Representatives from RDN attend inaugural Rural & Regional Health Forum in Wagga Wagga

The Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) held its inaugural Rural & Regional Health Forum in Wagga Wagga this month with more than 70 CMA members, including representatives from RDN’s leadership team, attending to discuss finding solutions to the growing list of issues affecting health in communities.

CEO of NSW Rural Doctors Network, Richard Colbran, says it is important for organisations like RDN to work closely in alignment with local government to improve rural health access and the workforce. 

“Local councils across the state have become increasingly involved in ensuring a stronger, more sustainable health workforce, so RDN is honoured to be signing a Memorandum Of Understanding with the CMA to show its commitment to achieving better health access in regional, rural and remote NSW,” said Mr Colbran.

“I am constantly impressed by the dedication of mayors and councils to improving health access and outcomes for their residents, especially during recent years of natural disasters, the pandemic and crippling health workforce shortages. I am sure there will be some positive recommendations and outcomes to flow from this forum, said Mr Colbran.

CMA Chairman and Mayor of Gunnedah Shire, Jamie Chaffey, said residents of rural and regional NSW expect and deserve more adequate health services, regardless of where they live in NSW. “I’m sure this inaugural health forum will become an annual event to give our mayors, other councillors and general managers the opportunity to listen and engage with Federal and State MPs, along with leading health professionals and advocates,” he said.