Volunteers retire from the Harden LHAC

Harden Health Service has farewelled two much loved members of the Local Health Advisory Committee, retiring after many years service to the community. After eight years, health advocates John and Carol Ford have stepped down from the committee. The well-known members of the community have been vocal campaigners for health in Harden since joining the LHAC.

John was appointed to the committee in 2013 and was joined by wife Carol in 2017. Together they have often been seen in and around the local community and at expos seeking feedback on health services and promoting awareness about health issues such as breast screening, cancer support services and mental health awareness. Both John and Carol serve the community wearing many hats. John is also a member and past president of the local Rotary Club and actively involved with the hydrotherapy pool.

Carol was awarded MLHD Volunteer of the Year in 2019, after 40 years of advocacy in women’s and mental health, a telephone counsellor with Lifeline and a leader of women in the Anglican Church.

The LHAC is only one of many health and community related committee memberships Carol is actively involved with in the community. Carol is an advocate for making change happen, improving local health care standards, listening to local health care professionals and the community and for “making things better.”

Carol is the first person to put up her hand to help anyone in need despite her own health challenges and is passionate, kind and committed to being a community link between local health services and the community.

The couple were heavily involved with the early planning stages and advocating for services in the redevelopment of the Harden Health Service which was recently opened.

“I’d like to take the opportunity to acknowledge and thank John and Carol for their contribution to health in the Harden community,” said MLHD’s Community Engagement Manager Setchen Brimson.

“They are both kind spirited people who enjoy giving back to the community. Their endless enthusiasm and smiling faces at our LHAC forums will be missed.” Their departure leaves a gap for newcomers to join the LHAC and MLHD is calling for expressions of interest from people interested in joining the committee. “The key to being a good advocate is the ability to have your finger on the pulse of your local community and the ability to represent these community needs and concerns when you’re at the discussion table,” said Ms Brimson.

“We are looking for people from all walks of life to be involved and encourage anyone with the time and passion to make a difference to express their interest.” To become a member of your local LHAC, you will need to complete an application form and have the required screening for your interested activity or group. More information can be found on the MLHD website:

https://www.mlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/get-involved/local-health-advisory-committee-(lhac)

Applications can be completed online or speak with the facility manager Kerry Menz for an application kit.

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