Community Invited to Public Meeting on Tailem Bend's Medical Centre

The Coorong District Council is inviting residents to attend a public meeting to receive an update on the current situation surrounding Tailem Bend’s Medical Centre, hear about the work being undertaken to support ongoing local GP services, and understand the role Council and the Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network (RMCLHN) are playing in addressing the challenges facing primary healthcare provision in the community.

The meeting follows ongoing concerns regarding the future of GP services in Tailem Bend after significant uncertainty surrounding the Murraylands Medical Centre, including a threatened closure in 2025 and more recent announcements regarding the future availability of local services. The availability of accessible primary healthcare remains a critical issue for the Tailem Bend community.

Community members will have the opportunity to hear directly from representatives of Coorong District Council and RMCLHN about:

• The current status of medical services in Tailem Bend.
• Actions being undertaken to help secure ongoing healthcare access for the community.
• Efforts to attract and retain medical practitioners in the region.
• How the Council is advocating for and supporting local healthcare outcomes.
• Questions and concerns from community members during an open Q&A session.

Coorong District Council’s Acting Mayor, Cr. Jonathan Pietzsch acknowledged the anxiety that many residents are experiencing.

“Our Council understands that these are challenging times for our community and that uncertainty around access to local healthcare services is causing genuine concern for residents,” says Cr. Pietzsch.

“We want our community to know that Council continues to advocate strongly on their behalf, and is working collaboratively with the Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network, State Government representatives and other key stakeholders to explore solutions and support the continuation of local medical services.

“This meeting is an important opportunity for residents to hear first-hand about the work being undertaken and to ask questions directly of those involved.”

Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network CEO Wayne Champion said maintaining access to healthcare services for rural communities remains a priority.

“We recognise the importance of local healthcare services to the Tailem Bend community and understand the concerns residents have regarding the future of GP services,” says Mr Champion.

“RMCLHN is committed to working collaboratively with Council, healthcare providers and the broader community to identify and support sustainable healthcare solutions and will provide an update on current activities and future opportunities at the meeting.”

The Coorong Health Service Health Advisory Council’s Presiding Member Julie Barrie is also encouraging community members to attend the public meeting.

“The Health Advisory Council has been listening closely to community concerns and understands how important it is for residents to receive clear and transparent information,” says Mrs Barrie.

“This meeting will provide an opportunity for the community to hear the latest updates, share their views and ask questions in an open and constructive environment. We encourage everyone with an interest in local healthcare to come along.”

Public Meeting Details:

Date: Tuesday, 18 August 2026
Time: 6pm
Venue: Tailem Bend Town Hall

Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the discussion.

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Contact:
COORONG DISTRICT COUNCIL
Phone: 1300 785 277 | E: council@coorong.sa.gov.au