My name is Jo Burke (though it will appear on your ballot paper as Johanne Burke). I was born in Tullamore and grew up in Trundle, completing the HSC at Parkes High.
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I trained as a registered nurse at Parkes Hospital and then Midwifery at Nepean.
Returning to Parkes I have worked at the Parkes Hospital and in later years Forbes and then as the Midwifery Manager across both sites.
Recently retired after 47 years working in health I feel I have the time to commit to council if elected and give back to the community.
I have three beautiful daughters, two who live and work in Parkes, four grandchildren and a great grandchild all living locally. I was very involved in my children's education, having a visible face at Middleton at the canteen, P&C meetings and a member of the inaugural school council.
I'm married to Dave Marks who is an active member of the Parkes Action Club (formally Apex Club) and the SES. He is a small business owner.
During my time as the Maternity Unit Manager, I was heavily involved in the design of the new hospital, with a focus on maternity. I was also involved in the setting up of the Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) as well as the MAPPS program (Maternal antenatal and postnatal care) which is care from the midwives overseen by a Doctor when necessary.
Because of the management role, I am used to confronting issues, and maternity services issues need to be confronted. As Cr Barbara Newton is retiring she leaves a gap in the council with medical knowledge which I feel I can contribute to due to my recent management role.
I want to see a more stable Doctor and nurse workforce. There is so much constant upheaval with healthcare in the shire and it cannot continue.
Something needs to change, and we simply must have birthing return to Parkes.
In growing Parkes, young families moving here for work look at medical services and facilities/opportunities available prior to making the move. As a manager I have seen firsthand the challenges in Parkes.
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Childcare is another issue that I am passionate about.
We are losing staff as they are unable to access appropriate childcare to enable them to meet work commitments.
This is a big issue when encouraging people to come to Parkes to work in new projects being developed.
Facilities for the youth of the shire need to be addressed as well.
The skate park has been a great addition to the town and is well utilised. Lights are desperately needed, like other sporting venues in town, for the safety of everyone involved.
I would like to see a big purpose-built entertainment complex for the youth and families of the shire to entertain and participate in.
We also need the villages of the shire to have a voice and would love to interact with them and bring their concerns to the council.
I'm currently the secretary of Cycling Without Age in Parkes, a fabulous organisation. It provides a community service by connecting those no longer able to ride for themselves with the outdoors by giving them free rides on Trishaw ebikes, piloted by volunteer cyclists.
I'm a member of the Parkes Garden Club I am passionate about greening the area around me. I would like to see the establishment of a community garden with the ability for people to donate/sell their excess produce from their backyards.
I love patchwork and sewing, and am an avid squash player of many years.
As a councillor I see the role as taking the concerns and ideas of the people back to the council. I like talking to people and feel I am open minded, honest and fair.
So please, I ask you on December 4 to Vote1, Johanne Burke in the Parkes Shire Council elections.
If you are a Parkes Shire Council election candidate and haven't yet been contacted for a profile, please contact kristy.w@parkeschampionpost.com.au.
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