Last week, Oseca Health’s General Manager of Clinical Operations, Philip Vuong, and Growth and Excellence Manager, Steve Morrison, spent time in Karratha connecting with community leaders, services, and partners across the Pilbara.
The visit focused on listening and learning. Through meaningful conversations, the team explored how Oseca Health’s primary health care services could better support the social determinants of health for people living in the region, while respecting the strengths, priorities, and voices of local communities.
During their time in Karratha, Philip and Steve met with representatives from the City of Karratha, Karratha Women’s Place, Anglicare WA, headspace Karratha, Kevin Michel MLA, Karratha Health Campus from WA Country Health Service, Empowering People In Communities (EPIC) Inc., and Yaandina Community Services. Each discussion highlighted both the unique and significant challenges faced across the Pilbara, as well as the deep resourcefulness, innovation, and collective action already underway within the community.
A highlight of the trip was attending the Big hART Gulgawarnigu – Thinking of Something, Someone digital art exhibition in Roebourne. The exhibition featured powerful artwork created by children and young people from Roebourne and has toured nationally, including being showcased at the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra. Listening to community members speak about their lived experiences reinforced the urgent need for culturally grounded supports and genuine partnerships in decision making.
The visit reaffirmed Oseca Health’s commitment to working alongside communities, recognising local leadership, and supporting place based solutions that reflect the strengths and aspirations of the Pilbara.
