Approved by NSW Health Minister Ryan Park, the appointment will see Cr Cornwell McKean serve a three-year term advising the government on health issues affecting rural and regional communities.
The role is a significant win for the long-running push for better healthcare services across the Southern Riverina, including communities that rely on larger centres such as Deniliquin for specialist treatment and emergency care.
Over the past year, Cr Cornwell McKean has become one of the region's leading advocates for health reform, representing both Berrigan Shire and the Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation at parliamentary inquiries, ministerial briefings and media events.
Her advocacy has focused on issues including ambulance response times, access to dialysis, stroke treatment and cardiac services for border communities.
In March, she told a parliamentary inquiry examining the future of Murrumbidgee Local Health District that residents faced "severe and significant inequity" in healthcare access.
“We are not asking for more than anyone else. We are asking for the same chance of survival,” she said.
Cr Cornwell McKean said her appointment would allow her to continue fighting for regional communities.
“I am honoured to have been recognised and chosen for this important role,” she said.
“The opportunity to directly influence critical health policy which impacts upon our communities is a role I will continue to dedicate myself to as I strive to ensure that regional communities get the health care they deserve.”
The appointment will strengthen efforts to secure a fair share of healthcare infrastructure, services and funding for regional communities.
Cr Cornwell McKean’s catch cry that “healthcare outcomes should not be determined by postcode” remains a central message.
