Bilinga local Elizabeth McCray: from lived experience to community voice

The Gold Coast Primary Health Network (GCPHN) Community Advisory Council (CAC) plays a vital role in ensuring our decisions, investments and innovations are person-centred, cost-effective, and reflective of local needs and experiences.  

Its membership represents the diversity of the Gold Coast, drawing on the voices of people from many different backgrounds, education levels and communities. 

People like Bilinga local Elizabeth McCray who recently retired from the CAC after five years of service.  

With a Bachelor of Business from QUT, Elizabeth began her career at Telecom in Newcastle before moving to Darwin with her husband Robert, who served in the Royal Australian Air Force.  

There, she worked as a career advisor with the Darwin Institute of Technology before spending several years working at the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) in Brisbane. 

Elizabeth describes her community service journey as one that grew from family and lived experience. 

“It was after moving from Darwin to Brisbane, and when my children began school, that I started volunteering, first as secretary at the preschool and primary school parent committees, then producing school magazines, which tapped into my love of desktop publishing,” she said. 

“Then, both my parents developed dementia in the late 1990s – early 2000s and it was difficult at times caring for them and my young family.  

“When they passed away, I was in a bit of a spot wondering what to do with myself, so I got involved with volunteering at Haemochromatosis Australia. 

“Haemochromatosis is a genetic disorder where people with the condition absorb too much iron from their diet, which builds up in the body and causes iron overload over time.  

“Unfortunately, it’s still under-diagnosed in Australia, and although I have no personal connection to the condition, it is a very worthwhile cause. 

“When I put my hand up to help, and with my love of publishing, they put me straight to work on their newsletter and social media. 

“Where the newsletter was a no brainer for me, the social media was new, but I learned how to do it and I am still quite proud of the increased clicks generated on the website and social platforms,” she said. 

Elizabeth eventually joined the Haemochromatosis Australia Board, and it was during this time that she looked further into the Gold Coast Primary Health Network. 

“We were always trying to get haemochromatosis recognised in health pathways, so I was aware of GCPHN’s work.  

“When I saw the CAC was calling for members, I thought I could contribute my lived experience of health needs within the Gold Coast community there as well.  

“When I first joined meetings were online due to COVID but these days we meet in person. 

“At first, I felt overawed, but before long I found my rhythm; it’s a lovely group, and I’ve learned so much about healthcare and health needs on the Gold Coast and I have tried to make a positive contribution,” she said. 

Elizabeth is particularly passionate about ensuring consumer voices are an integral part of the decision-making process. 

“People working closely in a health area sometimes forget that the general population often has limited health literacy.  

“Having consumer input means messages can be crafted in ways people understand.  

“For example, our CAC gave feedback that shaped the final rollout of a frailty campaign, making it, I believe, far more effective,” she said. 

Aged care is another matter close to her heart. 

“Too often decision-makers don’t see what it’s really like for patients and families,” Elizabeth said. 

“No one aims to end up in aged care, these people had rich and active lives before.  

“They deserve meaningful activities, especially on weekends and evenings when staffing is thin and, having cared for my parents, I feel my lived experience brought value to those discussions.” 

Elizabeth encourages others to consider joining the CAC. 

“You learn a great deal, it’s great for your own personal development; I’ve learned about other medical conditions, I’ve learned of so many health issues on the Gold Coast that need attention and it’s great that you can make such a difference to the health and wellbeing of your local community. 

“It’s one of the friendliest groups I’ve ever been part of, and everyone is listened to and respected.  

“You don’t need medical knowledge, more a thirst for knowledge and a genuine community spirit,” she said. 

For more information about the Community Advisory Council, please contact Kerry McCormick, Regional Partnerships and Engagement Officer, at kerrym@gcphn.com.au.