Bianca Lean has always loved a challenge, and since joining us in October 2020, she’s achieved so much. Coming on board as a Practice Support Officer, she’s already been promoted twice and is now in the strategic role of Workforce Development Manager. Yet, it was during the early days of the pandemic, as COVID-19 Response Coordinator, that Bianca really proved her mettle.
Coming through in a crisis
Bianca Lean never expected to be working out of her garden shed. But during the height of the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2021, that’s exactly what she did, repackaging box after box of desperately needed medical gowns, masks, gloves and other personal protective equipment (PPE) to deliver to local GP clinics.
At the time, Bianca was our COVID-19 Response Coordinator. Her home and the entire Wingecarribee region was cut off from greater Sydney (and our head office) during the lockdowns. With GP clinics running dangerously low on supplies, Bianca’s shed was repurposed as an emergency warehouse, and she and a colleague delivered vaccines and PPE to every clinic they could reach.
It’s just one example of how Bianca is committed to delivering for her community when it matters most.
“There were times when it was kind of terrifying. Some practices were crying out for vaccines. But you could see the impact we were having on the community. We collaborated with the Local Health District to enable vaccinations for vulnerable people, and there were a lot of really feel-good moments, knowing we were helping those people get vaccinated.”
Bianca did herself (and South Western Sydney PHN) proud during an incredibly challenging time, backed by a team that’s motivated to tackle challenges head-on.
“Generally speaking, everyone is here because they’re passionate about making a difference at a local level. Rather than working somewhere that focuses more on policy, here, you’re able to implement things directly for your local community.”
Connecting with community
Bianca was raised in the Southern Highlands and returned to the region to start a family of her own. Her lived experience of healthcare accessibility makes her role with us especially meaningful.
“Growing up, access to health services was limited, especially for younger people who didn’t have cars. And today in my region, we still have a lot of issues with public transport and access to services. So, it feels really good to be supporting my community through the work we’re doing.”
Working in primary health has become something of a family tradition in Bianca’s family: Her mother and sister are both Nurses in South Western Sydney. However, Bianca took a different route into the healthcare field. Starting out as a Receptionist at a chiropractor clinic, she quickly realised the role was insufficiently challenging and transitioned to the front desk of a GP clinic. Soon after, despite her inexperience, Bianca was offered the position of Practice Manager, and she found she could more than handle it.
“I really like a challenge. I like to be pushed and found I really enjoyed being there for the patients. For me, working in healthcare isn’t about the clinical side; it’s about being part of and helping the community.”
Healthy career growth
Bianca has certainly demonstrated her willingness to stretch herself since joining our team. Starting as a Practice Support Officer, within six months, she transitioned into the challenging COVID-19 Response Coordinator role. After the worst of the crisis had passed, this role changed slightly to become Priority Populations Coordinator and saw Bianca managing a team of five. Then in May 2023, we were pleased to offer Bianca the opportunity of Workforce Development Manager which involves collaborating with the federal Department of Health and Aged Care.
“What really interests me is there is this capacity to play a part in history. Myself and my team are helping shape the healthcare workforce for the next 10 years across Sydney and Australia.”
The role involves understanding areas of need, and how to support local primary health providers to best meet those needs. It’s a real opportunity for Bianca to explore and grow in a new area. Whereas her role during the early days of COVID-19 needed to be highly reactive, in this position, Bianca is focusing on the long game. And she’s thrilled to have the chance.
“My manager advocated for me when I applied for this new role. He said, ‘You deserve this position, and you’re going to be great.’ And I’m excited to be working here. We have some great projects up and running now that will help vulnerable communities. There’s so much work being done, it is good to see.”