Photo Caption: Federal Member for Parkes and Minister for Regional Health, Mark Coulton, and former Australian test cricketer and now farmer, Peter Taylor of Gurley near Moree, have thrown their support behind a campaign to raise awareness of non-melanoma skin cancer.

Timely reminder – get your skin checked

With many farming communities across the Parkes electorate in the thick of harvest and the warm summer months fast approaching, I’ve thrown my support behind a campaign to raise awareness of non-melanoma skin cancer.

Last week I was joined by former Australian test cricketer and now farmer, Peter Taylor of Gurley near Moree, to highlight the importance of getting a skin check.

Skin cancer is often referred to as Australia’s ‘National Cancer’, with Australia’s rates estimated to be the highest in the world.

Having been a farmer myself, I know the days can be long – particularly at harvest time – and it’s easy to forget about things like skin protection.

I’m urging everyone in the Parkes electorate to get their skin checked, and remind friends and family to do the same. To find out more visit www.skincancerunseen.com.au

NAIDOC Week celebrations

This week is NAIDOC Week 2020 – a time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander excellence and Australia’s rich history and culture.

Last week I was thrilled to announce that grants of more than $21,000 would fund 13 fantastic projects across the electorate, helping local community organisations to honour the contributions of our Indigenous communities during NAIDOC Week.

This year’s theme, Always Was, Always Will Be, highlights Australia’s ancient history and celebrates the traditions and cultures that endure today.

NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life.

I am proud to acknowledge the Traditional Owners in the electorate of Parkes: Kamilaroi, Muruwari, Ngyampa, Paaantji, Mulyanguppa, Wilyakali, Tubbagah and Wiradjuri.

I invite everyone to get involved, learn more about local Indigenous cultures, and share in the traditions that make Australia unique.

We are privileged to have one of the world’s oldest continuous cultures and through NAIDOC events we can share in this proud history and contemplate our future.

Telestroke service for improved patient care

Patients in the Dubbo region will have access to a 24-hour telestroke service, as part of a ground-breaking $21.7 million program being rolled out across NSW.

I was joined last week by NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard, NSW Minister for Mental Health, Regional Health and Women, Bronnie Taylor, and Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders, to make the announcement at Dubbo Base Hospital ahead of the joint Federal-State Bilateral Regional Health Forum.

This Forum looked at innovative ways in which the State and Federal Governments can work together to deliver better health outcomes for rural residents.

Expanding telehealth services in the regions means local doctors in Dubbo will be supported by first-class specialists to deliver enhanced stroke care and treatment for local patients.

In the unfortunate event of a stroke, this service will ensure that people in the Dubbo region have access to specialist stroke consultants, which will be a huge benefit to patients and their families.

The funding to deliver Telestroke comprises $12.3 million from the NSW Government and $9.4 million from the Commonwealth Government.