Community Participation Unit

Supports the North Coast Area Health Advisory Council
Provides development and support for the community and health service staff
Keeps the community informed
Promotes participation opportunities
Keeps a database of interested community members and organisations
Monitors and evaluates participation activities

Current Activities:

Publishing a regular community participation newsletter
Supporting the North Coast Area Health Advisory Council and community participation structures
Consultancy to staff on effective engagement
Clinical and Community engagement practitioners

Community Participation Unit Staff:

For a print version of Unit staff contact details please click here

Murray Spriggs, Manager Community Participation moved from Sydney to Port Macquarie in 2001 and was Community Consumer Liaison Officer for the former Mid North Coast Area Health Service. Murray originally comes from Pickering Brook a small orchard district east of Perth. Murray Spriggs holds a Masters in Adult Education, a Graduate Certificate in Community Education and a Diploma of Teaching (Business Education). Since working for Health, Murray has undertaken a number of certificate courses through IAP2, International Association of Public Participation. His previous employment has been varied and includes Manager, Disability Access Service, State Library of NSW; Adaptive Technology Consultant, Family and Children�s Services, Royal Blind Society of NSW and various teaching roles in High Schools and TAFE. During his work at the Royal Blind Society and the State Library of NSW Murray had the opportunity to visit most of rural NSW including many towns in the North Coast.
Ph: (02) 6588 2915 Fax: (02) 6588 2837   murray.spriggs@ncahs.health.nsw.gov.au


Diana Roberts, Community Participation Officer has a long history of involvement in community participation. In 1991 she was elected to Lismore City Council where she served for over 12 years. During this time she lobbied constantly for community participation to become an integral part of local government life. She has held various positions with Council, County Councils and NSW Government committees and has worked extensively on health issues with local communities and community groups. These experiences have given her valuable insights into participation from a wide range of perspectives. Since 1984 Diana has worked as a health practitioner, runs a successful naturopathic practice in her home town and holds a Bachelor of Science (Natural Medicine) degree. In addition she has strong connections with both education and administration including managing an organisation dedicated to the professional development of teachers for over six years. Diana resides on a 60ha rural property in northern NSW and has vast experience in natural resource management. Her passion is community development and she devotes considerable time to working voluntarily with local community organisations. She commenced employment with the Area Health Service in Community Participation in June 2004.
Ph: (02) 6620 7565    Fax: (02) 6622 2151     diana.roberts@ncahs.health.nsw.gov.au


Vanessa Edwards, Community Participation Officer holds a Bachelor and two Masters (Hons) Degrees in Literature, Language and Communication Studies from the University of New England as well as a Diploma in Journalism. Vanessa also holds Certificate qualifications completed with the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) in Techniques, Effective Communication, Design and Facilitation of Public Participation process.    Vanessa held the position of Executive Liaison Officer in the CEO Unit with the former Mid North Coast Area Health Service. Her work experience in health has included complaints management, parliamentary liaison, human resource management and public relations. Prior to moving into the health industry Vanessa worked in the field of corporate/legal compliance for managed investment and land development companies. Vanessa is an Associate Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management and a member of the International Association of Public Participation.
Ph: (02) 6588 2973    Fax: (02) 6588 2837    vanessa.edwards@ncahs.health.nsw.gov.au

Mailing address:
Community Participation Unit
North Coast Area Health Service
Directorate of Population Health
Planning and Performance
PO Box 126
PORT MACQUARIE NSW 2444