GUNDAGAI MENTAL HEALTH FUNDING CUT TO CAUSE CRISIS IN TOWN: McCORMACK

Member for Riverina Michael McCormack has called on the Federal Government to guarantee ongoing funding for a mental health nurse in Gundagai to avert a potential crisis in the town and district. 

A nurse has been practising out of the town’s medical centre for the past three years but the Government has indicated the position will no longer be supported. 

“Ending funding for such a vital community role makes no sense at all,” Mr McCormack said. 

“I have been in contact with the Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Rural and Regional Health, Emma McBride, and urged her to continue funding the mental health nurse at Gundagai. 

“I’ve told her how crucial this position has been to saving lives and how it must, at all costs, be retained.” 

Gundagai’s mental health practitioner, funded by the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network, will not be supported beyond 30 September. 

“This is a cruel and unnecessary setback for the community which would mean the nearest mental health services are 80 kilometres away at Wagga Wagga,” Mr McCormack said. 

“This is simply not good enough. 

“Gundagai needs and deserves its own mental health nurse and I will do everything I can to ensure and extend the funding.” 

Mr McCormack said he had spoken to Mayor for Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council, Charlie Sheahan, Gundagai Councillor, Abb McAlister, and Gundagai doctor, Dr Maya Eamus, who shared his concerns. 

“Doctors at Gundagai tell me the service has been particularly effective and beneficial for farmers and youth,” Mr McCormack said. 

“We cannot let these people down, nor anyone else who desperately needs advice and support.”