Addressing NSW Parliament on Thursday [13 February 2025] the independent member said MLHD has “failed communities.”

“In Parliament, I called for a split from the Murrumbidgee Local Health District to create the Western Riverina Health District,” Ms Dalton said.

“For too long, MLHD has failed our communities and has not followed through on a number of issues such as the two orthopaedic surgeons that were promised in 2021.

“Yet four years later we still have none.

“This Western Riverina Health district will include Deniliquin, Jerilderie, Berrigan, Finley, Leeton, Griffith, Hay, Hillston, Lake Cargelligo, Balranald, Barham, Moulamein and Tocumwal.

“By bringing healthcare decisions closer to home, we can work toward proper staffing, improved services, and better outcomes for Western Riverina residents.

“A local health focus will save local lives.

I’ll be speaking with NSW Health Minister Ryan Park urgently on this. It’s time for real change.”

This article appeared on Back Country Bulletin on 15 February 2025.