12 weeks. No funding. Six (soon to be seven) pilot sites. That’s the bold start to a provider-led reform project that aims to reshape how aged care and health services work together in regional NSW – and perhaps beyond.

Whiddon CEO Chris Mamarelis says the Collaborative Health Care (CHC) Initiative, launched in June and supported by State and Federal officials, proves what’s possible when providers lead and Government listens.

“We’re not asking for a cent. It’s all just goodwill – and we’ve moved faster than some multimillion-dollar programs,” Chris tells SATURDAY.

Over just three months and two workshops, the CHC Initi