Community Gathering In Jamestown Tomorrow As Locals Race To Collect Signatures
The Mid North healthcare petition campaign is picking up speed, with more than 150 petitions circulating across the region and organisers racing to collect 10,000 handwritten signatures before next week’s deadline.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 10, locals are being encouraged to head to NicFit Gym in Jamestown at 10.15am for a public petition-signing gathering.
The campaign follows a six-month trial introduced by the Yorke and Northern Local Health Network, which sees birthing services rotate between Crystal Brook and Jamestown hospitals.
SA Health says the changes address staffing and safety concerns, but local families and health advocates have questioned the arrangements and their impact on maternity and emergency care.
A Mum On A Mission
For Julia Mayman, the dishes are piling up and the washing baskets are overflowing, but right now, the housework will have to wait. She’s a woman on a mission!
The mum of two, artist and teacher has thrown herself into helping organise the campaign after experiencing firsthand the care provided at Crystal Brook Hospital.
“I birthed both my boys at Crystal Brook, one with a beautiful mid wife present and one through the ED with incredible support there because my second child came so fast I almost didn’t make it to hospital,” Julia said.
“If the Crystal Brook hospital had not been open and I had to drive to Jamestown I would have had a roadside birth.”
Julia says getting the word out has been a challenge, particularly after visiting businesses in Laura and finding people who knew nothing about the changes.
She’s now encouraging locals to talk to friends, family and neighbours, particularly those who aren’t on social media.
Where To Sign The Petition
Petitions are available at dozens of businesses and community locations across the Mid North, including Jamestown, Crystal Brook, Laura, Gladstone, Orroroo, Port Pirie, Peterborough, Balaklava, Melrose, Clare and surrounding towns.
The full list of signing locations is available through the Return Our Mid North Health Services NOW Facebook page.
Businesses and community members willing to help collect signatures are also encouraged to get involved.
This is a paper petition, so signatures must be collected by hand.
All signed petitions must reach town collection points by Wednesday, November 18, or regional collection points by 11am on Thursday, November 19.
Under South Australian parliamentary rules, a qualifying petition with 10,000 signatures triggers a parliamentary committee investigation and report, followed by a ministerial response.
Organisers are hoping for a big turnout at tomorrow’s Jamestown gathering, where locals are invited to sign the petition, join a group photo and show their support.
As for Julia, the dishes will have to wait a little longer.
