A poignant statement summing up the 1000-strong rally at Memorial Park on Saturday morning.

Stories were told of life-saving choices by doctors, and the hindsight of past tragedies, all in an effort from all parts of the MIA community to build a platform for the next stage of the Save Griffith Hospital campaign.

One of Griffith’s favourite surgeons Dr Binks braved poor health and told the masses they face a multi-generational issue. He said 'stupid' decisions then are being felt now, and only community action will buck the trend.

Dr Max Hopp asked how a dying baby can be restricted of the life-saving equipment and expertise it needs in Griffith, while having local access just 12 months earlier.

Member for Murray Adrian Piccoli and Griffith City Council mayor John Dal Broi also shared their family links and life-long affiliations with the facility.

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Of all the speakers taking to the stage, Dr Jaya cut through the clearest, earning regular rapturous applause.

His goal is clear – he wants a new hospital, fully staffed and offering surgeries and procedures equal to or better than services featuring at the Base Hospital over past decades.

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He asked where Griffith is on the priority list for a new hospital, on the back of some solid arguments.

He says Griffith Base Hospital is a honeypot for health budget savings – a little trimmed here, chip away there.

The result is a shell of a building once taking pride and place in the centre of the city.

Dr Jaya maintained his message, accusing the MLHD of making its decisions without consultation.

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He said he and his community won’t accept wider MIA towns and centres having to travel four hours from Hillston and Hay to see to a broken arm.

He said the hospital finds it impossible to lure surgeons and asked what happens when the current surgeons retire.

The rally was a fine display from Griffith residents, and the powers that be have noticed.

MLHD general manager Jill Ludford wrote a letter to The Area News editor last week urging the community to band together and help attract better staff.

Griffith residents are doing their part. Over to you Ms Ludford.

Correction: The original version and print version of this article incorrectly referred to MLHD as MDBA. We apologise for this mistake.