26/6/03
Community members from a diverse range of backgrounds have been chosen to represent the Great Southern on the newly created District Health Advisory Councils, Health Minister Bob Kucera announced today.
Mr Kucera said the members, drawn from the community, consumers, agency providers and health services, would play a very important role in influencing health policies and developments.
"The establishment of these councils will give country people genuine input into health planning and decision-making," he said.
"Two advisory councils have been created in the Great Southern Health Region, with 25 members selected from a total of 35 nominations received.
"The final selection was made after much deliberation and will ensure that the voluntary membership represents widespread knowledge and skills.
"These councils will take us into a new era in community participation and as such, country people will be in a better position to influence policy and health developments."
Mr Kucera said the advisory councils had been established to enable community members to have input and advocacy without the onerous legal and financial responsibilities associated with the previous health service boards.
"The establishment of a single, unified health system with strong community input is one of the many reforms the Gallop Government has introduced to help fix the health system," he said.
The key roles of the advisory council members will be to:
- consult with consumers and community members about relevant health issues;
- present the views and opinions of consumers and community members at the council;
- offer creative input in relation to the delivery of health services;
- become familiar with the priorities of the health services at a local, district and regional level;
- share knowledge and expertise; and
- consider the views of consumers and the community in service development and planning.
Mr Kucera said it was vital that community members had input into the way in which health services were delivered locally and within the region.
The Central Great Southern Advisory Council members are: Intan Butler - a member of the Katanning Muslim community and a strong advocate for culturally appropriate services.
Diane Callaghan - a registered nurse and strong supporter of the Gnowangerup Community.
Stephen Dunnett - a former health care professional who lives in Tambellup and has a special interest in mental health and aged care.
Geraldine Ennis - a director of Nursing/Health Service Manager with considerable experience and a long-term association with Katanning.
Craig McVee - a resident of Kojonup and a strong and active representative of the Aboriginal Community.
Deborah Meyer - a consumer of health services and a casual health service employee with a strong interest in mental health issues.
Jonathon Palmer - a Home and Community Care Co-ordinator and an advocate for the frail aged and younger people with disabilities in the community.
Pauline Rosendaal - a resident of Tambellup, who is passionate about her community and has experience as a volunteer ambulance officer.
Sandra Shackley - a resident of Woodanilling. She advocates for country health services and has experience on the Central Great Southern Health Service Board.
Gladys Wells - a long-term resident of Katanning who has a special interest in chronic disease and disability.
Annabel Witham - a long-term resident of Broomehill and a Registered Nurse.
The Lower Great Southern Advisory Council members are: Carol Coyne - a member of the Aboriginal Community in Albany with a strong background in improving services for Aboriginal people, seniors and women's health.
Marian Hickson - an active, over 50s recreation group member, with a keen interest in health services.
Esme Justins - an active volunteer with a range of community organisations, and a strong advocate for community participation.
Don Kelso - a Baptist Pastor in Mount Barker. He has considerable knowledge of the Multi-Purpose Services Program and Health Service boards and management committees.
Mary MacNish - chief executive officer of the Great Southern Division of General Practice. The organisation is a partner in developing health services in the Great Southern.
Stuart Mangan - a farmer from Jerramungup interested in child health, men's health and using technology to improve access.
Joy Matla - a resident of Albany, with an interest in all health issues and a special interest in cancer care.
Bev McGuiness - a school teacher in Denmark, with a keen interest in health service issues.
Patricia Pope - a retired registered nurse, who has a strong interest in seniors' health and palliative care.
Sue Roberts - a long-term resident in Denmark and Director of Nursing/Health Service manager.
Damien Roper - a project officer with the Great Southern Population Health Unit. He has a keen interest in access to health services for marginalised groups.
Ian Sheppard - a consumer of health services and a member of Diabetes WA, with an interest in equity of access.
Jenny Thompson - a dedicated registered nurse currently employed with the Silver Chain Nursing Association. She has a strong interest in meeting community health needs.
Piers Yatesround - an employee of the Department of Community Development, with an interest in child and youth health.
Minister's office: 9213 7000
