Practical conversations for stronger practices
Running a successful practice means navigating constant change, leading people, managing risk, strengthening systems and finding new ways to deliver better care.
Building Better Practices is an AGPAL webinar and podcast series bringing together practical insights, real-world experience and conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing primary care today.
Hosted by Gary Smith AM and Colleen Sullivan OAM, each session explores a different aspect of practice leadership and management, with practical ideas you can take back to your practice.
Practical guidance
Ideas, approaches and insights you can apply in your practice.
Real-world experience
Hear practical perspectives shaped by decades of healthcare and practice management experience.
Conversations that matter
Explore the challenges, changes and opportunities shaping primary care today.
Episode 1 | Leading through change
Leading with confidence when change is constant
Change is a constant in primary care. New expectations, evolving standards, workforce pressures and changing ways of working mean practice leaders are continually balancing what needs attention today with how they prepare their teams for what comes next.
In the first Building Better Practices webinar, Gary Smith AM and Colleen Sullivan OAM explore what it takes to lead a practice through change with confidence. Drawing on their extensive experience in healthcare and practice management, they’ll share practical perspectives on navigating uncertainty, bringing your team with you and creating an environment where change can lead to meaningful improvement.
Through practical examples and real-world experience, the conversation will explore how strong leadership can help practices respond to change without losing sight of their people, purpose or priorities.
In this session, you’ll explore how to:
- approach change with greater confidence, even when the path ahead isn’t completely clear
- communicate the purpose behind change and help your team understand why it matters
- involve your team in change and build shared ownership rather than relying on one person to drive it
- balance planning with the flexibility to respond when circumstances change
- learn from experience and use those lessons to strengthen how your practice approaches future challenges
- lead your practice forward while maintaining focus on your people, patients and the quality of care you provide.
45-minute live webinar | Complimentary registration | Live audience Q&A
Upcoming episodes in the series
Episode 1: Leading through change
Wednesday 4 November 2026
12:30–1:15 pm AEST
Live online webinar
Episode 2: Building a high-performing practice team
Wednesday 2 December 2026
12:30–1:15 pm AEST
Live online webinar
Episode 3: Managing risk & compliance with confidence
Wednesday 3 February 2027
12:30–1:15 pm AEST
Live online webinar
Meet your hosts
Gary Smith AM
Gary Smith AM is Chair of Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited (AGPAL) and has more than 30 years’ experience in healthcare and practice management.
A Fellow and Life Member of the Australian Association of Practice Management, Gary has contributed extensively to the professionalisation of practice management through education, governance and industry leadership. He is also an Academic Director and Lecturer with University of New England Partnerships.
In 2023, Gary was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) and has received an Honorary Doctor of Letters from the University of New England. Together with Colleen Sullivan OAM, Gary is co-author of Principles of Healthcare Practice Management: Your Handbook, a practical guide to managing contemporary healthcare practices.
Colleen Sullivan OAM
Colleen Sullivan OAM is an experienced healthcare practice management consultant, educator and author who has made a significant contribution to the development of professional practice management.
A Fellow, Life Member and Past President of the Australian Association of Practice Management, Colleen has extensive experience in practice management education, research and professional development, supporting healthcare practices to strengthen their management systems.
In 2014, Colleen was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to medical administration. She has co-authored two books on practice management with Professor Geoffrey Meredith AM and, together with Gary Smith AM, is co-author of Principles of Healthcare Practice Management: Your Handbook.
Continue the conversation
Principles of Healthcare Practice Management: Your Handbook
Practical guidance for managing and strengthening your healthcare practice.
Written by Building Better Practices hosts Gary Smith AM and Colleen Sullivan OAM, Principles of Healthcare Practice Management: Your Handbook brings together their extensive experience in healthcare and practice management in one practical resource.
Designed for both new and experienced practice leaders, the handbook explores the core areas involved in running an effective healthcare practice, from business operations, financial and people management through to leadership, technology, risk, compliance and practice development.
Many of these principles will be explored throughout the Building Better Practices series, making the handbook a useful resource for taking the conversation further and applying the ideas within your own practice.
Supporting your practice beyond the conversation
Your partner in accreditation and quality improvement
At AGPAL, we believe accreditation is about more than meeting the Standards. It’s an opportunity to strengthen your systems, support your team and continually improve the quality of care you provide.
Whether you’re preparing for your first accreditation, transitioning to the RACGP Standards for general practices 6th edition, or looking ahead to your next accreditation cycle, our experienced team is here to support you throughout the journey.
Talk to the AGPAL team about how we can support your practice.
Episode 1 | Leading through change
Join the next Building Better Practices conversation
Get practical insights, real-world perspectives and ideas you can take back to your practice.
Join Gary Smith AM and Colleen Sullivan OAM for the next live Building Better Practices webinar, including the opportunity to put your questions to Gary and Colleen during the live Q&A.
Next webinar
Episode 1: Leading through change
Wednesday 4 November 2026 | 12:30–1:15 pm AEST