Northern Health is a major public health service provider in Victoria, Australia, serving Melbourne’s rapidly expanding northern corridor. Established in July 2000, Northern Health has grown to become a cornerstone of healthcare delivery in one of the state’s most diverse and fastest-growing regions. With over 9,400 staff across five major campuses, Northern Health is not only a healthcare provider – it is a people-powered organisation that places its workforce at the heart of its success.

Guided by the values of Safe, Kind, Together, Northern Health has cultivated a workplace culture that prioritises psychological safety, continuous learning, and genuine respect for diversity. Its strategic alignment between organisational goals and workforce development is evident in its Strategic Plan 2025-2029, which focuses on building leadership capability, promoting equity, and supporting staff wellbeing and resilience.

The organisation invests in education and development with tailored programs for graduates, emerging leaders, and seasoned professionals. Partnerships with universities and research institutions foster innovation and evidence-based practice, while digital platforms ensure learning is accessible and future-ready.

Results from the 2024 People Matter Survey demonstrate Northern Health’s success in cultivating a high-performing and engaged workforce. Significant improvements were recorded across key indicators, including learning and development, career progression, and job satisfaction, all of which exceeded comparator group benchmarks. These outcomes reflect the organisation’s strategic investment in its people and its commitment to continuous improvement.

Northern Health also leads in employee wellbeing and safety, with sector-leading performance in injury prevention, flexible work arrangements, and mental health support. A holistic wellbeing agenda includes mindfulness programs, peer support, physiotherapy clinics, and safe spaces across campuses. Staff are actively involved in shaping wellbeing initiatives, ensuring relevance and responsiveness.

Recognition is deeply embedded in Northern Health’s culture. Biannual awards, external secondments, and annual service honours celebrate staff contributions and reinforce a sense of pride and purpose. These initiatives, alongside inclusive recruitment practices and succession planning, support retention and internal mobility.

Through visionary leadership, inclusive practices, and a relentless focus on people, Northern Health exemplifies what it means to be an Employer of Choice. It is a place where staff are valued, supported, and inspired to deliver outstanding care and drive meaningful change. As Northern Health continues to grow and innovate, its people remain its greatest asset – making it not only a leader in healthcare but also a truly exceptional place to work.

For more information about Northern Health, visit nh.org.au.