7 hours Ago By Damon Cronshaw
The NSW government will provide $10 million for housing in Dungog in a bid to attract more paramedics to the area. Login or signup to continue reading NSW Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said the government was investing in "modern, sustainable accommodation for key health workers". "We're committed to strengthening our regional, rural and remote ambulance workforce," Mr Park said.
"The provision of simple accommodation close to work is a major drawcard for healthcare workers potentially looking to take up work in the regions." The $10 million is part of the $200 million Key Health Worker Accommodation program, announced in the 2024/25 state budget. The program involves more than 20 projects - 120 dwellings in total - across rural, regional and remote NSW.
Additional areas to receive funding would be "selected on greatest need". They are being finalised and will be announced soon. The project includes new accommodation, refurbishment of existing living quarters and "the purchase of suitable properties such as residential units".
The four-year program will support the recruitment and retention of more than 500 health workers and their families. Labor spokesperson for the Upper Hunter, Emily Suvaal, said it was "important for essential workers to be able to live in the areas they work". "The key health worker accommodation initiative is crucial to attracting and retaining essential workers in the regions," Ms Suvaal said.
NSW Ambulance chief executive Dominic Morgan said "our paramedics are central to the communities they live and work in, particularly in regional and rural areas". "The community of Dungog can be assured NSW Ambulance is committed to ensuring people who live in regional locations get the right care," Dr Morgan said. Meanwhile, the Health Services Union (HSU) said ambulance crews were "being forced to plug gaps outside their communities".
HSU secretary Gerard Hayes said "crews meant for the Central Coast are being sent to North Sydney, while Rutherford and outer Hunter crews are being redirected to Newcastle". "This practice is a slap in the face to communities outside the major cities and regional centres that already suffer from a lack of healthcare access," Mr Hayes said. Health and medicine, science, research, nutrition.
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