Five people standing under a tree and smiling.

Great minds collaborating for student wellbeing: Manager of MNCLHD Wellbeing and Health In-reach Nurses, Grainne Ducat, WHIN Kempsey South, Kempsey East, and Frederickton Primary Schools, Julie Edden, WHIN Kempsey High School, Georgie McInnes, Director Regional Connected Communities Public Schools -Department of Education, Margaret Mulcahy, and WHIN Melville High School, Kristy Leonard.

WHIN nurse helps to shape school support centre in Kempsey

May 15, 2025

On May 6, 2025, Kempsey High School officially opened its new Connect Centre, a purpose-built facility designed to integrate education, health, and community services to support student wellbeing and enhance educational outcomes.

The opening ceremony commenced with a traditional smoking ceremony led by a local Aboriginal elder and his grandson, a student at Kempsey High School, followed by a Welcome to Country delivered by Uncle Fred Kelly.

The Connect Centre was the collaborative vision of School Counsellor Leesa Field and Principal Simon McKinney that aimed to provide a holistic approach to student support.

MNCLHD Wellbeing Health In-reach Nurse (WHIN) Georgie McInnes has been an instrumental piece of the plan for the centre to provide students support and connect families to health and wellbeing services.

The Centre brings together various support services, in conjunction with the Clontarf Team, Aboriginal Education Officers, and student learning support officers, to offer comprehensive assistance to students and their families.

Community representatives from organizations such as Durri Aboriginal Corporation Medical Service, Headspace, and other local schools attended the event, highlighting the school and community’s recognition of the importance of student wellbeing.

Top of page