Residents invited to community health forum to help inform Shire of Harvey’s public health plan

A community health forum in Harvey next month will give individuals the opportunity to provide input into the Shire of Harvey’s public health plan.

From 9-11.45am on March 4, those involved in the health and wellness sector, impacted by health issues and residents interested in improving health and wellness are invited to the Harvey Recreation and Cultural Centre for the forum.

Chair of the Harvey District Health Advisory Committee and vice-chair of the Wellington District Health Advisory Committee Robyn Coleman said the forum was an actionable item in the Wellington DHAC’s annual work plan 2025-2029, brought forward to help inform the shire’s plan.

She said the forum aimed to engage individuals interested in health and wellness to identify current and emerging health issues, while also looking at other areas such as how to promote healthy lifestyles and improve mental health and social connection.

“Attendees can expect facilitated, robust discussion and debate, and a clear definition of Federal, State and local government responsibilities and restrictions, and opportunities for community involvement as appropriate,” she said.

Ms Coleman said the forum was important as health and wellness, including physical, emotional and mental support was everyone’s responsibility.

“From newborn through to geriatric, we all need at least one of those supports and it is incumbent on a strong and inclusive community to be aware of current and emerging health-related issues, and to be cognisant of prevention, treatment, cure and support required,” she said.

With the shire’s diverse townsites and resident needs, Ms Coleman said the shire’s health system managed a range of issues, each with its own priority according to location and demographic.

“Further, our health practitioners often work extra-long hours and can feel isolated in their workspace, so these forums are valuable . . . to create understanding of the issues and to see if we can collectively ease the burden, even just a little, throughout the shire communities by having an actionable district health advisory action plan and informing the shire public health plan.”

She said information gathered at the forum would be later used to identify health-related issues in the shire and prioritise relevant actions.

“Those actions may include advocating to State and Federal Governments as appropriate through the CEO and the council of Harvey shire, advocating through the WA Country Health System and identifying community groups that can address issues as appropriate,” Ms Coleman said.

Those interested in attending will need to RSVP to Ms Coleman.