Alpine Community and Health Advisory Groups (CHAG) transition to a single advisory body

Over the last 12 months or more, members of our Community and Health Advisory Group (CHAG) have been working with staff and the Board to re-define how CHAG operates. This was in response to the new State Guidelines for Community Advisory Committees and the practical challenges brought about by COVID-19 in how we engage with consumers.

By the end of July 2022, CHAG will transition to a single advisory body with a membership of 8-12 community members. A maximum term of appointment will also be introduced to align with the new Guidelines. These are significant changes and will see many CHAG members retire after 15+ years of service. To provide these members with an opportunity to continue their engagement with Alpine Health and share their wealth of knowledge and expertise, a Consumer Register has been developed. The Register includes three key roles:

1. Health Literacy Consultants, who will have the knowledge and expertise to ensure that Alpine Health consumers are able to find, understand, and apply the information they need to fully participate in decisions about their health and wellbeing. They will be responsible for reviewing and co-producing consumer documents such as fact sheets, information packs and website content.
2. Community Consultants, who will have diverse community networks and strong interpersonal and communication skills that enable them to engage with a variety of consumers and community members. They will work with CHAG and be responsible for gathering feedback from consumers and the broader community.
3. Consumer and Community Representatives on Committees. Many Board-level and operational committees will seek representatives who have specific knowledge and expertise, or a lived experience as a patient, client, resident or carer. Their contributions will protect the interests of consumers, ensure that the committee recognises consumer concerns, and enhance accountability through open and transparent reporting.

Nick Shaw, Alpine Health CEO said ”on behalf of Alpine Health and the Board of Directors, I would like to thank the following CHAG members for their passion, enthusiasm and commitment over many years. You all have made CHAG a body with considerable input into the improvement of the health of our community, and your contribution and service has been invaluable to Alpine Health.”

• Nola West (Bright CHAG)
• Peter and Terri Hopper (Bright CHAG)
• Ian Hall (Bright CHAG)
• Pam Wight (Bright CHAG)
• Mike Worton (Bright CHAG)
• Sister Eileen Reardon (Mount Beauty CHAG)
• Tanya Scott (Mount Beauty CHAG)
• Anita Toner (Myrtleford CHAG)
• Margaret Anthony (Myrtleford CHAG)
• Sherran Mitchell (Myrtleford CHAG)
• Nola Novak (Myrtleford CHAG)
• Sue Nicoll (Myrtleford CHAG)
• Grace Rinaudo (Myrtleford CHAG)
• Kym Goodman (Myrtleford CHAG)