Divisions of General Practice were established across Australia between 1992-2011. These were globally unusual, in that they were run by local doctors rather than academics or government agencies.

They were tasked with supporting GPs and practices in a changing primary care environment

• Improve access
• Encourage integration and multidisciplinary care
• Focus on prevention and early intervention
• Better manage chronic conditions
• Support quality and evidence-based care
• Ensure a growing consumer focus

The Federally funded Midwest Division of General Practice was established in 2002 (?) with Dr Kim Pedlow serving as its founding Chairman. This initiative aimed to enhance community services through General Practice: providing allied health services and support for GPs in their practices, facilitating Continuing Medical Education (CME), and establishing a local social network. Additionally, it connected GPs with an Australia-wide network through the AGPN who last published in September 2024.

In 2012 the ALP established ‘Medicare Locals’ and transferred the Divisions’ responsibilities to them. However, Medicare Locals took no responsibility for the provision of CME. Federal funding is no longer available for this, but in 2012 MWGPN assumed the incorporated status of the Division to continue the role of providing CME. Medicare Locals have since been replaced by WAPHA and the PHNs. 360 is a private NFP that has historically provided administrative support.

In 2023 (?) adaptation of the name to MWGP Doctors Network was proposed to encourage specialists and doctors-in-training to participate and strengthen the local medical community.

MWGPN relies on careful management of existing resources, donations and subscriptions. To support local Medical Education, consider becoming a financial member.