Mount Gambier and Districts Health Advisory Council Inc.

A major role of the Mount Gambier and Districts Health Advisory Council (HAC) is to discuss health issues, priorities and needs within our communities and advise and advocate on behalf of the Limestone Coast community.

The primary purpose of the Health Advisory Council is to develop communication links between local communities, health providers and planners.

Our role and functions

Advisory role

  • Advise on the health service needs, priorities and issues within and outside their Local Area with particular emphasis upon those issues in the context of consumers of health services, carers and volunteers, who interface with the service
  • Contribute to determining the timeframes for key planning milestones 

Advocacy role for local communities

  • Act as an advocate on behalf of the community to promote the health interests and views of the community and support the planning and provision of health services as part of an integrated state-wide health system for the benefit of the community.

Community consultation / participation

  • Ascertain the health needs of the community and the attitude of the community to the development of health services within the community.
  • Assist with the provision of information to, and to consult broadly with the consumers, carers and volunteers of Mount Gambier Districts Health Services.
  • Encourage community participation in programs associated with supporting the provision of health services by the Limestone Coast LHN
  • Promote the importance of carers and volunteers in achieving successful outcomes for health services provided by the Limestone Coast LHN
  • Consult with other bodies that are interested in the provision of health services within the community.
  • To promote the importance of carers and volunteers in assisting to achieve successful outcomes for health services provided by the Limestone Coast LHN
  • Design and facilitate local community engagement strategies (including the engagement of Aboriginal Health Advisory Committees and other stakeholders)

Assisting in the recruitment of senior staff

  • Participate in the consultation or assessment processes associated with the selection of senior staff of the Mount Gambier and Districts’ Health Service sites.

Property Trustee

  • Ensure that any property held by the Advisory Council is available for the use of an incorporated hospital. (Subject to sections 16(4) and (5) of the Act)
  • Act as a trustee or to assume other fiduciary functions or duties in relation to property that may be used in or in connection with the provision of health services.
  • Hold assets for the benefit and purpose and use of the health unit on terms and conditions determined or approved by the Minister.

Fund raising

  • Undertake, if the Health Advisory Council so chooses, fund-raising activities in compliance with policies of the Minister as may be adopted from time to time.
  • Establish a Gift Fund in accordance with clause 70 to 76 and solicit gifts to the fund from members of the public.

Membership

The Mount Gambier and Districts Health Advisory Council can include:

  • Up to 8 community members
  • Nominee of local government
  • A local member of Parliament or his or her nominee
  • A medical practitioner member
  • A worker from a Local Health Network

Current membership

Presiding Member - Josh Lynagh
Local member of parliament - Vacant
Local government member - Gavin Clarke
Medical practitioner representative - Dr Laura McEntee
Staff member - Vacant

Community representatives:

  • Josh Lynagh
  • Sue Szopory
  • Shayne Haggis
  • Tanya Knight
  • Sophie Patching
  • Jessica Bilal
  • Vincent Taylor
  • Grant Cuthbert
  • Tiia Pelkonen

Contact

Josh Lynagh 
Mount Gambier and Districts Health Advisory Council Inc.
C/- Mount Gambier and Districts Health Services
PO Box 267
Email: mgdhac@gmail.com

Meeting information

When: Meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of each month

Constitution

Reports

Previous annual reports available from the SA Parliament website.