RDN CEO in panel discusion on "Rural Health, Mental Health and Resilience"

RDN CEO Richard Colbran was among 23 speakers asked to speak at the Local Government NSW Rural and Regional Conference in Sydney this week. The full day conference at Sydney’s Sofitel Wentworth was hosted by Scott Phillips, Chief Executive LGNSW and attended by over 260 delegates from right across the state including representatives from 67 rural and regional councils.

Richard was on the day’s second panel that addressed the topic: ‘Rural Health, Mental Health and Resilience’. Joining him on the panel were Bronnie Taylor MLC, Minister for Women, Regional Health and Mental Health; Ryan Park MP, Shadow Minister for Health and Mental Health; and Dr Joe McGirr MP, Member for Wagga Wagga.

Minister Taylor reinforced her government’s commitment to improving healthcare access in the bush, including extra ambulance staff and money for multipurpose services, while Ryan Park discussed the ALP’s plan for Women’s Health Centres across NSW and the urgent need for new health infrastructure. Dr McGirr called for the establishment of a Department of Rural Health and spoke of the need for greater State and Federal collaboration.

Richard’s presentation was based around RDN’s four policy pillars: putting the community at the centre; improving access for everyone - especially the vulnerable and disadvantaged; ensuring accountability; and the importance of valuing who and what we already have. He also spoke of the work being done in his role as chair of the Regional Health Ministerial Advisory Panel (RHMAP).

More information:

RDN CEO addresses Local Government NSW Rural and Regional Summit