The MLHD will hold its event at the Griffith Regional Theatre. Photo: Creative Riverina.
Griffith Council’s general manager Scott Grant has recommended waiving venue hire fees for a Wagga-based Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) forum at the Griffith Regional Theatre, effectively providing a ratepayer-funded sponsorship worth up to $2000.
The decision comes despite council previously declining a similar request from organisers of the first-ever TEDx Griffith event.
The Murrumbidgee Health and Knowledge Precinct Regional Health Innovation Showcase will be held on 11 August.
The event is intended to provide a “collaborative forum for health professionals, educators, industry stakeholders and community representatives to engage in discussions and presentations focused on rural health outcomes, innovation, workforce development and community partnerships”.
It is estimated that hiring the Burley Griffin Room, along with technical staff, equipment, and venue support, would cost between $1000 and $2000 for the day.
In 2024, organisers of TEDx Griffith – part of the globally recognised public speaking event series – made a similar request for waived hire fees.
“I regret to inform you on behalf of council management that we are unable to waive any hire or staff fees for the event,” council said in response.
“As you are no doubt aware, council is currently seeking a special rate variation and has committed to making internal savings in our operations. One measure being examined is the reduction in the level of sponsorship it is able to offer organisations.”
Shirine Nehme was a hit at TedX, which was held at Marion Catholic College after Griffith Council declined a request for waiving fee hire at its theatre. Photo: 9941 Parlour Studios.
The special rate variation referred to was a proposed 35 per cent increase in rates, which council said was necessary due to its weak financial position.
Regarding the MLHD request, Mr Grant said the proposal aligned with council’s strategic plan, which included a commitment to “improve access to local health and support services”.
The upcoming MLHD showcase will focus on the theme “Growing rural health: supporting innovation, workforce and community,” and aims to highlight initiatives supporting the sustainability and development of regional health services and workforce capacity across the Murrumbidgee region.
The request from MLHD comes amid a push led by Murray MP Helen Dalton for Griffith Base Hospital to separate from the Wagga-based body and form its own administration representing the western Riverina. Supporters of this push have argued MLHD has favoured Wagga and neglected Griffith, highlighting chronic staff shortages at the local hospital.
Griffith Council supports the MLHD split proposal.
Griffith councillors will vote on whether to approve the MLHD sponsorship request at council’s ordinary meeting on Tuesday (9 June).
