DOCTOR INCENTIVES FOR KANDOS AND RYLSTONE

Member for Bathurst Paul Toole congratulates Yancoal Australia’s Moolarben Coal Operation, Peabody Energy’s Wilpinjong Mine, and Glencore’s Ulan Coal Operation on their outstanding leadership in helping to tackle the regional GP crisis through the Doctors 4 Mudgee Region initiative.

At a time when rural healthcare in New South Wales is under immense pressure, this collective action—alongside the Mid-Western Regional Council is starting to bring much needed relief to the Mudgee region with two new doctors starting this month.

The Doctors 4 Mudgee initiative provides a suite of benefits for incoming doctors, which include not only a $45,000 financial incentive to move to the area, but also flexibility to practice on their terms, lifestyle integration assistance, right down to helping families find schools, sporting clubs, and social networks.

The arrival of two new doctors in Mudgee and Gulgong is a promising sign of what a coordinated local effort can achieve.

Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said with many regional residents are still forced to travel long distances for medical care, particularly in Kandos and Rylstone located inside the Bathurst Electorate, the need for action has never been more urgent.

“This kind of partnership offers a unique model for how regional Australia can come together to solve complex problems,” Mr Toole said.

“I am particularly pleased with the long-term vision of this program, which aims to attract 10 doctors over the next three years and is aimed at including the Kandos/ Rylstone area, to ensure that these communities can break down the barriers for residents to access primary healthcare.

“We are hopeful and excited at the prospect of a dedicated doctor being secured for the Kandos-Rylstone area through this initiative.

“Congratulations once again to the Doctors 4 Mudgee Region program and its partners. This is more than an investment in healthcare, it’s an investment in the people, the families, and the future of our region.”