MEDIA RELEASE: Celebrating 10 years supporting primary health care

23 July 2025

This year marks a significant milestone for Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network (CESPHN) as it celebrates 10 years improving the health and wellbeing of local communities across central and eastern Sydney.

Over the past decade, CESPHN has been pivotal in identifying health needs and service gaps and commissioning targeted programs to address them, particularly for vulnerable and underserved populations. From supporting mental health initiatives like headspace, to funding Urgent Care Centres that provide urgent treatment outside of hospital settings, CESPHN has helped bring vital services closer to where people live and work. It also supports local health care providers like GPs to provide the best care for their patients.

The Australian Government established Primary Health Networks (PHNs) in July 2015 and CESPHN is one of 31 PHNs nationally. The central and eastern Sydney region has one of the largest and most diverse populations of all PHNs.

“Our purpose has always been to ensure that everyone in our community, regardless of location or circumstance, can access high-quality primary healthcare,” said Nathalie Hansen, CEO of CESPHN. “We’re proud of the partnerships we’ve built and the innovative models of care we’ve developed to meet local needs.”

CESPHN supports GPs, nurses, and allied health professionals through training, professional development, and digital health support. These efforts strengthen the sustainability and quality of care.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, CESPHN demonstrated its agility and value by coordinating communication between government, hospitals, and frontline providers, and quickly implementing initiatives like delivery of services via telehealth options, GP Respiratory Clinics and vaccination support.

Looking ahead, CESPHN remains committed to driving early intervention and prevention strategies. The PHN is working closely with its two local health districts to address joint priorities including diabetes prevention and increasing adult immunisation.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we also look to the future,” said Nathalie. “We’re looking to establish integrated mental health hubs where we combine a range of services within the one location, making a complex system easier to navigate.”

For more information about CESPHN and its programs, visit cesphn.org.au.

About Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network:

Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network (CESPHN) is a not-for-profit organisation with a focus on improving the health and wellbeing of people who live and work in Sydney, from East to South and the Inner West. CESPHN provides support and training to local health professionals and helps connect them to relevant services in the region to support their patients. CESPHN identifies the needs of people in the region and commissions services throughout central and Eastern Sydney to meet those needs.

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Media Contact

Sarah D’Arcy

Marketing and Communications Manager, Central and Eastern Sydney PHN

P: 02 9304 8687 E: s.darcy@cesphn.com.au

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