25 June 2024

Queanbeyan mayor recovering after heart attack

| Claire Sams
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Winchester

Kenrick Winchester will take some time off work to recover from the health episode. Photo: Kenrick Winchester.

A NSW mayor is “feeling much better” after experiencing a heart attack over the weekend.

Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (QPRC) Mayor Kenrick Winchester revealed the diagnosis in a statement on social media on Monday afternoon (24 June).

He was “feeling very ordinary” on Saturday (22 June) after attending a local ParkRun event.

“Thankfully Kathy called the ambulance, as I was experiencing a heart attack, caused by a fully clogged artery,” he said.

“My thanks to NSW Ambulance service who swiftly diagnosed the issue and took me straight to TCH [Canberra Hospital], where I had a stent inserted to fix the issue.”

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He was first elected to the Queanbeyan City Council in 2012 before its forced merger with the Palerang Council in 2016, taking the reins as Queanbeyan-Palerang Mayor in 2022.

In response to the diagnosis, well-wishes came quickly from locals and politicians alike on social media.

“Sorry to hear this, Mayor. Take time to rest up and recover. Best to you and the family on the road ahead,” wrote fellow QPRC Councillor Ross Macdonald.

“Always good to react to the signs – so lucky for you that Kathy was home! Take care and rest up,” Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain said.

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In his statement, Mr Winchester also thanked healthcare workers for their care.

“Thanks to the Coronary Care Unit at TCH and ICU at National Capital Private Hospital I am feeling much better and hope to be home soon.”

“I will be having some time off as I recuperate, and would like to thank everyone for their support and advice over the past few days.”

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