On Thursday, 6 July 2023, Leeton Shire Council had the privilege of hosting the Hon Ryan Park MP, Minister for Regional Health, Luke Sloane, Deputy Secretary for Regional Health, and Member for Murray, Helen Dalton.
The meeting was attended by Mayor Cr Tony Reneker, Deputy Mayor Cr Michael Kidd and Chairperson of the Leeton Health Services Action Committee (LHSAC), Maryann Iannelli.
At the meeting, the Minister was provided with an in-depth understanding of the current state of Leeton's health landscape and the most evident challenges faced by those trying to access these vital services.
The Minister and Deputy Secretary presented case examples in Finley and the Snowy Mountains to illustrate how other regions have achieved substantial enhancements to their health services.
LHSAC chairperson Maryann Iannelli was pleased with the fruitful dialogue held between all parties.
"We felt our concerns were genuinely listened to. The Minister agreed that to meet community needs, Leeton would require a tailored approach in collaboration with key stakeholders," she said.
In addition, Luke Sloane, Deputy Secretary for Regional Health, is putting Leeton forward for a Rural Area Community Controlled Health Organisation pilot.
The pilot pertains to recommendation 10 of the substantial NSW Inquiry into Health outcomes and access to health and hospital services in rural, regional and remote New South Wales, that was submitted in 2020.
Rural Area Community Controlled Health Organisations (RACCHOs) are not-for-profit organisations funded by the government that support communities where existing rural health services do not meet community needs.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment between Leeton Shire Council and Minister Park to maintain ongoing collaboration moving forward with strong focus on community involvement.
The Deputy Secretary Office also endeavoured to provide a direct line to assist with the project and to lift roadblocks.
Mayor Cr Tony Reneker extended his appreciation to Minister Park, Deputy Secretary Sloane and Member for Murray, Helen Dalton, for their support.
"We look forward to continued cooperation as we work collectively towards a healthier, more resilient future for all residents in the Leeton Shire," he said.
Deputy Mayor Cr Michael Kidd, sharing Mayor Reneker's sentiments, welcomed this new spirit of collaboration from Minister Park and Deputy Secretary Sloane.
"It was pleasing to see the minister's interest in what's happening on the ground in Leeton," he said.
