ACRRM’s Rural and Remote Community and Consumer Reference Group (CRG) aims to provide diverse community perspectives to the College, with a view to promoting improved health outcomes for all rural and remote Australians including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Community Reference Group members are diverse in location, age, background and interests. Their unique community perspectives are invaluable in keeping the College informed of community priorities and needs. With over 20 members from all over the country, the group provides a conduit for strengthening community partnerships, and a vehicle for community input and advocacy in College operations.
CRG Meetings
CRG meetings are held quarterly, with informal communication by email between meetings. Members are encouraged to discuss both positive initiatives and issues of concern from their respective communities, as well as receiving updates on key College activities and providing input into policy and advocacy.
The first meeting for 2024 was held on 27 February. in addition to receiving an update from the College, members discussed the role as a conduit between communities, consumers, members, and the ACRRM Board and Council, as well as exploring ways in which group members could be relevant activists in their communities. The CRG now has official representation on the College Council, with Mr Stan Stavros taking on this role. Stan provided a briefing from the recent College Council meeting. On a more practical note, the Group is considering ways to support medical students to attend RMA24, and how it could play a role in student and placement support.
Meet Our Chair – Angus (Gus) Whyte
Gus lives on Wyndham Station with his wife Kelly. They have one child, Mitchell who after working as Jackaroo near Hay, NSW for 2 years, has moved home to work in the family business. Wyndham Station is 12,500ha on the Anabranch River in South Western NSW between Broken Hill and Wentworth. They also lease their family property, Willow Point, another 19,000ha. Gus and Kelly graze sheep and cattle and are building a goat enterprise to add to their diversity. Gus is very passionate about his community and the environment and believes access to good healthcare is important for both of these to thrive.
“We need more people living in remote Australia to care for our wonderful and unique landscape.”
Interested in finding out more? The CRG warmly welcomes new members from all locations and backgrounds. Membership does not involve any formal expectations, responsibilities or level of knowledge apart from an interest in improving health outcomes for rural and remote communities. Please encourage your community contacts to join using the Expression of Interest form on our website.