Opinion & Perspectives
30 October, 2026
A message from Maryborough District Health Service Acting CEO Leanne Shea
As October comes to a close, we've had the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the staff who make a significant difference to the health and wellbeing of our community every day.
This month, we acknowledged Allied Health Professions Day, celebrating the dedicated professionals who help people recover, stay independent and live healthier lives. Across hospital, community health, aged care and rehabilitation services, our allied health teams make a lasting impact through their expertise, compassion and commitment. On behalf of MDHS, I thank them for the invaluable contribution they make to our community every day.
A well deserved congratulations is extended to Dr Adele Van Der Merwe, for receiving the inaugural Australian College of Rural and remote Medicine 2026 National Rural Generalist Supervisor of the Year award. Dr Van Der Merwe is a Rural Generalist Anaesthetist and Director of Anaesthetics at Maryborough Health Service. This award recognizes outstanding committment to supporting registrars and building a strong and sustainable rural medical workforce. Dr Van Der Merwe has provided mentorship, education and support to early career medical trainees creating a positive impact on their learning experience to the extent many have chosen to stay in Maryborough and care for the local community.
On Wednesday 25 November, community members are invited to participate in the Walk Against Family Violence, marking the beginning of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
Beginning at Phillips Gardens and concluding at Maryborough Town Hall, the walk is more than a community event. It is an opportunity for all of us to publicly demonstrate our commitment to respect, equality and safety for everyone in our community.
Family violence affects individuals, families and communities across Australia. While support services play a vital role in responding those experiencing violence, we also know that prevention starts long before a crisis occurs.
It begins with the values we promote, the relationships we model and the ways we treat one another in our homes, workplaces, schools, sporting clubs and online.
I encourage everyone to join the walk, wear orange and stay afterwards for the community conversation at Maryborough Town Hall with guest speakers leading an important discussion about gender-based violence, prevention and how we can continue building safer communities for future generations.
The Walk Against Family Violence is a community-led effort involving local organisations, emergency services, support agencies, community groups and volunteers, all working together towards a common goal: a community where everyone feels safe, respected and valued. That spirit of collaboration is one of the things I value most about the Central Goldfields and one of the reasons I am confident we can continue to create positive change together.