BEDGERABONG SHOW
I had a lovely time attending Bedgerabong's 68th annual show on Saturday. Bedgerabong is a wonderfully tight-knit and welcoming community, and it was terrific to see this event so well supported.
A big congratulations to Maddie Kemp on being named the Bedgerabong Young Woman of the Year for 2024.
Local shows promote and bring locals together; these are such an important social events for our country communities. Congratulations to everyone involved in making this year's show such a success.
LEST WE FORGET
Last Thursday, 15th August, we commemorated Victory in the Pacific Day. On this date 79 years ago, the then Emperor of Japan surrendered to the allied forces, bringing an end to the Second World War.
At that point Australia had been at war since 3 September 1939; the historic surrender marking an end to almost six years of conflict.
Unfortunately, due to my obligations in the Parliament of New South Wales meant I was unable to personally attend a local service, however I was represented by Ms. Janice Harris who personally laid a wreath at the Orange service on my behalf. Lest We Forget.
Last Sunday, 18th August, we also commemorated Vietnam Veterans' Day and I attended a moving service at the cenotaph in Robertson Park at Orange.
This date coincides with the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan in 1966. We remember the almost 60,000 Australians who served during the 10 years of our nation's involvement in this conflict.
We will remember all those who were physically and psychologically wounded, and the 523 Australians who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Lest we forgeet.
JUSTICE FOR BIDDY
Over the past month or so there has been high profile media being broadcast on the tragic death of 10-year-old Biddy Porter, who was murdered four years ago in the most horrific of circumstances.
Not only has Biddy's death impacted her family, friends and school community, it's had a significant impact on her country community, here in the Central West.
Last year I met Biddy's mother, who shared with me her experience in the aftermath of Biddy's passing. I beggar's belief what Biddy's parents endured, not only with the circumstances of their child's death, but in how the matter was dealt with by the state-based agencies; apparent failures in transparency and consultation, unbalanced treatment and support between the accused, and the parents - who the living victims of this heinous crime.
I pledged to do whatever it was I could do to assist Biddy's parents seek justice for their daughter, and effect change so that they can find some peace and try to prevent others from being let-down by the system.
I have raised issues of concern directly with the NSW Government. To further encourage justice for Biddy and effect change, I have sponsored an e-Petition.
In short, the petition calls on the Government to initiate Parliamentary Inquiries into the Director of Public Prosecutions and Mental Health Review Tribunal, reform Victims' Support Services, and to conduct a coronial inquest into Bridgette 'Biddy' Porter's death ensuring justice, transparency, accountability, and fairness for victims of serious crimes.
We are close to obtaining the minimum 20,000 e-signatures, but we need a few more thousand to get this over line so that the matter can be debated on the floor of NSW Parliament. I invite you all to consider signing this e-Petition.
To sign, please visit the following link and follow the prompts which take less than a minute: https://shorturl.at/JxZNu
Thank you!
BUSH SUMMIT
The Daily Telegraph's Bush Summit is coming to Orange this Thursday 29th August 2024 at the Orange Ex-Services' Club. We are lucky to be the host of this event here in the Central West, and I'm sure tickets will go fast. If you are interested in attending this event, visit: https://shorturl.at/U7sw2
I'll certainly be attending, so I hope to see you there.
RURAL HEALTH WORKFORCE
Last week while at State Parliament I addressed the Legislative Assembly about the decline in the rural, regional and remote health workforce.
Seemingly, there has been endless talk on the issue, yet the problem persists. Without any real plans the problem will continue to impact country communities.
I applaud the Parkes Shire Council's initiative, advancing discussions into realistic and achievable plans. Parkes Shire have been on the front foot, and the plan includes strengthening relationships with universities and providing infrastructure to accommodate medical and nursing students, as well as training facilities in the health precinct.
This plan aligns with the concept that saw the Murray Darling Medical School come to life; that training country people from the regions will help to keep them and their professional skills here in country NSW.
Jurisdictional unity and stakeholder collaboration is absolutely key in addressing this issue. I have raised this plan with the government and will continue to seek their support at every opportunity.
NEW HOSPITAL THEATRE NEEDED
Early last month I inspected Forbes Hospital's operating theatre with NSW Health Minister, Ryan Park MP. The sole operating theatre is over 50 years old, with demand for its use dramatically increasing.
771 surgical procedures were performed in 2023-2024 financial year, signalling a need for a second theatre. It was great to see the Minister visit and listen to the hospital staff's needs.
Last week in parliament I took the opportunity to ask the Health Minister in question time whether he will consider funding a much-needed new operating theatre for Forbes' hospital.
I am encouraged with Minister Park's response, and I am assured this request is actively being considered.
I'll continue to pursue this, as it is a much-needed facility for the communities in the Lachlan Health Service catchment.