Narrabri Hospital shows what’s possible, Wee Waa deserves the same

I was pleased to attend the recent Local Hospital Advisory Committee meeting for Narrabri Hospital. It was a heartening experience to hear so many positive reports about the hospital, and it reaffirmed the importance of strong local leadership in health. Under the stewardship of hospital services manager Michelle Wilkinson and her teams, Narrabri Hospital is making tangible progress.

Staff are working diligently across wards and departments, and there is a clear sense that morale is holding strong despite the many challenges that come with rural health care delivery. When leadership is clear and staff are empowered, good outcomes follow. Narrabri Hospital is a fine example of that principle in action.

This stands in sharp contrast to what we continue to experience at Wee Waa. The people of Wee Waa and the surrounding district are still waiting for their hospital to be restored to a fully functioning 24-hour service. They have waited far too long. At the recent public meeting convened by Roy Butler MP and NSW Health, community members filled the Wee Waa Public School Hall despite flood warnings. They listened to presentations from Hunter New England Health CEO Tracey McCosker, NSW Health deputy secretary Luke Sloane and others, but left without the clear answers they deserved about when the doors will be fully open again.

There was a lot of heat in the room that night, and I have no doubt that it would have shocked some of the visiting health officials. But it was not meant to be personal. It was directed at the system that has left a town with two high schools and three primary schools without a solid plan for their hospital. One politician said to me that they hoped the anger shown would not cause health leaders to walk away from Wee Waa Hospital. I shook my head at that comment. Sometimes we have to fight for what we believe in, and the people of Wee Waa were right to raise their voices.

For families, farmers, and older residents, the uncertainty is more than just frustrating—it is a matter of health and safety. Without a 24-hour emergency department, acute beds, and a doctor on call, lives are put at risk. The Save Our Wee Waa Hospital Group gave voice to this frustration, pointing out that promises have been made before but not delivered. One local, who was born and raised in Wee Waa, spent the last nine months of his life in Narrabri Hospital, which contradicts the assurances that the downgrading of Wee Waa would not impact Narrabri. Sub-acute beds or partial solutions are not enough. Wee Waa deserves clarity, transparency, and a timetable for action. Our community will keep pressing until that is delivered. It is worth saying again: without a permanent, fully staffed emergency department, Wee Waa is left vulnerable. The people of the town and district have shown great patience, but patience does not treat a heart attack, or ease the burden of travelling long distances in crisis. That is why the call for a proper plan is so urgent and so necessary.

The truth is that rural hospitals are more than just buildings where people receive treatment. They are anchors for their towns. They give families the confidence to stay, they attract new residents who want safe and reliable services, and they provide critical backup to surrounding communities when emergencies occur. In Narrabri we have seen how strong leadership, supported by committed staff, can keep a hospital functioning at a high standard. That must be the model for Wee Waa. People in smaller communities deserve the same access to care as those in larger centres, and their wellbeing should never be treated as secondary. Restoring Wee Waa Hospital is not just about health—it is about fairness, equity and the long-term survival of the town itself.

There is also a lot happening beyond our hospitals that highlights the strength and resilience of our community. Next month marks the 75th birthday of our library service, a milestone that reminds us of how important shared access to knowledge and learning has always been in country towns. From its beginnings in 1950, when Narrabri joined neighbouring shires to form the Namoi Regional Library Service, our library has grown into a vital hub. It now offers so much more than books, from free wifi and computers to workshops and welcoming spaces for young and old. I look forward to joining the celebration on Monday, September 15, where I will share a story time reading and a poem from a local author.

We are also trialling aqua aerobics classes this week at the Narrabri Aquatic Centre. These sessions will hopefully prove popular amongst young and old alike, offering gentle but effective exercise for residents of all ages. Classes are running mornings, mid-mornings and at midday, at a cost of $10. It is another way to bring people together, improve health, and make use of our excellent local facilities.

Sport is set to shine later in September when the Santos Festival of Rugby returns to Narrabri. Hosting the Queensland Reds and the NSW Waratahs for the Santos Cup is a major event for our town. The festival begins on Friday, September 19 with a community street party and continues across the weekend with rugby matches, entertainment, and activities for families. Events like this showcase our region to visitors, provide a boost to our local economy, and give us all the chance to be part of something special right here at home.

And of course this week we will gather on the banks of the Narrabri Creek for Nosh Narrabri. This wonderful event has become a signature celebration of food, wine and community in our region, and it is only possible because so many volunteers from across the shire have put in countless hours of hard work. We are expecting to welcome thousands of visitors, and I encourage everyone to come along, support the event, and enjoy what our community has created. Nosh is not only about fine food and wine—it is about enjoying good company, celebrating where we live, and showcasing the talent of our people. It is an event that brings together visitors and locals, families and friends, and reminds us why our Shire is such a special place to live. I look forward to catching up with you there.