AMAV VICDOC SUMMER 2023 - Magazine - Page 74
In addition to his work at state and national levels,
Joe was an inspirational local leader and mentor at
Footscray Hospital (and its later incarnation Western
Health). For many years, the west of Melbourne
was neglected. Its people were poor, working class,
immigrants and of little political ‘value’. They also
had high rates of chronic and preventable illness and
workplace injuries. Joe was a champion for them and
stayed with them despite attractive career opportunities
at larger, more prestigious hospitals. He advocated for a
greater share of health funding and more and
better hospitals and services so that specialist
care could be delivered where people live.
—
74
AMA VI C TO RIA