustained employer engagement through collaborative workforce planning.
This presentation explores a scalable peer workforce model not as a peripheral workforce innovation, but as a foundational model for building a resilient, community-driven health workforce in regional and rural settings—one that is embedded, scalable, and built to last.
Realising the full potential of a regional peer workforce model demands a shift from individual resilience, where sustainability hinges on the capacity of isolated workers, to systemic sustainability, where peer work is supported by integrated workforce structures, professional recognition and cross-institutional commitment.
This presentation shares our journey of building a sustainable peer workforce model, highlighting the lessons learned and key enablers that have driven its success. Central to this approach was the development of our regional peer workforce framework, co-designed with 70 Peer Workers across South Eastern NSW and jointly funded and developed by Primary Health Network and Local Health District partners. This framework enshrines a whole-of-region vision and commitment to strategic actions that enable the sustainable growth and development of the regional peer workforce to assume its rightful place in the local mental health ecosystem. Key enablers we will discuss include the development of Regional Peer Networks which unite peer workers across the region behind a shared professional identity, whole-of-workforce training to maximise cohesion and sustained employer engagement through collaborative workforce planning.
This presentation explores a scalable peer workforce model not as a peripheral workforce innovation, but as a foundational model for building a resilient, community-driven health workforce in regional and rural settings—one that is embedded, scalable, and built to last.
Biography
Joanne is an experienced senior leader with a background in healthcare, clinical research, and social marketing. As Associate Director, Wellbeing and Priority Populations at COORDINARE, she leads the design and delivery of person-centred services that improve outcomes for vulnerable and disadvantaged communities. She supports the Regional Peer Workforce Project Coordinator to foster the expansion and sustainability of the peer workforce across the SENSW region. A supportive advocate for community collaboration, Joanne is committed to building inclusive and responsive systems that are grounded in the voices of consumers and carers.
Miss Courtney Cross
Project Coordinator, Regional Peer Workforce
Coordinare, South Eastern Nsw Primary Health Network
Building Resilience in Peer Workforces: From Individual Wellbeing to Systemic Sustainability
Presentation Overview
Persistent workforce shortages, limited services and geographic isolation in regional and rural primary healthcare require a fundamental shift in how workforce sustainability is conceptualised and operationalised. Peer Work offers an alternative model that is inherently place-based, community-embedded and draws upon the natural strengths of local wisdom and connectedness that exist within local communities.
Realising the full potential of a regional peer workforce model demands a shift from individual resilience, where sustainability hinges on the capacity of isolated workers, to systemic sustainability, where peer work is supported by integrated workforce structures, professional recognition and cross-institutional commitment.
This presentation shares our journey of building a sustainable peer workforce model, highlighting the lessons learned and key enablers that have driven its success. Central to this approach was the development of our regional peer workforce framework, co-designed with 70 Peer Workers across South Eastern NSW and jointly funded and developed by Primary Health Network and Local Health District partners. This framework enshrines a whole-of-region vision and commitment to strategic actions that enable the sustainable growth and development of the regional peer workforce to assume its rightful place in the local mental health ecosystem. Key enablers we will discuss include the development of Regional Peer Networks which unite peer workers across the region behind a shared professional identity, whole-of-workforce training to maximise cohesion and sustained employer engagement through collaborative workforce planning.
This presentation explores a scalable peer workforce model not as a peripheral workforce innovation, but as a foundational model for building a resilient, community-driven health workforce in regional and rural settings—one that is embedded, scalable, and built to last.
Realising the full potential of a regional peer workforce model demands a shift from individual resilience, where sustainability hinges on the capacity of isolated workers, to systemic sustainability, where peer work is supported by integrated workforce structures, professional recognition and cross-institutional commitment.
This presentation shares our journey of building a sustainable peer workforce model, highlighting the lessons learned and key enablers that have driven its success. Central to this approach was the development of our regional peer workforce framework, co-designed with 70 Peer Workers across South Eastern NSW and jointly funded and developed by Primary Health Network and Local Health District partners. This framework enshrines a whole-of-region vision and commitment to strategic actions that enable the sustainable growth and development of the regional peer workforce to assume its rightful place in the local mental health ecosystem. Key enablers we will discuss include the development of Regional Peer Networks which unite peer workers across the region behind a shared professional identity, whole-of-workforce training to maximise cohesion and sustained employer engagement through collaborative workforce planning.
This presentation explores a scalable peer workforce model not as a peripheral workforce innovation, but as a foundational model for building a resilient, community-driven health workforce in regional and rural settings—one that is embedded, scalable, and built to last.
Biography
Courtney is a lived experience leader dedicated to transforming systems and creating equitable help-seeking experiences that prioritise human rights. Drawing on her own living experience of mental ill-health, deep commitment to social justice and leveraging the power of storytelling; she champions systems, workforces and practices that centre consumers in compassionate approaches to care to foster enduring recovery. Courtney currently works as the Regional Peer Workforce Project Coordinator with COORDINARE, focusing on the development, growth and sustainability of the regional and rural peer workforce.
