More than 80 community representatives from across the western region met in Dubbo on Saturday to discuss health issues and challenges in their communities.
Health councillors from over 30 of the Health District’s 37 Health Councils attended the Forum, which had the theme “Engaging our Communities”.
A few well known Canowindra residents attended the forum on behalf of Canowindra. From the Canowindra Health Council, Nick Jacobs, Kerby Lawrence and Christine Sampson, along with Canowindra Health Service Manager, Suzie Harrison.
“The forum was very informative and it was great networking with other health councils around the district”, Kerby Lawrence said.
Western NSW Local Health District Chief Executive Scott McLachlan said the District’s inaugural Health Council Forum was an opportunity to hear feedback from the community on their local health issues.
One of the highlights of the Forum was a workshop with the Health Councillors to determine how the Health District can more effectively engage with local communities.
“There is so much great work being undertaken by our Health Councils and the forum was a unique opportunity to share ideas and achievements,” Nick Jacobs said.
“We are very fortunate to have a network of devoted Health Councils across the District which are the linkage in towns about issues affecting the health of our region,” Mr Scott McLachlan said.
Baradine Health Council also presented information about a recent mental health awareness day held for farmers who have been affected by drought, and Blayney Health Council talked about a Healthy Community Survey they recently conducted.
“To have so many community representatives together at the one time was a wonderful opportunity and I really appreciate the time many took to travel long distances to attend”, Mr McLachlan said.
By Jessica Jenkins