Leadership FORWARD

Message From the CEO and Board Chair

At this critical moment in healthcare, I am proud to present FCD Health’s 2025–2027 Strategic Plan—a clear, purposeful roadmap that reflects our shared commitment to advancing health equity, innovation, and culturally safe care across the Northern Territory. This plan reaffirms our Board’s commitment to good governance, sustainability, and strategic leadership. Informed by evidence, shaped by community voices, and aligned with national reform priorities, FCD Health is positioned to meet current challenges while building a stronger, more responsive future. Our focus on education, workforce development, and community partnerships ensures we are not just delivering care—we are cultivating a resilient, future-ready system that reflects and respects the communities we serve.I thank our partners, team members, and community stakeholders for your trust and collaboration. Together, we are strengthening the health of our Territory through vision, values, and action.

Dr Nige Gray
Board Chair


This Strategic Plan is more than a document—it’s a call to action grounded in our deep connection to the people and places we serve. At FCD Health, we are committed to delivering holistic, inclusive healthcare grounded in local priorities. Over the next three years, we will strengthen our clinics as centres of excellence, build new training and education pathways, and further embed innovation across all facets of care. We will continue to listen, adapt, and lead with cultural humility. Our plan reflects who we are: a trusted healthcare provider, a collaborative educator, and a partner in community well-being. We are building a more connected, equitable, and resilient healthcare future across the Northern Territory. Together with our partners, team, and community, we look forward to turning this vision into meaningful, measurable outcomes.

Bernie Cummins
Chief Executive Officer

WHO WE ARE

FCD Health Ltd is a proudly registered charity that has been serving the Palmerston community and the greater Northern Territory since its foundation in October 2010. Established with the vision of improving healthcare accessibility and outcomes for all Territorians, FCD Health operates the Palmerston GP Super Clinic and the Palmerston Medicare Urgent Care Clinic—two key healthcare facilities dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of the community.

Our Vision 
To lead the way for multidisciplinary primary healthcare, education, and training by fostering innovation, delivering evidence-based care, and promoting community engagement. Guided by a commitment to cultural respect and responsiveness, we aim to build a healthcare future that embraces connected care, telehealth, community clinics, and education hubs—meeting the diverse needs of all Territorians. 

Our Mission
To provide holistic, accessible, and equitable primary healthcare while cultivating the next generation of healthcare professionals through education and training. Every day, we strive to deliver top-quality, patient-centred care and empower the health workforce to shape a brighter, healthier future for the Northern Territory and beyond. 

Through mentorship, hands-on clinical training, and innovative scholarship programs, we are educating and empowering future doctors, nurses, paramedics and allied health practitioners to make a lasting impact in the Territory and beyond.

OUR VALUES

At FCD Health, our values guide everything we do, ensuring we provide exceptional healthcare with integrity and respect. These principles shape our commitment to delivering the highest quality care for the greater Darwin and Palmerston communities.

Holistic care - providing care that addresses physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

Excellence by pursuing the highest standards in everything we do.

Adaptability and flexibility in meeting the evolving needs of our communities.

Lifelong learning by supporting continuous education and growth for our team.

Teamwork is where we build partnerships to deliver the best possible care.

Health equity for fair and inclusive access to healthcare for all. 

These values shape our mission of partnering with Territorians for a healthier life

OUR STRATEGIC INTENT

At FCD Health, we envision a Northern Territory where healthcare is accessible, patient-centred, and shaped by the community's needs. Our Strategic Plan 2025–2027 outlines clear steps to expand primary healthcare, improve urgent care access, and foster a skilled, sustainable healthcare workforce. This plan supports:

Closing the Gap by tackling health inequities, especially for Indigenous and multicultural populations.

Leveraging National Reforms through alignment with the Commonwealth’s Primary Health Care Reform Agenda to ensure better access and equity for vulnerable communities.

Sustainable Growth by building resilience in healthcare delivery through education, innovation, and partnerships.

KEY DRIVERS


KEY DRIVER 1

Education, Training, and Workforce Development

Building a sustainable healthcare workforce is vital for the NT’s future. FCD Health focuses on training and professional development to ensure we have the skilled professionals to deliver exceptional care.

Our strong partnerships with Flinders University and Charles Darwin University continue to strengthen and provide students with clinical placements, tailored education and training, internships, and research opportunities. Cultural competency training will be a core part of all programs, preparing students to deliver multidisciplinary inclusive care, especially for Indigenous populations in the NT.

We offer mentoring, supervision, and attractive career pathways to retain healthcare professionals in the NT. Support for international students will include dedicated programs that guide them from education to permanent employment in the region.

Our Goal – to build a resilient multidisciplinary primary healthcare workforce equipped to address the Northern Territory's unique needs.

To develop a healthcare workforce that meets the unique demands of the NT, we are taking deliberate, future-focused actions that foster skills development, cultural understanding, and career pathways. Here’s how we will achieve this:

Building Future Healthcare Leaders through Education and Mentorship

We have robust preceptorship, supervision, and mentoring programs to ensure healthcare professionals have the support they need to thrive. These programs provide hands-on learning, practical guidance, and the confidence to deliver exceptional care in diverse settings.

Partnering with Leading Universities to Expand Training Opportunities

We are strengthening our partnerships with Flinders University and Charles Darwin University, and we provide even greater opportunities for students in medicine, nursing, paramedicine and allied health. Our aim is to double the number of student placements by 2027, creating a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to serve our communities.

Empowering Aboriginal Health Practitioners

Recognising the critical role Aboriginal Health Practitioners play in improving outcomes for Indigenous communities, we are launching a dedicated training program by 2026. This program will not only enhance cultural safety but also provide new career pathways for aspiring practitioners from Indigenous backgrounds.

Inspiring the Next Generation through Career Pathways

To ensure the long-term sustainability of the healthcare workforce, we are working with local schools to offer work experience and career exposure programs. These initiatives will inspire high school students to consider rewarding careers in healthcare and provide them with a clear pathway to enter the profession.

Embedding Cultural Competency into Every Level of Care

Cultural safety is at the heart of everything we do. We will implement mandatory cultural competency training for all staff and students, equipping them with the skills to deliver respectful and inclusive care that meets the diverse needs of our communities.

Through prioritising education, mentorship, cultural inclusivity, and local talent development, we are building a resilient healthcare workforce that will serve the Northern Territory for generations to come.

KEY DRIVER 2

Expanding Multidisciplinary Primary Healthcare through the Palmerston GP Super Clinic

Our vision for the Palmerston GP Super Clinic is to make it a central hub for integrated, multidisciplinary primary care. Addressing chronic disease management, mental health, and preventive care improves health outcomes for the growing population in Palmerston and the Greater Darwin.

We are expanding services to include enhanced chronic disease management, increased mental health support, and additional allied health services. Telehealth plays a pivotal role in ensuring continuity of care for patients in rural areas, bridging the gap between remote communities and high-quality healthcare.

We adopt a community-centred approach, working closely with Indigenous and multicultural groups to co-design services that reflect their needs. Preventive health initiatives like wellness programs and screenings will encourage long-term wellness and early intervention.

Our efforts align closely with NT Health’s vision for connected and multidisciplinary care, ensuring patients benefit from comprehensive support across the health system. We build on the strategic priorities of Flinders University and CDU, and are advancing health education and producing a skilled workforce capable of meeting the unique challenges of the NT.

Our Goal – to enhance integrated, multidisciplinary healthcare services through the Palmerston GP Super Clinic.

We are improving outcomes for our diverse and expanding population. Here’s how we will achieve this:

Expanding Services to Meet Diverse Needs

We are enhancing the range of services available at the clinic, with a focus on expanding allied health support by 20% by 2027. This includes targeted improvements in chronic disease management and mental health services to address the Northern Territory’s most pressing health challenges. In addition, telehealth plays a vital role, in bridging the gap between remote communities and high-quality healthcare, ensuring continuity of care regardless of location.

A Community-Centred and Collaborative Approach

Our approach is deeply community-centred, working closely with Indigenous and multicultural groups to co-design services that reflect the cultural and practical needs of the population. Initiatives such as wellness programs and health screenings are driving early intervention and promoting long-termwellness.

Through partnerships with Flinders University and Charles Darwin University, the clinical so serves as an educational hub. Clinical placements for students in medicine, nursing, paramedicine, allied health, and Aboriginal Health Practitioner training offer real-world experience in integrated care settings. This approach not only supports workforce development but ensures that tomorrow’s healthcare leaders are trained in collaborative, patient-centred care.

Driving Innovation for Better Outcomes

We are developing innovative care models designed to reduce chronic disease-related hospital admissions by 15% by 2026. These models focus on prevention, early intervention, and coordinated management, delivering the right care at the right time to improve overall community health.

With FCD Health, the Palmerston GP Super Clinic is more than a healthcare facility—it is a cornerstone of innovation, collaboration, and community-centred care that addresses today’s needs while building a healthier future for all Territorians.

KEY DRIVER 3

Timely and Accessible Urgent Care Through the Palmerston Medicare Urgent Care Clinic

The Palmerston Medicare Urgent Care Clinic plays a vital role in delivering affordable, timely care for non-life-threatening conditions, easing the pressure on emergency departments, and improving overall community health. As the only accredited Medicare-urgent care service in the Palmerston and Greater Darwin region, the clinic is a critical component of the healthcare system, ensuring accessible, high-quality services for all.

Goal- To provide timely, culturally responsive urgent care through the Palmerston Medicare Urgent Care Clinic.

We are the only accredited Medicare-urgent care service in the Palmerston and Greater Darwin region. Here’s how we will achieve this:

Expanding Accessibility and Reducing Strain on Hospitals

To meet the growing demand for urgent care, we have extended clinic hours and increased staffing capacity, enabling the clinic to provide affordable, efficient care while reducing unnecessary visits to emergency departments. These enhancements are designed to maintain high standards of service and ensure patients receive timely treatment close to home.

Prioritising Cultural Responsiveness and Patient Focussed Care

Cultural responsiveness is central to our approach. We work closely with Indigenous and multicultural communities to deliver tailored care that addresses their unique needs. By integrating follow-up care with primary healthcare providers across the region, we improve continuity of care, reduce repeat visits, and build trust within the community.

Innovating for Better Outcomes

Innovation is key to meeting the urgent care needs of our diverse population. We are incorporating telehealth follow-ups to enhance care continuity and satisfaction while developing forward-thinking models that break down silos between health systems. These initiatives leverage our role as an educational hub, fostering integrated multidisciplinary practices that improve communication, streamline patient flow, and deliver culturally appropriate care.

Aligned with Broader Health Sector Goals

The clinic aligns with the Primary Health Care Reform Agenda, addressing gaps in urgent care access and ensuring services are available for vulnerable populations. By working with strategic partners, we are creating sustainable, patient-focused models of care that improve health outcomes across the Northern Territory.

With FCD Health, the Palmerston Medicare Urgent Care Clinic is redefining urgentcare delivery in the NT. Through accessible, culturally safe, and innovativeservices, we are meeting today’s challenges while building a healthier, moreconnected future for all Territorians.

KEY DRIVER 4

Community-Centred Care – Meeting the Health Needs of the NT

FCD Health provides equitable healthcare that meets the diverse needs of the Northern Territory’s communities. Our approach ensures culturally safe, accessible services for Indigenous, multicultural, and rural populations while fostering partnerships that deliver meaningful and sustainable health outcomes. We listen, we learn, we improve and we care.

Our Goal – to foster equality and improve health outcomes through strong community partnerships.

Guided by our foundation of Partnering with Territorians for a Healthier Life, here how we will achieve this:

Collaborating to Co-Design Inclusive Services

Working closely with indigenous organisations, multicultural groups, and health leaders, we are co-designing care models and preventive health programs that reflect cultural traditions and address community-specific priorities. This collaborative approach ensures that the services we deliver are relevant, respectful, and impactful.

Engaging Communities to Shape Healthcare Delivery

Community engagement is central to our strategy. We are establishing a consumer advisory group and hosting regular forums, we are creating a platform for community voices to guide and inform our services. These initiatives help us remain responsive to local priorities while fostering trust and collaboration.

Expanding Access Through Preventive Health and Outreach

Our focus on prevention includes targeted health campaigns and education initiatives to promote early intervention and wellness. We are increasing participation in preventive health programs by 30% over the next three years, and leveraging mobile clinics and telehealth services, we will expand our reach to underserved and remote areas, ensuring essential care is accessible to all.

Embedding Health Equity in Every Level of Care

Cultural safety is at the heart of our operations. All staff undergo cultural safety training, and culturally inclusive practices will be embedded across every level of service delivery. These efforts ensure that our care models promote health equity and address systemic barriers to access.

We prioritise partnerships and inclusivity, we are advancing our shared goal of Closing the Gap for vulnerable populations.

The Community-Centred Care strategy ensures that FCD Health not only meets the current health needs of the NT but also builds a stronger, more equitable healthcare system for the future. Through collaboration, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to health equity, we are improving outcomes and creating healthier communities across the territory.

Strengthening Healthcare

FCD Health’s Strategic Plan 2025–2027 is more than a blueprint—it is a shared vision for the future of healthcare in the Northern Territory. At its core, this plan represents our unwavering commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability in addressing the unique health challenges faced by our communities.

By expanding the capabilities of the Palmerston GP Super Clinic and the Palmerston Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, we are transforming these facilities into hubs of excellence. These spaces are not only places of healing but also centres of education, collaboration, and innovation. They are where care providers, students, and community members come together to shape a healthier NT.

Through education and workforce development, we are cultivating the next generation of healthcare leaders. By fostering partnerships with Flinders University and Charles Darwin University, offering tailored programs, and prioritising cultural competency, we are preparing a resilient, multidisciplinary workforce that reflects the rich diversity of the NT.

We are driving multidisciplinary care and innovation, using telehealth and preventive health initiatives to reach the most remote and vulnerable populations. By embedding culturally safe practices at every level, we are ensuring that no Territorian is left behind.

Our focus on community-centred care underscores our belief that healthcare is strongest when it is informed and guided by the people it serves. Through active collaboration with indigenous organisations, multicultural groups, and local leaders, we are co-designing services that respect cultural traditions and deliver meaningful outcomes.

We are committed to closing the gap and leveraging national reforms to address systemic health inequities. This plan is aligned with the Primary Health Care Reform Agenda, ensuring that vulnerable populations have better access to timely, affordable, and high-quality healthcare.

The FCD Health Strategic Plan 2025–2027 is a living document. It will evolve as we listen to our partners, adapt to changing needs, and seize opportunities to innovate. With regular reviews and community feedback, it will remain a dynamic framework that grows alongside the people it serves.

Together we are Partnering with Territorials for a Healthier Life