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26 October 2005 Membership of Greater Southern Area Health Advisory Council
The NSW Minister for Health, John Hatzistergos today announced the appointment of the members of the Greater Southern Area Health Advisory Council (AHAC). "The newly appointed AHAC members will provide significant local clinical and community leadership within the health system," Mr Hatzistergos said. The chair of the Greater Southern Area Health Advisory Council is Dr Robert Byrne. The members of the Greater Southern Area Health Advisory Council are:
Mr Hatzistergos said the formation of local advisory councils was a key strategy in the reform of area health services across the state. "Members have been selected for their understanding of the health challenges facing NSW communities. They bring a unique perspective on the issues confronting their local area," Mr Hatzistergos said. "The Area Health Advisory Council is a crucial part of the State Government's strong and detailed plans to ensure that local communities and clinicians play an integral role in the planning and development of health services," he said. "The Councils will work with the chief executive of each area health service to ensure that clinicians, patients and the community are effectively engaged and consulted. "The Council members will play a crucial role in providing advice on issues such as health service planning and workforce development. "This delivers on the commitment the NSW Government made when the area health service restructure was announced, to increase the level of clinical and community input when addressing the growing demands on the health system," Mr Hatzistergos said. GSAHS received significant interest from people interested in becoming an AHAC member with more than 60 nominations received for membership in addition to 20 applications for the position of Chair. GREATER SOUTHERN AREA HEALTH ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS Dr Robert Byrne graduated from the University of Sydney. He practised in Griffith before moving to general practice in Coleambally. He is a former chair of the Murrumbidgee Division of General Practice and the Rural Doctors Network and is highly regarded in the western Riverina area. Dr Byrne resides in Leeton. Ms Fay Campbell is a former Mayor of Bombala. She operates a grazing property and was Chair of Bombala Hospital Board from 1983 to 1994. Ms Campbell has a long history of involvement in improving mental health services in rural NSW, serving on many boards and committees. Ms Campbell resides in Bombala. Ms Jane Ayers is a registered nurse with extensive experience in palliative care. She is the general manager of Mercy Health Service Albury. She was awarded the Albury Electorate Woman of the Year in 2005. Ms Ayers resides in Albury. Associate Professor Amanda Barnard is Associate Professor of Rural Medicine and Director of the Rural Health Unit at the Australian National University. She has worked as a GP in urban and rural areas in Western Australia and at the Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Western Australia. Her clinical interests include women's health and asthma. Mr Ray Gamble is from Griffith and is managing director of Associated Media Investments Pty Ltd which operates radio stations throughout Australia. He is Chairman of the Griffith Health Services Committee and Vice President of the Griffith Palliative Care Group. Ms Robyn Haberecht is the Health Service Manager in Jerilderie. She has 10 years experience in management, health services planning, consumer consultation and management. Ms Haberecht is a former registered nurse. Mr Robert McCully is from Hay and is managing director and major shareholder in The Riverine Grazier newspaper in Hay. He is Chair of the Hay Multi Purpose Service Committee and was previously Chair of Hay Hospital Advisory Committee. Mr John (Jack) Barron is a farmer and student from Ungarie where he has been involved in health services as an active community member in Ungarie for over 20 years through work on health committees and most recently with the Ungarie Medical Centre Committee. He is a former member of the Greater Murray Area Health Service Network Three Health Council. Ms Karen Pollard has a background as clinician and consumer. She is a lecturer in Medical Imaging at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga. Ms Pollard was previously a radiographer at the Hunter Breast Cancer Screening Program and Royal Newcastle Hospital. Ms Pollard resides in Wagga Wagga. Rev Tom Slockee is an Anglican Church priest. He is a former chair of the Southern Area Health Service Board. He has a particular interest in Aboriginal Health and has extensive involvement in many Aboriginal corporations. Mr Slockee resides in Mogo. Dr Trish Saccasan-Whelan is director of Goulburn Base Hospital Emergency Department. She is also the Area Disaster Coordinator (HSFAC) for the former area health service. Dr Saccasan-Whelan played a significant role in the Thredbo disaster when Goulburn was used as a Regional Disaster Coordination Centre. She lives in Goulburn. Dr Paul Sevier is a GP and resides in Young. He is an active health provider in the region and is aware of the challenges involved in providing health services particularly in the rural areas. Mrs Anne Napoli is an Italian born Australian citizen from Griffith who is a councillor on Griffith City Council. Mrs Napoli is a strong advocate for improved services for people living with a disability and is a member of the Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association of NSW. For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au |
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