At the beginning of 2023, we asked a cross section of our Executive team to tell us what they wished for in 2023.

Anthony Gust, Executive Director, Digital Health, predicted 2023 to be the “year of together – together we will continue to look after our patients and also each other.”

With this in mind, at ‘The Window’ yesterday, Northern Health’s Year of Together was officially launched.

There’s no doubt that the last few years have been challenging. During that time, the health service, along with the world, dealt with, and continues to deal with a pandemic. Closer to home, we also said farewell to some dear colleagues – but we also welcomed new faces. We were unable to do some of the things we used to – but we found new ways and did it better. Not only are we still standing – but we are also standing closer together.

As we look towards this new year, we are resilient and strong, and will face new challenges and triumphs the same way we always have – together.

Our values have never been more relevant than they are today, especially ‘together’. They are not just words – they are principles that guide our actions and behaviours in our everyday work life.

“Together is the team coming together. If an individual is dominating a game, usually what happens is they eventually get beaten. We can have teams within divisions dominating, but the trick for a really good team is knowing when to pass off, knowing when to involve others in your play,” said Anthony Gust.

For Associate Professor Mayur Garg, Director of Gastroenterology, together is “recognising that we are all navigating in an ever-changing and complex healthcare environment, and that none of us can do it without the assistance and support of each other.”

“Together means having a team that takes pride in each other’s achievements and has each other’s backs to get the best out of each other,” he said.

Simone Motton, Director Allied Health, said teamwork is the essence of together.

“I believe teamwork is about banding together to get the job done. Over the past few years, we at Northern Health have been bonded together more strongly. It is an exciting time ahead at Northern Health – we are a strong team, and we are doing great things,” she said.

Craig Field, PSA, says together means the support of your fellow colleagues and helping each other out.

“We need to have each other’s backs. If we don’t, it is very hard. We do rely on each other, and we need to be accountable for what we all do. If we are all accountable, and we work as a team, togetherness is fantastic,” he said.

Visit the Intranet for more information on the Year of Together, including a signature that has been developed for staff to show their support of the Year of Together.