The community has rallied behind a mobile health service that has had its funding cut by the state government, with four Rotary clubs, Bendigo Community Bank and a number of non-profits coming together to protest the decision.
On Tuesday the groups met in Mandurah with the van and service provider GP down south to call on the state government to reinstate the service’s $130,000 in funding.
Pinjarra Rotary secretary Vince Costantino said the clubs had worked hard to raise funds for the service to send counsellors to people affected by the 2016 Waroon-Yarloop bushfires after residents were told they had to travel to Rockingham.
“I think it's a very shortsighted view for them to take,” he said.
“I understand that one of the reasons for taking the funding away was that there were duplications of service.
“If that’s the case, well I’m damned if I can see it.”
Peel Health Foundation chairwoman Ann Fletcher said the decision made no sense.
“It saddens me that something that’s working and really should be duplicated in other parts of Western Australia is being tossed aside by a stroke of a pen,” she said.
“It is an absolute nonsense that they should stop something that is working so well.”
Dawesville MP Zak Kirkup, whose predecessor Dr Kim Hames opened the service in 2012, said he was amazed the government would axe a service that was so well supported by the community.
“Eight billion dollars a year is spent on health in Western Australia – eight billion – and $130,000 can't be found apparently to keep this van going,” he said.
“That to me is remarkable, it is sad and it's devastating if that is the case.”
Program coordinator Gail Frater said government funding would run out on June 30, but GP down south would underwrite a continuation of service until September in the hope other support could be found.
“We’re remaining positive and we’ve got some fantastic community and stakeholder support, so we’ll keep fighting for the services and the community,” she said.
Ms Frater rejected the government’s claim that the van duplicated services already available to the region.
“There is no duplication of service, particularly in Pinjarra, Dwellingup and Waroona,” she said.
“These people have real issues trying to get to the main centres for health care, so no, I don’t agree that it’s a duplication of service.”
In May, health minister Roger Cook said the government was still working through the budget process but did not comment specifically on the Peel Mobile Health Service.
“Funding priorities will be considered as part of the budget process,” he said.
Nathan Hondros
Senior Journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, and Fairfax Media.
Senior Journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, and Fairfax Media.
