Edition #8
June 2022
Dr Joe McGirr MP INDEPENDENT MEMBER FOR WAGGA WAGGA
COVID-19 is continuing to challenge our community. The pandemic has had enormous impacts on our communities, from our ability to travel freely, to the way It is also important to take other precautions in the colder we undertake jobs and connect with our friends and family. weather. Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) see an increase in the number of residential fires during the cooler months Staff shortages have significantly impacted schools, due to heaters, electric blankets and overloaded power businesses and services. Yet, throughout those tough boards. Make sure you and your family are safe this winter times, we have seen consideration, determination by following the latest advice from FRNSW. and innovation. I commend our essential workers who have worked tirelessly, often putting their own Warm regards, wellbeing at risk. As COVID-19 continues to circulate in our community, we must remain vigilant. Receiving a booster vaccination is critical, especially throughout the flu season. Please monitor for symptoms and get tested. If you are vulnerable, please take extra precautions.
Dr Joe McGirr
DEPARTMENT OF RURAL HEALTH PETITION Earlier this year I launched a petition calling for the establishment of a Department of Rural Health in NSW to safeguard and increase rural health services and provide the rural health workforce that communities need. For too long, the current system has failed to address the challenges faced in rural healthcare and I believe decisions about rural healthcare need to be made in the regions. I welcome the NSW Government’s announcement of a new Regional Health Division within NSW Health. This is a promising start, but there is still a great deal of work to be done and I will be closely monitoring developments to ensure we see the changes that are needed.
I would like to acknowledge the Wiradjuri people who are the Traditional Custodians of this land. I would also like to pay respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
GET IN TOUCH 64 Baylis Street, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 PHONE (02) 6921 1622 EMAIL waggawagga@parliament.nsw.gov.au VISIT DR. JOE’S WEBSITE www.joemcgirr.com.au AUTHORISED BY JOE MCGIRR MP, INDEPENDENT, 64 Baylis Street, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650. PRINTED BY CHAMBERS WHYTE DESIGN AND PRINT, 5 Rabaul Place, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 using parliamentary entitlements May 2022. PAGE 1