How We Work With People, Partners and Communities
Country to Coast Queensland (CCQ) works to improve health and wellbeing across Central Queensland, Wide Bay and Sunshine Coast.
We do this by building long-term relationships with the people and organisations who deliver care, support wellbeing and shape the conditions that influence health.
We also work with partners and experts beyond our region when it helps bring capability, learning and solutions back to the communities we serve.
Engagement is not something we do occasionally. It is built into how we work. We see relationship building as a core capability and we invest in our teams to build strong partnering skills so your experience of CCQ is consistent, clear and respectful no matter who you speak with.
We tailor our engagement approach to local context across our region because what works in one community may not work in another. Whether through formal partnerships, local networks or our regular connections with general practice, community organisations and health system partners, we prioritise opportunities for community members and organisations to work with us.
This page explains what you can expect when we work together and the different ways engagement happens.Â
What You Can Expect From Us
The commitments below guide how we engage and what you can expect when we work together.
Clear from the start
We explain why we are engaging, what we are trying to achieve and what can be influenced. We are upfront about timeframes and next steps.
Respect your time and knowledge
We plan engagement carefully, avoid unnecessary duplication and make it clear how your input will be used. We do not seek feedback just to tick a box.
Welcoming and safe to contribute
We take a people first approach and aim for engagement that is culturally safe, accessible and inclusive. We work to remove barriers to participation.
Right approach for the purpose
Sometimes we share information. Sometimes we seek feedback or design solutions together. We choose an approach that fits what is needed.
Closing the loop
You are not left wondering what happened. We share what we heard and what we did with it, and we explain why if something cannot progress.
Care with sensitive information
We are clear about what information we collect, how it is used and any limits to confidentiality. We take extra care when people share lived experience.
Seeking out the right voices
We proactively seek input from the people and groups most affected. We do not rely only on those who already know how to navigate the system.
Learning and improving
We invite feedback on what would make it easier to inform, consult, involve and collaborate, so we can keep strengthening our partnerships.
How engagement happens
Engagement looks different depending on the work. Some examples include:
Supporting general practice and primary care
We have dedicated teams that work alongside general practice and primary care providers through quality improvement support, education, resources and local problem solving. This ongoing work helps strengthen care and improve outcomes.
Working through formal partnerships
We partner with organisations across the health and social care system, including Hospital and Health Services, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, councils and community organisations. Many of these relationships are supported through partnership agreements and regular forums.
Understanding community needs and priorities
We consult communities through health needs assessments and other planning processes to understand what is changing, what is needed and where barriers exist. This helps shape priorities and local responses.
Co design and lived experience participation
We invite people with lived experience, carers and community members to participate in co design. This helps ensure services and approaches reflect what matters most in real life.
Listening through ongoing feedback
We gather feedback through a mix of channels, including events, surveys and program feedback loops. We use this input to identify what is working and what needs to improve.
Building networks and shared learning
We bring people together through education, events and local networks to share knowledge and strengthen connections across the system. These settings also create space for dialogue, emerging issues and new ideas.
How engagement shapes our work
Engagement helps us understand what matters most and also helps us lead change across the system. It strengthens decisions, improves coordination, and builds shared commitment to better outcomes.
We draw on what we learn to:
- understand needs, barriers and priorities
- identify gaps, opportunities and emerging risks
- improve access, experience and outcomes
- shape planning, commissioning and service design
- strengthen coordination and shared ways of working across the system
- support quality improvement in primary care
- advocate for change using local insight and evidence
Where we are seeking to influence a change in practice, policy or system behaviour, we will be clear about that intent and about the role others can play.
who we work with
We work with a wide range of people, organisations, and networks including:
- Community members, consumers, carers and families
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and community controlled organisations
- General practice, allied health, pharmacy and other primary care providers
- Hospitals and health services and connected sectors such as aged care, disability and social care
- Community organisations, councils, schools and local groups
- Government agencies, peak bodies, researchers and industry partners
- Partners and experts beyond our region when it helps strengthen outcomes locally
Ways To Connect and Be Involved
While we often initiate engagement through established partnerships and local networks, there are also ways to connect with us directly.
Share feedback
Tell us what is working, what is not, and where access to care could be improved.
Participate when opportunities are shared
From time to time we invite participation in surveys, workshops, reference groups, community conversations, and co design activities.
Partner with us
Organisations and networks can work with us on planning, service improvement, local initiatives and shared priorities.
How involved you can be
There are different ways people and organisations can be involved in our work. We will be clear about what decisions are being made and how input will be used. Depending on the situation, you may be:
Informed
We share clear and timely information so people understand what is happening. For example, we publish updates, explain changes, and share outcomes and next steps.
Consulted
We invite feedback to help shape options or decisions. For example, we may run a survey, hold a community conversation, or seek input from services and partners.
Involved
We work closely with people so insights and lived experience shape design and priorities. For example, we may workshop solutions together or test what will work in practice before decisions are finalised.
Collaborating
We co design solutions and share responsibility through the process. For example, we may establish a joint working group, shared plan, or partner led delivery approach.
Supported to lead
We support community or partners to lead within an agreed scope. For example, we may back a community-led approach to priority setting or support an organisation to lead a locally driven solution.
