Narrabri health: collecting many voices

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have been asked to add their voices to help shape the future of Narrabri District Health Service at a special meeting next week.

Health Service Manager Sharon Simpson says it’s important to capture the history of the Narrabri area through the eyes of the locals.

“We want the Aboriginal User Group to play a key role in the development of the new hospital, to add their voices to ensure the new facility is a welcoming and friendly environment.” 

Ms Simpson is hoping next week’s User Group meeting will be well attended.

“This User Group is an effective way for community members to contribute their history to the new hospital,” Sharon said.

The representative for the Narrabri redevelopment Marilyn Binge says it’s now time to get the wider Aboriginal community involved.

“While we’ve had some initial discussions with the planning team and Aboriginal community members, we need to open up the process to ensure the facility meets the needs of the wider Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities,” she said.

“The User Group has had preliminary discussions around artwork, signage, welcome notes and landscaping for the new hospital which is due for completion in 2012.

“We value the input of the User Group and are looking forward to implementing their ideas,” Sharon said.

The Aboriginal User Group will meet next Tuesday 28 June at 10am at Narrabri and District Community Aid Service, 8 Doyle Street Narrabri.

For more information, or to become a member of the Aboriginal User Group, please contact Health Service Manager for Narrabri District Health Service Sharon Simpson on (02) 6799 2868.

Contact: Abbey Wright

Phone: (02) 4921 4477