An idea hatched by Narrandera Shire councillor Braden Lyons could turn a dream into a reality if his proposal to establish an Aboriginal Medical Centre in Narrandera comes to fruition.

Cr Lyons submitted a notice of motion at last week’s council meeting, calling for support for a locally based, culturally safe health service, designed and led by Aboriginal people for Aboriginal people, as well as the wider community.

The council voted to support the motion and to advocate to the state and federal governments for dedicated funding to “establish and sustainably operate the service, including capital infrastructure and recurrent service delivery funding”.

The council will also provide practical support, including facilitating working party meetings with local Wiradjuri Elders, the Aboriginal community, Aboriginal health organisations and relevant stakeholders and help with planning and design to enable the timely delivery of the service.

When speaking to the motion, Cr Lyons said the idea had its beginnings at an inaugural Aboriginal leader program in Sydney, where participants, including Cr Lyons, were asked to speak on the final day.

“We chose to aim big and chose to speak about what we’re discussing today – Narrandera’s very own Aboriginal Medical Centre,” Cr Lyons said.

“This is not just an idea – it reflects real and ongoing need in our community.

“For decades, Aboriginal people in Narrandera have faced significant barriers to accessing timely, appropriate health care.

“We know the reality of long wait times, limited local services and too often, the need to travel far from home just to receive basic care.”

At present, Narrandera has limited medical capacity, with general appointments often unavailable for two weeks or more.

For many Aboriginal families, particularly those living with chronic illnesses, this results in delayed treatment, avoidable hospitalisation, financial hardship and intergenerational trauma.

Cr Lyons said a permanent health service is exactly what the community has been asking for – “care that is consistent and local”.

“A service that doesn’t just treat illness, but supports the whole person’s physical health, mental health and social and emotional wellbeing,” Cr Lyons said.

“Services that are culturally appropriate and trusted, early intervention, especially for young people who are at risk and a system

that focuses on prevention, not just crisis response.

“The benefits are clear – a dedicated Aboriginal Medical Centre would improve health outcomes and life expectancy, reduce pressure on hospitals, provide wraparound services under one roof, create local jobs and training opportunities and strengthen community trust and self-determination.”

Cr Lyons told the meeting the issue was also personal, reflecting on his father’s lifelong illnesses and the strain and the stress placed on his family during that time.

“I remember throughout my childhood having to attend many appointments outside of town that placed enormous financial strain on us as a family and the consequences are serious,” he said.

“Delayed treatment, preventable hospital admissions and financial stress that impacts across families and generations.

“Too many services are short-term and are not designed around the needs of the people they are meant to serve.

“We also know that the current system isn’t working well enough for anyone - that’s not just inefficient, it’s inequitable.”

The proposal does not require the council to fund the entire project.

“It asks us to do what we are in a strong position to do – lead, advocate and support, to stand alongside our whole Aboriginal community, to work with state and federal governments and to help deliver a solution that is likely informed and likely delivered,” Cr Lyons said.

“This is a central infrastructure – health equity cannot be achieved without structural change.

“This is an opportunity for this council to be a part of that change.

“We have heard the voices of the community, they are not asking for symbolic gestures, they are asking for meaningful, lasting action.”

During the discussion, Cr Lewis said she believed it was “a very good and well thought out motion” and asked whether a non-Aboriginal person who turned up at the centre would be treated.

Cr Lyons emphasised that the centre would be available for the wider community, similar to other Aboriginal medical services, including Griffith and Wagga, which treat non-Aboriginal people.

Councillors agreed that the much-needed health service might not be established for a few years, but welcomed that progress is now underway.