Country SA PHN would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands across Australia and pay respects to the Elders past, present and future. We recognise and respect the unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land, waters, and seas, which continue to be important to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living today.
Message from the CEO
Mark Hartigan
Happy New Year. 2025 ended in the same way it started for Country SA PHN – with lots of purpose driven activity. It was a very successful year for us, commissioning services to assist with closing the gap in health inequity for country South Australians. The holiday period provided a lovely opportunity for our teams to rest, relax and recharge in readiness for what is shaping up to be an equally productive 2026. I hope that you were able to do the same. Read more
Country SA PHN Activity
Primary Care and Digital Health Support
This month, learn about the Emergency Response Planning Tool, assessment tools for the Bulk Bulling Practice Incentive Program, the 1800MEDICARE app, the GCAPI Program, Better and Faster Access, the role of PRODA in MyMedicare accreditation and the Bowel and Cervical Screening roadshow. Read more
Aged Care, Older People and Palliative Care
Working in and/or interested in the latest in Palliative Care? Find out about upcoming workshops you can attend face to face and online. We also look at the Gerontological Nursing Competencies Leadership Course, changes to Star Ratings for residential aged care homes and My Health Record application in residential aged care. Read more
Health System Integration and Innovation
This month we cover HealthPathways SA moving away from shared logins to personalised accounts which will enhance user experience. We also look at the Advancing Primary Care Grant which is now open. Read more
Mental Health and AOD
This month, we look at the new the Mount Barker Medicare Mental Health Centre and what it means for people in and around Mt Barker seeking healthcare solutions. Read more
Strategic Engagement
The Rural Health Innovation Fund Grant Round 4 is now open! Find out more about this great opportunity for not-for-profit, charity or community group with an innovative concept for improving the health and wellbeing of people living in country South Australia. Read more
Country SA PHN Funded Educational Events
Face to Face
Hands-On Skin Cancer Workshop for GPs and Nurses – Ceduna Wednesday 11 February 2026, 6.00pm – 10.00pm More information
TLC Connector Training. Talk, Listen Connect – Lobethal Wednesday 18 February 2026, 11.00am – 12.30pm More information
Last Aid – Tumby Bay Monday 2 March 2026, 11.00am – 3.00pm More information
Last Aid – Port Augusta Wednesday 4 March 2026, 9.00am – 1.00pm More information
TLC Connector Training. Talk, Listen Connect – Quorn Thursday 5 March 2026, 10.30am – 12.00pm More information
Hands-On Skin Cancer Workshop for GPs and Nurses – Port Augusta Wednesday 11 March 2026, 6.00pm – 10.00pm More information
TLC Connector Training. Talk, Listen Connect – Robe Friday 17 April 2026, 1.00pm – 2.30pm More information
High Risk Medicines and Deprescribing in Dementia 2-hour workshops delivered at multiple locations across country South Australia aimed at enhancing the quality of life for South Australians living with dementia and their care networks. More information
Doctors’ Health SA Outreach Visit – Mt Gambier Saturday 14 – Sunday 15 February 2026 More information
Understanding and Responding to Substance Use – Port Pirie Hybrid Wednesday 18 February 2026, 6.00pm – 9.00pm More information
TLC Connector Training. Talk, Listen Connect – Cleve Tuesday 3 March 2026, 11.00am – 12.30pm More information
Breaking the Cycle: AOD Care in the Barossa Wednesday 4 March 2026, 6.30pm – 9.00pm More information
Last Aid – Balaklava Wednesday 11 March 2026, 10.30am – 2.30pm More information
Bowel & Cervical Cancer Screening – Moonta Hybrid Thursday 19 March 2026, 6.30pm – 9.00pm More information
Understanding and Responding to Substance Use – Berri Hybrid Monday 11 May 2026, 6.00pm – 9.00pm More information
Webinars / e-Learning
Beyond the Cycle: Pelvic Health & Menopause Transition Webinar Monday 2 March 2026, 7.00pm – 9.00pm More information
PalliLEARN – Self Care Thursday 19 March 2026, 10.00am – 11.00am More information
PalliLEARN – Talking to children about dying Thursday 2 April 2026, 10.00am – 11.00am More information
PalliLEARN – What is palliative care? Wednesday 13 May 2026, 10.00am – 11.00am More information
PalliLEARN – How to have conversations about dying and grief Wednesday 10 June 2026, 10.00am – 11.00am More information
Clinical Audit: Chronic Pain Management Self-paced study with online support from February – June 2026 More information
Hot Topic Webinar: Unpaid Carer and Palliative Care Thursday 12 March 2026, 11.00am – 12.00pm More information
PalliLEARN – How to nurture compassion Thursday 19 March 2026, 11.30am – 12.30pm More information
PalliLEARN – Your role in a Compassionate Community Thursday 2 April 2026, 11.30am – 12.30pm More information
PalliLEARN – What matters most to me? Wednesday 13 May 2026, 11.30am – 12.30pm More information
PalliLEARN – How to nurture compassion Wednesday 10 June 2026, 11.30am – 12.30pm More information
Regional Primary Health Activity
Free training and professional development opportunities for aged care workers Free and government subsidised opportunities to support workers in building and refining their professional aged care skills. More information
Multicultural Calendar created by Centre of Excellence in Cultural Diversity and Inclusion The Centre of Excellence in Cultural Diversity and Inclusion has published the Multicultural Calendar 2026, supporting diversity and inclusion efforts.
APNA National Nursing Clinical Placement Program This program places student nurses under the supervision of RNs in primary health care settings, with the aim of supporting the primary health care nursing workforce. More information
Immunisation – Latest changes to the Strive for 5 made easy There have been recent changes to the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines ‘Strive for 5’. More information
Key programs – Improving cancer outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people Achieving equity in cancer outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is a strategic objective of the Australian Cancer Plan and a priority for Cancer Australia. More information
Evidence-based Antimicrobial Stewardship: Sustainable Implementation in Primary Care EASSI-PC (Evidence-based Antimicrobial Stewardship: Sustainable Implementation in Primary Care) is a GP-led national initiative uniting GPs to strengthen antimicrobial stewardship across Australia. More information
Australia Day Awards Country SA PHN extends our congratulations to Dr William Gransbury on this appointment to the Order of Australia, for his service to the community of Angaston.
Dr Gransbury, who has since retired from general practice, worked as a GP in Angaston over the course of four decades. He became a partner and GP at the Angaston Medical Centre in 1986, where he worked until 2019.
Dr Gransbury has been the clinical lead of the Steps to Better Health Project since 2014, as well as founding Enhance Barossa Mental Health Inc, in 2021. He’s also been a longtime steering committee member for South Australia’s Healthy Towns Challenge in Barossa.
Dr Gransbury’s involvement with the Angaston community extended to serving as the club doctor at Angaston Football Club from 1986 until 2011.
We commend Dr Gransbury for his outstanding contribution to improving health outcomes for country South Australians, over a long period of time.
Job Opportunities
Project Manager – Mental Health and Alcohol & Other Drugs Country SA PHN Apply today
Industry Education and Events
Health Awareness Dates
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month Turning February Teal More information
End of Life Law for Clinicians (ELLC) Workshop Wednesday 11 March 2026, 6.30pm – 7.45pm More information
General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration Subsidy for FFS CPD The General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration is offering GPs a limited number of $300 subsidies to complete their Focussed Psychological Strategies Continuing Professional Development and maintaining their FPS registration. Email [email protected] for more information.
