Published on Wednesday, 24 June 2026 at 12:42:04 PM
Shire President Cr Rachel Gibson and CEO Nicole O’Neill are in Canberra this week meeting with senior politicians to discuss critical issues affecting rural and regional Australia, including the Shire of Ravensthorpe.
As part of their visit, the Shire participated in the Local Government Rural Health Alliance meeting on Monday, alongside attendance at the National General Assembly of Local Government.
Discussions with politicians and key stakeholders focused on improved health care access, housing, roads, community infrastructure, tourism, emergency management, disaster relief and fuel security.
Pictured above left are CEO Nicole O'Neill JP and Shire President Cr Rachel Gibson meeting with Rick Wilson MP, Member for O'Connor, and Senator Matt Canavan, Leader of The Nationals in the Coalition and Shadow Minister for Trade, Investment and Tourism. Pictured above right, they also met with Patrick Gorman MP, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Assistant Minister for the Public Service and Assistant Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations.
The Shire also used the opportunity to promote the Ravensthorpe region and highlight the important role local government plays in supporting essential services in rural and remote communities.
A key focus of the visit was rural health care funding. The Shire of Ravensthorpe is part of the Local Government Rural Health Funding Alliance, a collaboration of six rural Western Australian local governments: the Shires of Gnowangerup, Jerramungup, Kojonup, Lake Grace, Narembeen and Ravensthorpe.
Formed in 2024, the Alliance is working to address the increasing cost of attracting and retaining general practitioners in remote and very remote communities.
The Shire of Ravensthorpe currently provides budget support of $290,618 per year towards doctors and two surgeries, as well as accommodation support. Ravensthorpe is one of many local government areas across Australia facing similar pressures in order to maintain access to essential health care service for local communities.
Recent WALGA research found regional local governments contributed approximately $9.5 million towards GP services in 2024-25, highlighting the scale of the issue facing rural communities.
Another meeting on the agenda during this visit includes the National Coastal Council Advocacy Roundtable. Managing impacts of coastal hazards is a complex process involving multiple agencies and levels of government.
Joining representatives from Australia’s other coastal councils and other key stakeholders will provide valuable insights as we continue planning for the impacts of coastal erosion, climate change and severe weather events along our coastline.
Meetings held in Canberra this week have been positive and will form part of the Shire’s continued advocacy for better outcomes for our community.
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