Nyngan resident Peter Harris was celebrated at the recent Western NSW Local Health District Awards, after caring for his wife turned into a mission of advocacy for rural health and its patients. 

The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) celebrated its annual Living Quality and Safety Symposium and Awards in Dubbo, where 15 deserving members of the healthcare community were recognised for their contribution across the health district. 

Among the recipients was Peter Harris, who was recognised as Volunteer of the Year, from the Nyngan Health Council. 

Since his wife Beth’s admission at Nyngan Health Service in 2018, Mr Harris became a constant presence at the hospital. 

Mr Harris’ story rose to notoriety after making the final address to the Royal Commission into aged care in 2019, where his praise for the care of his wife drew media attention from across the state as he retold his own love story. 

Health Service Manager of Nyngan Multipurpose Service (MPS) Jenny Griffith submitted the nomination for Mr Harris, believing him to demonstrate a ‘commitment to rural health far beyond expectations, advocating for and empowering patients, residents, and their families in honour of his wife’s journey’.

“He’s a fantastic volunteer for our health service and he’s given a lot back to rural health,” Ms Griffith said. 

Ms Griffith said that Mr Harris is a refreshing voice for the Nyngan Health Council - a conduit between community and the health service - where he provides frank and honest opinions to progress the council. 

Since sharing his story, Mr Harris has remained active within the council; he detailed his experience again at a rural health symposium, served on interview panels for incoming health staff as an independent and community based perspective, and continues to remain actively involved as a volunteer.

His mission continued beyond his wife’s death last year, after a long battle with both early-onset dementia and Parkinsonian-plus syndrome. 

“We’re very glad he does it for Nyngan, he’s very humble about it,” Ms Griffith said.

WNSWLHD Acting Chief Executive Mark Spittal said that the chance to showcase the work and success to the district members was important during a challenging year. 

“This year has been demanding, particularly the challenge of navigating the most-recent outbreak of COVID-19 across the region. But our staff have stepped up to the plate and continued to provide innovative and world-class care to patients,” Mr Spittal said. 

Among the nominees of the Volunteer of the Year award was Coonamble local Louise Keady and Cobar’s Kate Winders, two well respected members of the health community. 

“It can’t be said too often how proud we are of the work they do and the care they provide, and how grateful we are to have such a dedicated workforce across the district,” Mr Spittal said.