Formed in 2012 after the Greater Southern Local Health Network became Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD), the LHACs were instigated to provide an avenue for feedback and consumer advocacy for the public health service.

Today, the role of the LHAC has evolved to incorporate primary health care as well as involvement in health service planning and development.

“As advocates for their local community, members of the Local Health Advisory Committee are chosen for their passion and ability to represent their town’s health interests, needs and concerns,” MLHD’s Community Engagement Manager Setchen Brimson said.

“Many of our LHACs have a drive and commitment to improving health in their communities that has resulted in some great projects and outcomes for their community.”

In Temora, the LHAC arranged a Health Career Expo to highlight the growing need to inspire young people to explore the variety of careers available in the health sector.

“We know that ‘the growing your own’ concept works and helps retain young people locally, so that was our aim,” Temora LHAC Chair Dianne Scott said.

“The day was a huge success with students from local high schools and further afield exploring the range of careers on offer.”

LHACs in Culcairn, Henty and Holbrook banded together to organise the annual Billabong High School Forum to raise youth awareness around mental health, drug and alcohol.

The event had a range of speakers including Lauren Jackson and Stuart Baker talking about resilience and the impacts of mental health on themselves and families.

Many of the LHACs worked on Cancer Screening and awareness projects funded through the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network.

Through their persistence, Culcairn LHAC was able to secure bi-annual BreastScreen van visits as a result of their advocacy efforts.

LHACs have also been instrumental in the progress of work carried out as part of the MPS Five program at Barham, Tocumwal, Holbrook, Culcairn and Tumbarumba.

To become a member of your local LHAC you will need to complete an application form and have the required screening processes necessary for the particular activity or group you would like to participate in.

More information can be found on the MLHD website: https://www.mlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/get-involved/local-health-advisory-committee-(lhac) 

Or alternatively applications can be completed online at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JOIN_LHAC or speak with your facility manager for an application kit.