With the Fraser Coast region experiencing significant growth, an anticipated population increase of 38,980 people (34.78%) by 2046, planning for future health services has never been more crucial. Understanding the evolving needs of the community ensures that healthcare services remain relevant, accessible, and effective.
The Fraser Coast Community Reference Group (CRG) plays a vital role in this process, bringing together community members, healthcare providers, and hospital staff to share insights and collaborate on shaping health services. To shed light on the importance of CRGs, we spoke with CRG Board Representative Karla Steen and CRG Chair Dr. Bryan Burmeister, who is both a community member and a doctor.
Karla emphasises that CRGs are invaluable forums for two-way communication between the health service and the community. "They provide an opportunity for the Health and Hospital Service (HHS) to update the community on new models of care, infrastructure, and innovations, while allowing community members to share what matters most to them," Karla says.
For Bryan, being part of the CRG is about fostering credible communication. “I believe it’s important to communicate what’s happening in the health sector to the broader public. It should be a credible account, not the sometimes-biased view portrayed by the media,” he shares. Bryan also values the opportunity to unify health services across the Fraser Coast to deliver better outcomes for residents.
CRG meetings provide Karla with a deeper understanding of community priorities, which directly informs her role on the Board. "Hearing directly from the community about local issues makes me better informed when making decisions around the Board table,” she explains.
Bryan, who is semi-retired, sees his role as both a connector and an educator. "I get a great feeling of being that link between health-related services and the community," he says. “As a health worker, I can also help educate the community in collaboration with established services."
Looking ahead, both Karla and Bryan recognise the CRG’s potential to make a lasting impact. Karla values meeting with community members and hearing their insights, while Bryan is driven by his ambition to unify health services across the region for the benefit of all. The Fraser Coast CRG is more than just a meeting, it's a partnership. By fostering open communication and shared planning, CRGs help ensure that health services evolve alongside the growing needs of the Fraser Coast community. Meetings are held in Hervey Bay and Maryborough, for more information please reach out to WBHHS.Consumer@health.qld.gov.au