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NORTHERN SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT NSLHD
Kolling Institute Launches Research Strategy
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$50,000 secured to Drive Greener Surgical Practices Page 6
Mackenzie and her gold medal return to NBH Page 4
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Message from the chief executive Adjunct Professor Anthony M. Schembri AM
This week, the Kolling Institute launched its Health Research Strategy to 2030, setting an inspiring vision for how we will continue to translate world-class science into meaningful outcomes for patients and communities. The strategy provides a roadmap to strengthen the Kolling’s discovery, innovation and implementation research through a greater focus on community partnerships and collaboration, and improved workforce and environmental sustainability. Building on more than a century of research excellence, the Kolling will drive investigations across four areas of focus including, cardiovascular, renal and metabolic; musculoskeletal and rehabilitation; sensory, neuroscience, ageing, pain and psychiatry; and cancer. Importantly, the strategy aligns with the district’s research priorities and will play an important role in achieving the strategic ambitions of the Sydney North HealthCARE Precinct. Congratulations to everyone involved in developing this framework. I would also like to congratulate Royal North Shore Hospital on being recognised in the inaugural Newsweek and Statista World’s Greenest Hospitals 2026 rankings, placing it among the top 250 hospitals globally for environmental sustainability. This achievement reflects the dedication and leadership of our staff across the district, who continue to embed sustainability into the way we work every day. From reducing emissions and energy use to improving waste management and water conservation, this recognition highlights our collective commitment to planetary health and to creating a healthier future for generations to come. It was also a wonderful moment to see one of our own, Northern Beaches Hospital ENT registrar Dr Mackenzie Little, achieve
Commonwealth Games gold. It was heartwarming to watch Mackenzie interviewed live on television, who took the time to acknowledge the encouragement and support of her colleagues at Northern Beaches Hospital who helped her pursue her sporting ambitions alongside a demanding clinical career. Her generosity in recognising those around her speaks volumes about the culture of support, teamwork and collegiality that I see every day right across our district. As many of you know, SDPR go-live is fast approaching. During our recent Town Hall, we shared important information about training and readiness, and I encourage everyone to take the time to review the available resources if you have not already done so. Our next Town Hall will be held on Wednesday 26th August, where we will take a closer look at the future of our research and innovation precinct and the opportunities ahead. I hope you can join us online for what promises to be an engaging and important discussion. II would also like to thank our staff across the district for your continued hard work throughout another very busy winter period. Your commitment and dedication to caring for our patients and our community is very much appreciated.
Warm regards,
Adjunct Professor Anthony M. Schembri AM Chief Executive Northern Sydney Local Health District
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Associate Professor Naomi Hammond, Michael Nugent, Professor James Elliott, Nadia Levin and Professor Camille Raynes-Greenow New Kolling Institute strategy to escalate research impact and deliver world leading care More than 150 people came together for the launch of the Kolling Institute’s Research Strategy 2026-2030, a roadmap to strengthen research expertise and expand access to high-value care. Developed through extensive consultation with researchers, clinicians, consumers, and partners, the strategy provides a framework to guide future growth, innovation and impact. Academic Director Professor James Elliott unveiled the strategic blueprint saying it would build on the Kolling’s strengths while positioning the institute to respond to emerging healthcare challenges and opportunities. “I am thrilled to share this new strategy which will deliver tangible outcomes well beyond the next five years, escalating the impact of our work and strengthening our ability to drive high- quality research that improves the health of our local, national and international communities,” he said. A key feature of the new strategy is the inclusion of cancer as the institute’s fourth focus area of research, reflecting the growing importance of cancer research and the opportunities to improve outcomes for patients through prevention and personalised treatment. As well as cancer, researchers will continue to drive investigations into heart and kidney disease, chronic pain and neurological conditions, as well as musculoskeletal conditions. With a focus on discovery, innovation and implementation research, the new strategy will strengthen community partnerships, expand collaboration and improve workforce and environmental sustainability. NSLHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri welcomed the strategy saying we are building a culture of innovation that positions us as a leader in research excellence. “By bringing together researchers, clinicians, consumers, and partners, we are shaping the future of healthcare through research, and delivering meaningful benefits for our community,” he said. The University of Sydney’s Professor Camille Raynes-Greenow highlighted the discovery and translational research strength at the Kolling, and said a focus on innovation would help realise more effective treatments, better diagnostics and new models of care. “The strategy will ensure researchers are well positioned to advance their discoveries and broaden access to the latest medications, approaches and technologies,” she said. The strategy aligns with the goals of NSW Health, the Sydney North HealthCARE Innovation Precinct and the institute’s joint venture partners, ensuring research priorities are coordinated to maximise impact across the healthcare system.
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Colleagues welcomed Mackenzie with open arms upon her return to work
Mackenzie and her gold medal return to Northern Beaches Hospital Northern Beaches Hospital has welcomed back ear, nose and throat registrar and newly crowned Commonwealth Games gold medallist Dr Mackenzie Little. Mackenzie represented Australia in the women’s javelin at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, producing a huge 61.88 metre throw in difficult conditions to claim her first senior international gold medal. As if studying medicine, working as a doctor and training as an elite athlete were not already strong indicators of Mackenzie’s drive, the 29-year-old returned to work after getting straight off the plane from Glasgow. Reflecting on the moment she realised she had won gold, Mackenzie said she experienced a wave of emotions.
“When I realised I’d won gold I couldn’t quite wipe the smile off my face,” she said. “It was such an immense feeling of relief and gratitude, with this season being the hardest so far in a lot of ways. “I’m so proud of myself for finding a way to keep this special athletics part of my life going while enjoying such a fulfilling medical career.” While winning gold at a major international event would be a lifelong dream for most, Mackenzie said having an identity and community beyond athletics helps keep her grounded, regardless of the result. “I find it so grounding to come back from big competitions straight to work and I look forward to it,” she said. “I feel it’s such a competitive advantage to know that my identity isn’t tied solely to my athletic results and that is really freeing because no matter the outcome I feel valuable and valued at work. “My NBH colleagues are absolutely delightful and walking through the corridors this week to so many smiles and congratulations is truly special.”
Mackenzie Little with her gold medal in Glasgow
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NSLHD Population Health Promotion staff taking part in Plastic Free July
Plastic Free July unites staff across NSLHD Staff across Northern Sydney Local Health District have once again embraced Plastic
For many staff, taking part has helped establish new everyday habits and highlighted how small individual actions can contribute to a broader impact. NSLHD Plastic Free July champion Eve Clark said it was fantastic to see enthusiasm for the initiative continue to grow. “It’s inspiring to see staff from so many different professions getting involved,” Eve said. “Everyone has a role to play in reducing waste, and it’s encouraging to see sustainability becoming part of everyday practice across the district. “Plastic Free July is a great reminder that our individual actions can add up to meaningful collective impact.”
Free July recently, taking simple steps to reduce plastic waste and make more sustainable choices at work and at home. Teams across the district got involved by swapping disposable coffee cups for reusable mugs, bringing reusable water bottles and lunch containers to work, and considering more sustainable purchasing options. What began with a small group of enthusiastic staff at Brookvale Community Health Centre has grown into a district- wide effort, with participation continuing to increase each year. Plastic Free July also provides an opportunity for staff to start conversations about sustainability and consider changes that can continue well beyond the month.
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NSLHD Staff Secure $50,000 to Drive Greener Surgical Practices
Nurses Stephanie Besley and Erin Foulsham are turning the district’s surgical theatres green by reducing waste. The pair has been awarded a $25,000 grant through the NSW Health Sustainable Futures Innovation Fund as part of their work as the districts Net Zero leads. The project, Reusable Innovation for Greener Instrument Delivery (RIGID), aims to reduce the environmental footprint of Kimguard sterilisation wrap, a blue, moisture-resistant material widely used to sterilise surgical instruments. While highly effective, Kimguard is made from single-use, non-biodegradable polypropylene, making it a significant contributor to healthcare waste and carbon emissions. Across NSLHD’s three sterilising services, Kimguard generates approximately 13 tonnes of hard-to-recycle waste and 50 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
financial case: “With a unit cost of $843.23 and avoided wrap and tape costs of $1.84 per cycle, cost neutrality can be achieved after around 460 sterilisation cycles. Given a 20– 30 year service life, the long-term financial, environmental and operational benefits are substantial.” Made from aluminium with 12.5 per cent recycled content, the containers eliminate the need for repeated plastic use while providing a more robust and reliable sterile barrier system. “Reduced tray failures could enhance instrument availability and streamline perioperative workflows - leading to improved patient experience with fewer delays and cancellations, shorter fasting periods, and greater confidence in their care, particularly for high-volume surgical lists where disruptions disproportionately affect vulnerable groups,” Erin added.
NSLHD has matched the $25,000 grant with an additional $25,000 investment, enabling the initiative to be expanded across the entire district. The project proposes introducing reusable rigid sterile containers to replace Kimguard wrap for high-use instrument trays. These containers can reduce packaging waste by up to 95 per cent and generate less than half the carbon emissions of Kimguard over approximately 5,000 cycles. “The project will test a proof-of- concept deployment of reusable containers within our clinical environment,” Erin said. “This pilot will assess safety, operational fit, cost, and environmental performance within NSLHD’s existing governance, infection prevention, and CSSD workflows.” Stephanie highlighted the strong
Net Zero leads Stephanie Besley, Operating Theatres Clinical Nurse Consultant, and Erin Foulsham
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Professor David Hunter
Associate Professor Naomi Hammond
Research expertise attracts large financial boost Two of the district’s leading researchers have secured significant National Health and Medical Research Council Investigator Grants to drive improved health outcomes for Australians living with osteoarthritis and those recovering from critical illness. The highly competitive NHMRC (NHMRC) investigator grant scheme is the organisation’s flagship funding program, providing researchers with support to pursue an ambitious program of research. At the Kolling Institute, Professor David
“The five-year grant gives our team the stability to pursue a program of research spanning prevention, new treatments and better delivery of care for people living with osteoarthritis,” he said. Meanwhile, Associate Professor Naomi Hammond has received more than $1.5 million for her five-year research program to improve survivorship after critical illness. Critical illness affects hundreds of thousands of Australians each year, with more than 200,000 ICU admissions annually. While more than 90 per cent of critically ill patients survive intensive care, many continue to experience long-term physical, cognitive and mental health challenges that can persist for years after discharge. Naomi’s research will focus on understanding and improving long-term recovery, testing new interventions and ensuring emerging evidence is translated into policy, clinical guidelines and practice. “Many people who survive critical illness experience significant ongoing challenges that can last for months to years,” she said. “This program will address this burden by understanding the longer term impacts of acute care interventions and testing new interventions.
Hunter has been awarded $3 million to lead a five-year project to transform osteoarthritis care. With more than three million Australians living with osteoarthritis, the research will focus on preventing the condition, accelerating the development of effective treatments and improving access to evidence-based care through face-to-face, telehealth, digital and community-based programs. Researchers will use large Australian and international datasets to predict individual risk and support earlier, more personalised interventions. David said the grant would allow his team to pursue a comprehensive research agenda designed to improve outcomes and reshape the way osteoarthritis is managed.
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Sami has started at NBH through the GradStart Program
New nurses begin their careers at Northern Beaches Hospital With Northern Beaches Hospital so close to home, it made it an easy choice for Sami Parajuli to kickstart her nursing career there. The GradStart registered nurse recently completed a placement at Northern Beaches Hospital and said the experience helped make it an easy choice for the beginning of her nursing career. Sami is one of 28 new nurses who begin their careers at the hospital this month. The latest intake includes registered nurses who joined through the NSW Health GradStart Program and 13 enrolled nurses taking part in Northern Sydney Local Health District’s Enrolled Nurse Transition to Professional Practice Program. There has been about 100 new nurses and midwives who have joined Northern Beaches Hospital since it transitioned to NSW Health. “I was fortunate to experience such a supportive, welcoming and kind team, and I also love that NBH is close to home, making it a great place to begin my nursing career,” Sami said. “Caring for the Northern Beaches community means providing compassionate, respectful and person-centred care while making a positive difference to the health and wellbeing of people in the community.” Northern Beaches Hospital Director of Nursing and Midwifery Tracey Gray said it was exciting to welcome the newest members of the hospital’s nursing workforce. “We are incredibly pleased to welcome our new nurses to Northern Beaches Hospital and
support them as they build their skills, confidence and experience,” Tracey said. “They are joining a fantastic team and will have the opportunity to learn from experienced nurses while making a real contribution to the care we provide our patients and community. “With around 100 new graduate and enrolled nurses expected to join us throughout the year, it is also an important investment in the future of our nursing workforce and in the care we provide to the Northern Beaches community.” For more information on current job opportunities at Northern Beaches Hospital, please visit: https://jobs.health. nsw.gov.au/nslhd.
The graduates took part in simulations at the NBH Education Centre
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Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary delivers $77,000 wishlist The Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary has
the fabric of our hospital for more than 60 years, and its members continue to make an incredibly valuable contribution,” Renae said. “The equipment and resources provided through the wishlist program make a real difference to our patients, their families and our staff. “We are extremely grateful to every auxiliary member, volunteer and community member who has supported their fundraising efforts.” The auxiliary is now raising approximately $30,000 to purchase an ultrasound machine for the Spasticity Clinic, which would provide clinicians with an additional tool to support the assessment and treatment of patients attending the service. Auxiliary members recently gathered at Mona Vale Hospital for their annual general meeting, providing an opportunity to reflect on another successful year of fundraising and plan for the year ahead. Through community stalls and other fundraising activities, the auxiliary continues to demonstrate the important role local volunteers play in supporting patient care at Mona Vale Hospital.
continued its longstanding support of the hospital, contributing more than $77,000 in equipment, furniture and resources through its annual wishlist program over the last financial year. The auxiliary has been part of the hospital since it first opened in 1964, raising funds within the local community to support patients, staff and services. Each year, hospital departments identify wishlist items that can enhance patient care and experience. This year’s contributions have included new indoor and outdoor furniture for the Assessment and Rehabilitation Unit and Beachside Rehabilitation Unit, an amputee wheelchair and a MOTOmed movement therapy device, a motor-assisted cycling machine used for rehabilitation, for the physiotherapy gym. Mona Vale Hospital General Manager Renae McCarthy thanked auxiliary members for their continued commitment to the hospital and the Northern Beaches community. “The incredible auxiliary has been part of
Smiles were aplenty at the Mona Vale Hospital’s Auxiliary General Meeting, with NSLHD Board Member Adam Johnston AM in attendance
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Past, Present and Future Stairway Opens at Macquarie Hospital L to R: Michelle Meadham (Manager, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Services Network, MHDA), Anne Bajuk (Macquarie Hospital Service Director), Pauline Deweerd (Executive Director Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Network), Andrea Taylor (Director Mental Health, Drug & Alcohol), James Monaghan (Manager Operations, NSECC) and Nicole Turner (CEO AH MRC & 2026 NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year) officially open the Past, Present and Future Stairway during Macquarie Hospital’s NAIDOC Week celebrations.
More than just a stairway connecting floors, “The Stairway” at Macquarie Hospital reflects the richness of Aboriginal culture. Created to inform, educate and celebrate the richness of Aboriginal culture, the stairway connects the lower ground and first-floor levels while making it an engaging cultural learning space. As staff and visitors use the stairs, they can view the artwork, images and information that celebrate Aboriginal culture, history and connection to country. Display shelves showcase cultural items and resources, while a welcoming seating area at the top of the stairs provides access to books, booklets and policy documents for staff and visitors to explore. ‘The Stairway’ was an initiative between the Northern Sydney Education and Conference Centre and the Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Network. Designed to encourage learning, reflection and meaningful engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, the stairway offers an opportunity for everyone who passes through the space to deepen their understanding and connection. The Past, Present and Future Stairway was officially opened by Pauline Deweerd, Executive Director, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Network, and Andrea Taylor, Executive Director, Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol, who cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.
The display on The Stairway
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Internationally-recognised researchers join the Kolling The district’s cancer and musculoskeletal expertise has been strengthened with the appointment of two senior researchers and their teams to the Kolling Institute. for her research into spinal cord injury, specifically the neural control of respiration and neurorehabilitation after injury.
Jane co-founded and leads the Spinal Cord Injury Research Collaborative, a team of researchers examining both fundamental and translational outcomes in the neural control of movement after spinal cord injury. Her team is working to develop novel clinical methods to improve limb, trunk and respiratory motor function. Jane has more than 200 peer-reviewed publications and has successfully attracted more than $27 million in funding over her career for both basic neurophysiology studies and clinical trials. Academic Director Professor James Elliott welcomed Marina and Jane to the Kolling saying they would bring a wealth of experience to the institute, while extending our expertise in these crucial research disciplines. “I am thrilled that they will now be part of our research community, and I look forward to the exciting research advancements and the tangible improvements in patient care.”
Professor Marina Pajic has been appointed the Paul and Katherine Gobits (Koh) Chair of Pancreatic Cancer Research following a remarkable $11 million gift. It is the largest individual philanthropic gift to pancreatic cancer research in Australia. Professor Pajic is a Snow Fellow who has worked at the Garvan Institute since 2013 after returning from a successful postdoctoral position at the Netherlands Cancer Institute. Marina has developed a wealth of integrated human cancer genomic and gene product expression profiles and new technologies to reveal insights into the growth and resistance of pancreatic cancer. This knowledge is helping to inform new tailored treatment options for patients. Professor Jane Butler has been appointed as a Senior Principal Research Fellow and Spinal Cure Fellow at the Kolling Institute. Professor Butler is internationally known
Professor Marina Pajic
Professor Jane Butler
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