McCORMACK WELCOMES POSITIVE BREAKTHROUGH WITH GUNDAGAI MENTAL HEALTH NURSE POSITION

Member for Riverina Michael McCormack has welcomed moves to extend the Gundagai mental health nurse position until at least 30 June 2024, with plans to develop an integrated and sustainable model in the long term. 

Mr McCormack was advised of the breakthrough late this afternoon by the Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health, Emma McBride. 

Mr McCormack on 10 July urged the Minister to continue funding the position after he was alerted the position would no longer be supported beyond 30 September after three years of funding. 

The Gundagai community was devastated by the initial news. 

“I fought hard to help make this happen because this is too important to lose for Gundagai and the wider community,” Mr McCormack said. 

“The mental health nurse position is not yet cemented in the long term and I will continue to fight to ensure Gundagai’s mental health nurse position is made permanent. 

“This is a terrific turnaround and a good outcome for the local community who have relied on this service, and also for those who will need it in the future. 

“I thank Assistant Minister McBride for her assistance and will work with her to ensure permanence for this vital and necessary role.” 

In a letter to Mr McCormack, Assistant Minister McBride said the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network was working with the practice principal and mental health clinician at the Gundagai Medical Centre on arrangements to continue the mental health nurse position to 30 June 2024 and developing an integrated, sustainable model for Gundagai.

Mr McCormack spoke with the mental health nurse, Phil Gosling, who was delighted with the news. 

“This is great,” Mr Gosling said.