HENTY has one of the “oldest” populations in NSW and tackling health issues is something that the community takes seriously.
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The rural township in southern NSW is known for being home of the header and also hosts the successful Henty Machinery Field Days.
So the fact that residents can easily come together and talk about the toughest issues that affect their quality of life and longevity is testament to the strong sense of community.
There is no attempt to bury the issues or sweep things under the carpet.
Former stock and station agent and well-known personality in Henty, Mick Broughan is chairman of the town’s Local Health Advisory Committee.
He openly admits that Henty has an aging population and that it is imperative the town is vigilant in regards to health services.
“We have one of the higher rates of 65 and overs in the state … we have a lot of older people,” Mr Broughan said. He said it was important to look after residents “in town” as much as possible to prevent either a 65km journey to Wagga or Albury.
Recently the Heath Advisory Committee and Dr Radwin Al-Musawy, of Henty, teamed up to provide an information session about common cancers.
The event was held at the Henty Community Club and attracted 85 people from as far away as Culcairn.
Mr Broughan conceded that this was just one of the information sessions organised by the Health Advisory Committee and he said it was important not to shy away from the big health issues.
“We were trying to get the message out about cancer awareness,” he said.
Health talks have also been conducted at the Henty Men’s Shed and an annual mental health forum in March each year takes place at Billabong High School, Culcairn.
“We talk about looking after our older population but at the other end of the scale the kids are our future so that is why we run talks in schools too,” he said.
Meanwhile, the recent cancer awareness talk in Henty also raised $1500 for the Kids With Cancer Foundation.