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‘Stir the Pot!’

Steve Flaws believes in speaking out. Towards the end of last year, Steve featured on the page of the Coota Times. ‘500 plus new residents in Cootamundra this year!! And, you want to reduce services. . . ?’ 

Nothing much has changed. There has been another protest meeting at Jubilee Park. Health Union officials, our Deputy Mayor, Ros Wight and the local State Member, Steph Cooke, were among the speakers. A petition was circulated. Mitre 10 and other businesses in town provide opportunities for signing. 

Meanwhile, life goes on. Steve is a long-time Cootamundra resident, a former train driver, a well-known figure in town. The fate of pathology services and of the hospital itself is a personal issue.

 ‘I had recent experience of the importance of availability of emergency care.’ Steve’s friend was seriously ill with advanced cancer. Being able to access professional assistance was critical. The hospital and staff were there for him and his friend. Steve’s story is one many of us can identify with. 

‘Death by a thousand cuts is the way they work’, Steve said. We have seen the serious action by Nurses, Transport workers and now, two hundred psychiatrists. ‘We want to keep our concern out there. We must ensure the issue of community health care is before the local health authority and the government’. 

‘I become cynical about politicians and our making a difference. But, our hospital and regional health care are too important.’ Steve’s involvement at the protest at the hospital last year, his sense of urgency and his willingness to continue to agitate are an important reminder. ‘We cannot take our foot off the pedal!

-Richard White

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