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Patients & visitors

Becoming a consumer partner

Becoming a consumer partner

Help us shape and improve our services

Austin Health includes consumer partners in important decision making about our services. Consumer partners are volunteers who have experience:

  • using services provided by Austin Health, or
  • supporting a person who has used services provided by Austin Health.

If you would like to share your thoughts and ideas on how our services can be improved, apply to become a consumer partner.

Who we are looking for

 We are looking for people who:

  • can provide patient, consumer, carer and/or community perspectives, not just personal experience
  • are interested in improving patient care
  • can positively work together with health professionals
  • are 18 years of age or over.

We welcome and encourage applications from people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people and people from the LGBTIQ+ community.

Remuneration and reimbursement

Remuneration is offered to all consumer partners for pre‑approved activities. These payments recognise the time and contribution members bring to improving care at Austin Health.

Reimbursement may also be provided for pre‑approved out‑of‑pocket expenses related to the role, such as parking.

Payments may be considered income. You should check how this could affect your personal circumstances, including Centrelink or other financial supports.

Volunteer walking and smiling with a patient

More information

Links and downloads

Register your interest

To register your interest, please complete our Consumer Partner Application form:

Before you start

The form should take about 15 minutes to complete. It will ask you for some information, including:

  • Your name and contact details (phone, email and address)
  • Personal details such as date of birth, gender and pronouns
  • An emergency contact and a referee
  • Your vaccination history
  • Languages you speak, any disability, and relevant health information

It will also ask about your experience and interests, including:

  • A short description of your experience as a consumer, carer or community member
  • Your lived experience with Austin Health or as a healthcare consumer
  • The areas of healthcare or community you’re most interested in (for example, cancer services, mental health, patient experience or research)
  • Any previous involvement in healthcare committees, projects or advocacy (if you have it)
  • Your involvement in the community or with other health organisations

Need help?

If you need help to complete the form, or would prefer support, please email consumerpartners@austin.org.au. 

What happens next?

We will keep your details on file and get in touch when a suitable opportunity comes up.

Community Advisory Committee

The Austin Health Community Advisory Committee (CAC) is an advisory committee to the Austin Health Board which operates under the Victorian Public Health Services Community Advisory Committee guidelines.

The Community Advisory Committee assist our health service to include consumer and community perspectives and experiences in our operations, planning and evaluation. 

Find out more about joining our Community Advisory Committee (CAC).

Contact us

If you have any further questions about becoming a consumer partner please reach out to the Consumer Engagement Team.

Consumer Engagement Team

Email: consumerpartners@austin.org.au

Phone: 0499 787 372

Links
Downloads