The LHD is a finalist in the Recovery and Resilience category for its work in supporting the people of Wilcannia during the 2021 COVID-19 outbreak there.
“This is fantastic recognition of all the hard work and dedication and commitment shown by Far West LHD staff and executive in supporting one of its communities during the pandemic,” said Interim Chief Executive, Mr Brad Astill.
“It’s an incredible achievement to be named a finalist and is highly regarded. I wish to congratulate all those LHD staff and partner organisations involved. We are all very excited and can’t wait to celebrate the Awards to be held later this year.”
Far West LHD collaborated with a number of NSW Government agencies, local government councils and community organisations to support the people of Wilcannia. The response was supported by a diverse COVID-19 community response team, a local emergency management centre, and community supported accommodation.
With a high Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, the response worked alongside local leads and elders to ensure a safe, sustainable, culturally appropriate, person-centred response that focused on clinical and non-clinical needs for those impacted by COVID-19.
This collaborative response included partners: Royal Flying Doctors Service, Maari Ma Health, Department of Education, NSW Police, Local Aboriginal Lands Council, Central Darling Shire Council, Fire and Rescue NSW, Australian Defence Force, Resilience NSW, State Emergency Service, Wilcannia Safe House, State Health Emergency Operations Centre, and community members, elders and key contacts.
The Recovery and Resilience category in the Awards covers programs, initiatives, innovations and improvements that responded to the urgent needs of citizens and supporting community across the State to recover and rebuild in the wake of devastating natural disasters and a global pandemic.
The other nominated award in the Recovery and Resilience category is “COVID-19 and Discharge Shuttle Service, Patient Transport Service, HealthShare NSW”.
The Premier’s Awards ceremony will be held at NSW Parliament House on Tuesday, 29 November 2022 and livestreamed on the Premier’s Awards website.