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A scenic view of the Blue Mountains

Health in Our Region

The Nepean Blue Mountains region includes the local government areas of the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Lithgow, and Penrith. The Traditional Custodians of the lands in our area are the Darug, Wiradjuri and Gundungurra peoples.

What we do

We support the primary healthcare needs of over 360,000 people across the region.

We serve the diverse and growing population of the Nepean Blue Mountains region. Our area covers over 9,000 square kilometres, from the metropolitan centre of Penrith to the regional remote communities of Lithgow.

The Community We Serve

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Population estimated to grow to 452,747 by 2041

(Our region is one of the fastest growing regions in NSW)

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6% identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander

(Out of the total population, 7.78% live in Lithgow, 5% in Penrith, 4.84% in Hawkesbury, and 2.69% in Blue Mountains)

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19.7% are born overseas

(Out of the total population, 23.3% overseas born residents are in Penrith, 17.4% in Blue Mountains, 13.3% in Hawkesbury and 10.1% in Lithgow)

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16% are aged 65+

(Dementia and Alzheimer’s are the second leading cause of death in the region)

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16.5% require mental health services

(With 19.7% of adults reporting high or very high levels of psychological distress)

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5.9% of residents have a profound or severe disability

(Includes people in long-term accommodation)

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61% of adults are above a healthy weight

(With childhood obesity rates set to increase by 2036)

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95.5% of children are fully immunised at 5 years.

 Health Comparison

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Diabetes

5.5% – NSW 4.8%

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Heart Disease

4.3% – NSW 3.8%

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Lung Condition

(including COPD)
1.9% – NSW 1.7%

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Mental Health

(including depression or anxiety)
9.6% – NSW 8.0%

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Arthritis

9.3% – NSW – 8.3%

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Health Needs Assessment

Understanding Our Region’s Health Needs

This year’s Health Needs Assessment provides a systematic analysis of the health and service needs and priorities of the communities of the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Lithgow and Penrith. It supports informed discussion, strategic partnerships and evidence-based planning, helping to prioritise commissioning and advocacy efforts that improve community health and wellbeing.

View our Health Needs Assessment
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