The Southern General Practice Network now has a free Community Support Service available to the region’s rural communities. The Mental Health Support for Drought-Affected Communities initiative, funded by the Department of Health and Ageing, is providing $10.9m over two years (2007-09) to build the capacity of rural and remote drought affected communities to respond to the psychological impact of drought.

Boorowa’s Inspirational Woman of the Year, Kay Nash, has been appointed as the local Community Support worker for Boorowa, Young and Harden-Murrumburrah. Kay will be based at the Boorowa surgery of Dr Scott, and has a long association with the region. Kay’s passion for the bush has been recognised with her receiving an Australia Day Award this year and being named Boorowa’s most inspirational woman for 2008.

With over 16 year’s community nursing experience, Kay’s role will include assisting people who have been affected by drought by providing health and wellbeing support and referral to doctors and other health service providers. Assistance will also be provided to link people with other support organisations such as government services, shires and rural financial counsellors.

Kay is available to take referrals from doctors or other general staff, allied or community health personnel, community members or self-referral. If you feel that you or someone you know could benefit from this service, please contact Kay directly on 0488 121 312. Further information on the program is available from Craig McDonald at Southern General Practice Network on 02 4474 5100.