Last Tuesday, the grass lawns of Wee Waa Hospital were filled with a powerful show of unity as our community gathered to demand better healthcare services. I was deeply moved by the hundreds of residents who stood together, sending a strong and unequivocal message: Wee Waa Hospital is essential, and we will not accept its quiet decline.
With no assigned doctors, no after-hours emergency care, and no patients in its wards, it is hard to shake the feeling that Hunter New England Health has every intention of shutting this hospital down. But our community’s resolve is clear: we will not let that happen. The rally was not just about frustration; it was a demonstration of the pride and determination that makes Wee Waa a community worth fighting for.
In other news around the Shire, the three splash pads in Narrabri, Wee Waa, and Boggabri are now painted, and installation of the equipment is scheduled to begin next week. These splash pads will soon offer families and children fun, safe, and much-needed recreational spaces, especially as the heat of summer sets in.
In Wee Waa, essential maintenance and repairs to the levee commenced earlier this week. These works include fixing a stormwater pipe and the surrounding bank on the lagoon side behind the Wee Waa Aquatic Centre. For safety reasons, access to the levee, including pedestrian pathways, is closed during the repairs, which are expected to take approximately two weeks.
This week’s updates also bring an exciting opportunity for our youth: nominations for the Lillian Hulbert Memorial Prize have been extended until Friday, November 29. This $10,000 prize recognises young people aged 15 to 17 years, born within 55 kilometres of the Narrabri Post Office, who have displayed bravery, heroism, academic or sporting excellence, or made significant contributions to charitable work. Nominate deserving young individuals via council’s website to celebrate their achievements and dedication.
As the hot weather continues, I urge everyone to take extra care. This heat can be especially harsh on our elderly and vulnerable residents. Please check on your neighbours and loved ones, ensuring they have access to water and a cool space to rest. Even a small act of kindness can make a huge difference in these conditions.
Finally, it’s good to see all the Christmas decorations and lights up across the Shire. It is a wonderful time of the year and I hope that you all feel that you are a valued part of this great community of ours.
To order photos from this page click here
