After 10 years in the hot seat, Murrumbidgee Local Health District’s Board Chair Gayle Murphy of Narrandera retires at the end of June.

Mrs Murphy started with the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) Board in July 2011 and soon after was elected to the position of Chair.

She has been a vigorous advocate for MLHD throughout her time as Chair and is a familiar face at all of the hospital and health service sites across the district.

She has traversed the region meeting and speaking with staff, consumers, residents, consumer advocates and Councils listening to their personal stories and grass roots experiences.

A proud and vocal supporter of rural health, her catch cry “Go Murrumbidgee!” is often heard in celebration of great achievements.

She has served under three NSW Health Minsters Carmel Tebbutt, Jillian Skinner and the Minister Brad Hazzard, going into bat time and again for Murrumbidgee.

In addition to chairing the MLHD Board meetings, she has been involved in a number of Board Sub Committees, of particular note the HealthCare Safety and Quality Committee, a subject closest to her heart, and NSW BreastScreen.

In recent years she has also joined the College of Dermatologists Community Engagement Advisory Committee.

“Gayle truly immersed herself in the role of Board Chair,” Chief Executive Jill Ludford said.

“She has given freely of her time to better understand the health needs and concerns of locals and truly given over and above what was required of her as Board Chair.

“She has been an active participant at every level from Annual Public Meetings and Awards presentations to LHAC forums, Open Days, Expos, Information Sessions, Roadshows, Orientations and all manner of meetings.”

Members of a Local Health District Board are appointed as independent individuals by the NSW Government, after a specific application and review process, and are required to act in the best interests of the Board and the Local Health District.

Her passion and commitment to the health district was acknowledged by the Local Health Advisory Committee members at a farewell dinner in May. Her final Board meeting is in June 2021.

Ms Murphy said although she would finish in this role with some sadness she was excited for the years ahead for MLHD.

“The best part of my role over the last 10 years has been the people. I have met some amazing people in our District. Unselfish people who have given freely of their time to assist those in need,” she said.

“I have also spoken to people in our aged care units who are living life to its fullest, giving me lots to smile and laugh about. 

“It is hard to thank everyone, but I must start with MLHD staff.

Every day they make me proud as they strive to improve the health care they give to their patients whether it is administration or on the floor of our facilities. I have wonderful memories. I am always proud of what MLHD does.”