Meet Ricki: a valued voice informing NWMPHN’s work
Pictured: Ricki Spencer.
Ricki Spencer is a member of NWMPHN’s People Bank. They are an accomplished professional with a background in education, social work, and advocacy.
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Currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Melbourne, Ricki's research focuses on disrupting heteronormative practices in secondary school classrooms. As a public advocate, Ricki represents and amplifies the voices of individuals with disabilities, transgender individuals, and adoptees, advocating for their rights and well-being.
Ricki is a skilled writer, covering a range of topics including trans health, education, queer intersectionality, and urban waste recycling. Their writings provide valuable insights into these subjects, contributing to broader discussions and understanding.
Their expertise is also sought after in advisory and board roles, including with the Housing for the Aged Action Group, the consumer panel of the Royal Melbourne Hospital, and the executive advisory committee for BreastScreen Victoria.
An opportunity to have input …
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Joining People Bank represented an opportunity to have input into the focus and design of the organisation’s activities.
“Without input from people with lived experience, any reform to the health system risks not being fit for purpose,” they said.
“NWMPHN’s People Bank is an important conduit for those voices to be heard, acknowledged and supported.”
People Bank is a register of residents willing to help the organisation in its mission to improve the health of people in the north, west and central Melbourne area.
Members take part in a range of different activities, including:
- forums, events, workshops
- committees and working groups
- online activities
- interviews and group discussions
- tender evaluation panels.
People Bank is one of several avenues for public input, all of which are outlined within NWMPHN’s Community Participation Plan – which was revised and updated in 2023.
The Plan recognises that all communities have the right to influence decisions that impact their health. When communities participate in the planning, development and evaluation of health services, better health outcomes are achieved.
At-risk communities that are sometimes unheard …
NWMPHN recognises, respects and values diversity. It strives to ensure its community participation activities are inclusive and culturally responsive. Information is regularly distributed in multiple languages, and into at-risk communities that are sometimes unheard in other forums.
This ethos is embedded in the culture and core functions of the organisation to help fulfil the vision of ‘improved health outcomes for everyone in our community’.
Other opportunities for input include NWMPHN’s Community Council, multiple surveys, advisory panels, focus groups, one-to-one consultations and seats on the organisation's expert advisory panels.
With over 20 years of experience in welfare provision, Ricki has worked as a social worker, teacher, and health promotions facilitator. This gives them a deep understanding of the challenges faced by marginalised communities.
They represent a lovely example of how community members provide insightful, detailed, and deeply informed advice to NWMPHN’s teams.
We thank them – and all the glorious, wonderful, thoughtful, diverse members of People Bank, Community Council and panels large and small, long-term and fleeting – for their time and service!
Our work with the people in our region is guided by our Community Participation Plan, which is being updated for 2024–26. View
our poster (.pdf) to learn more.
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NWMPHN is an ACNC registered charity and certified by SAI Global for ISO 9001.
We acknowledge the people of the Kulin nations as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which our work in the community takes place. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
We also recognise, respect and affirm the central role played in our work by people with lived experience, their families and/or carers.
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© Copyright NWMPHN 2023. All photos by Leigh Henningham unless otherwise noted.