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- 13 April 2000
Jerilderie Multipurpose Service Centre
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Page: 4699
The Hon. J. HATZISTERGOS [10.14 p.m.]: I report to the House on my visit to Jerilderie on 23 and 24 January this year on behalf of the Minister for Local Government, Minister for Regional Development, and Minister for Rural Affairs. During my visit I met representatives of the local shire council, in particular residents and members of the Jerilderie multipurpose service steering committee. I had the opportunity to inspect Jerilderie District Hospital, which was established in the 1800s as a typical rural country hospital servicing an area ranging up to 60 kilometres from the hospital. During the Wran years of the early 1980s it was entirely refurbished at considerable cost and was unique in its design for using solar panels through which energy for the complex was driven. Indeed, I noted that my very good friend the former Minister for Health, Kevin Stewart, was the person who opened the refurbishment.
The complex also includes a community centre and preschool. The hospital's importance increased as a consequence of the community losing its local pharmacy, so the residents needed the hospital to obtain prescribed drugs. At the same time, however, the hospital was suffering some decline. It lost its radiology facility and its operating theatre and the equipment was transferred to Finley Hospital. However, a commitment had been made by the previous Minister for Health, Dr Refshauge, for the establishment of a multipurpose service at Jerilderie. Indeed, the local Federal member, Tim Fischer, also made a commitment to support such a project. The community had raised a considerable amount of money towards the $100,000 target of assistance in anticipation of the multipurpose service being established.
The inquiry into health services in small towns, which was concluded recently by the Rt Hon. Ian Sinclair actually recommended against the establishment of a multipurpose service centre at Jerilderie. However, I reassured the community of the Government's commitment towards establishment of such a facility. Indeed, recently the Minister for Health, the Hon. Craig Knowles, was able to announce as part of a $19.3 million increase in health funding for the Greater Murray that the multipurpose service will be established in Jerilderie during 2000 and 2001. It would not surprise people to know that the community was elated at this response. In fact, the Mayor of Jerilderie wrote a letter to me thanking me for my efforts and the efforts of the Carr Government in securing continuing, adequate health services for the community.
The Hon. Dr B. P. V. Pezzutti: You are a Johnny-come-lately. It was over before you even got here.
The Hon. J. HATZISTERGOS: I would like to know how many letters you wrote about the issue.
The Hon. Dr B. P. V. Pezzutti: We had an inquiry that lasted about four days.
The Hon. J. HATZISTERGOS: Do not worry; people will get to read your comments about this. Whilst in Jerilderie I was also privileged to open the new works depot. Over the last two financial years council has been constructing a new works depot at an estimated cost of $1.124 million. The new works depot incorporates a workshop with three work bays, a stores and amenities block, machinery sheds and a truck wash bay. The depot forms an integral part of delivering services to shire residents. The facility expands the council's already significant role in the provision of private works to its rural community. Indeed, it plans to tender for the construction of fire tankers for the New South Wales Rural Fire Service. Construction of the new depot also meant that the previous old depot, which was sited in a residential area, could be closed, which pleased the surrounding residents.
During my visit I also spoke to various local farmers, in particular rice farmers, and gained some insight into their problems. I sincerely thank the Mayor of Jerilderie, the general manager of the Jerilderie Shire Council and all the councillors and residents who made my visit such an enlightening experience. I particularly thank them for their warm hospitality. I congratulate them all on a commitment to their community.
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