the councillor learned late last week that she had been appointed to the NSW Government’s Regional Health Ministerial Advisory Panel.
The appointment, approved by NSW Minister for Health and Regional Health Ryan Park, will see Cr Cornwell McKean serve a three-year term under the Health Administration Act 1982.
The announcement marks a significant milestone in Berrigan Shire Council’s ongoing campaign for greater health equity, following months of high-profile advocacy highlighting what council describes as critical gaps in healthcare access across the Southern Riverina.
Over the past year, Cr Cornwell McKean has emerged as one of the region’s strongest voices on healthcare reform, representing Berrigan Shire and the Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation at parliamentary inquiries, ministerial briefings and media events.
Her advocacy has centred on concerns including ambulance response times, access to dialysis, stroke treatment and cardiac services for border communities.
In March, she told a parliamentary inquiry examining the future of the Murrumbidgee Local Health District that residents were facing “severe and significant inequity” in healthcare access.
“We are not asking for more than anyone else. We are asking for the same chance of survival,” she said at the time.
More recently, council used the release of the Local Government NSW health action plan to renew calls for key health investments, including a permanent ambulance station at Tocumwal, CT scanners for Finley and Tocumwal hospitals, local dialysis services and improved cardiac care access.
Speaking about her appointment to the advisory panel, Cr Cornwell McKean said she viewed the role as an opportunity to continue advocating for communities that have long felt overlooked.
“I am honoured to have been recognised and chosen for this important role,” she said.
“The opportunity to directly influence critical health policy which impacts upon our communities is a role I will continue to dedicate myself to as I strive to ensure that regional communities get the health care they deserve.”
The Regional Health Ministerial Advisory Panel provides advice to the NSW Government on issues affecting health services in rural and regional communities.
BSC welcomed the appointment, saying it would strengthen efforts to ensure regional communities receive their fair share of infrastructure, support and funding.
It represents another step in a campaign that has consistently argued “healthcare outcomes should not be determined by postcode”.
7°C