Health Advisory Councils in the Limestone Coast

Health Advisory Councils are advisory bodies that were established under the Health Care Act 2008 to provide a more coordinated, strategic and integrated health care system to meet the health needs of South Australians.

Across the state, there are 39 regional Health Advisory Councils creating strong links between communities and health services. Details and contact information can be found on the regional Health Advisory Councils page.

The role of Health Advisory Councils

One of the roles of Health Advisory Councils is to act as health and wellbeing advocates. They engage with local communities and the Local Health Network about health service needs and priorities.

Some Health Advisory Councils are incorporated, and others are unincorporated. In addition to their advocacy role, incorporated Health Advisory Councils also hold assets and manage bequests.

Health Advisory Councils formally report to the Minister for Health and Wellbeing and are key partners for our Local Health Network.

Our Health Advisory Councils

Across the Limestone Coast Local Health Network there are 7 Health Advisory Councils aligned to health services located in:

• Bordertown
• Keith
• Kingston/Robe
• Millicent
• Mount Gambier
• Naracoorte
• Penola

Through regular engagement with site management, executives, and the Governing Board, they ensure community insights are considered in service planning at hospitals, aged care facilities and community clinics across the region.

Meeting information

Health Advisory Councils meet regularly to discuss the management of assets, fundraising, events, and local health priorities. Meetings are usually held on a monthly or bi-monthly basis.

Regular regional forums and an annual statewide conference bring together representatives from each group to discuss regional issues, shared challenges, and opportunities for collaboration.

Annual General Meetings (AGMs) are held between October and November each year.

Annual General Meetings 2026

Membership

Membership is comprised of local people who generously volunteer their time, skills and knowledge for the benefit of their community.

There are up to 8 Resident Member positions on each Health Advisory Council, open to people who live in the council area or use the local health services. Positions are held for a period of up to 3-years.

There are also positions for one representative each from the local Council, Member of Parliament, GP/medical clinic, and a Local Health Network staff member to help connect and engage with more people across the community.

Resident Member nominations

Each year, new Resident Members are elected or appointed at the AGM, with a ‘Call for Resident Member Nominations’ advertised at least 6-weeks prior to the meeting date.

In some circumstances, the Health Advisory Councils can appoint new members to fill casual vacancies outside of the AGM process.

Contact

For more information about the role of Health Advisory Councils, and opportunities to get involved, please contact: health.LCHACcorrespondence@sa.gov.au.