Partnership development is one of the ‘key action areas' of the capacity building framework, which guides our work. Some of the strategies we use to develop and enhance partnerships include:

• Participation on hepatitis C related advisory committees, steering groups or reference groups at an Area Health Service level.
• Pparticipation on hepatitis C related advisory committees, steering groups or reference groups at a NSW statewide level.
• Providing input or feedback on hepatitis C related strategic plans.
• Providing input or feedback on hepatitis C submissions relating to health promotion activities.
• Providing input or feedback on resource development.
• Providing input or feedback on educational planning.
• The HepLink interagency and e-list.

The Council places a high priority on supporting the work of, and developing partnerships with Area Health Services and other organisations and services that work with communities affected by and at risk of hepatitis C. Part of the role of the project officers in the Education and Development Team is to enhance these partnerships. He/she is available to participate on steering committees, advisory groups and project reference groups for hepatitis C and related projects across NSW.

This provides an excellent opportunity for the Council and affected community to be represented at a formal level in Area Health Services, non-government organisations, government departments or agencies and related interagencies and peak bodies.