The high-profile Manning Health Committee member will continue her advocacy of Manning Hospital in the newly-formed group and supports the membership drive of chamber president, Jeremy Thornton.

"I think we've been overlooked by government for too long and it's time to get together and fight for things to be financed in this area," Sally said.

"The average person should get involved and participate in this group because we need a bigger voice if we are to be heard."

Manning Valley Business Chamber (MVBC) discussed the health action group membership at its recent meeting, with Jeremy saying the member mix currently includes the general public and representatives of the chamber, education and health sectors.

"The feedback has been fantastic," Jeremy said. "We want more members and will endeavour to have a formal meeting within the next month."

He reiterated the purpose of the group saying the chamber intends to make sure "the health system in the Manning Valley is first and foremost in the minds of our politicians" and will seek to create a united voice on health issues in the Hunter New England Local Health District.

"We want groups in the health sector and individuals from our community - anyone who wants to see change in how our area is seen by government in regards to health funding we receive."

Sally is a consistent and strong voice in the region's health sector and health advocacy is a foundation on which her family has built a respected legacy. Her father, Fred North was the Manning Hospital board chairman for many years and Sally served on the St Vincent's Hospital Medical Ethics Board for 12 years before joining Manning Health Committee.

Her choice to join the newly formed action group builds on her commitment to work to improve the services available to people who live in the Manning Valley.

In February this year Sally stepped forward to give voice to community concerns about Manning Hospital infrastructure funding at a community health forum organised by the MVBC and the Manning Hospital Local Community Health Advisory Board. At that meeting she said, "It's my habit often to walk along the river bank in the early morning, and it is beautiful."

"The other morning was particularly beautiful. There was mist on the river, the sun was rising, and there was a rowing crew out from Sydney University and they called out 'You guys live in paradise!' and we do.

"But paradise can't look after itself, we have to fight for it."

At that same meeting, during the allocated question and answer time, community advocate Beth Fuller asked, "How does the community take the next step?"

It was then MVBC first floated the idea of the health action group. In July they sounded the first public call for members and according to Jeremy, "will endeavour to have a formal meeting within the next month."

Sally says "this group is the next step."

"We need to get together, to focus on the aims of the group, decide intended outcomes and fight for health services in this area."

To become a member of the health action group contact MVBC on 6551 2299.