Brewarrina and Lightning Ridge Multi-Purpose Health Services (MPS) will share $245,000 to improve security as part of a NSW Regional Health Minor Works Program.

On top of that the aged care residents at the Lightning Ridge MPS are set to benefit from a $170,000 spruce-up of an outdoor area, currently used by residents, using dementia design principles.

It is hoped that the added security to the healthcare worker accommodation, including installation of CCTV, and better fencing and external lighting will help Western NSW Local Health District attract and retain staff at both services.

“Staffing healthcare facilities is a massive challenge in Western and Far Western NSW,” says Member for Barwon, Roy Butler.

“Upgrading security in and around key worker accommodation at both Brewarrina and Lightning Ridge will make them more attractive places to live and work.

"The Minister recently visited both towns and noted the challenges surrounding making these facilities a safer place, I thank him for the quick response.

“We also look forward to seeing major refurbishments to the area used by aged care residents at Lightning Ridge MPS, which will turn an underused area into a welcoming beautiful space the elderly residents can enjoy.”

Brewarrina MPS - Image NSW Government

One Brewarrrina community member said that although the community thought any funding was welcome, they were unsure why the MPS needed added security given all the current staff were permanent, and the staffing accommodation has always been safe.

“I think it would really benefit some of these politicians to come out and spend days not just a couple of hours in our communities, to see what is really needed not just pluck ideas out of the sky and throw funding at them,” they said.

"I can’t speak for Lightning Ridge, but there are so many other more practical things we could have used the money for in Brewarrina."

Josh Carey, Western NSW Local Health District Executive Director Service Delivery - Image WNSWLHD

Meanwhile Josh Carey, Western NSW Local Health District Executive Director Service Delivery, is keen to see the work get underway.

“Providing safe, comfortable staff accommodation will help us attract temporary staff and encourage them to consider working permanently in our District.

“At Lightning Ridge, the outdoor area is going to be greatly improved with this funding. It will be transformed into a calming and peaceful space for patients with art from local community members a key feature of the planned works.”

A local Lightning Ridge community member expressed her excitement at the news of the new outdoor area saying how good this will be for the patients.

“We were so thrilled to hear this news. A nice area for the patients to sit in is just what is needed and will in turn give them a breath of fresh air in more ways than one,” she said.

“We are looking forward to seeing it completed.”