About NSW Rural Doctors Network

NSW Rural Doctors Network (RDN) is a not-for-profit, non-government charitable organisation that provides solutions to support the multidisciplinary rural health workforce. Our vision is for improved health service access for all Australians - no matter where they live.

We seek to support better health and wellbeing for people living in remote, rural, regional, Aboriginal and disadvantaged communities, particularly those in NSW and the ACT. To achieve this vision, we seek to grow and strengthen a capable primary health workforce, support communities with tailored health workforce solutions, support the capacity of health service organisations, contribute to policy and ensure RDN’s continued effectiveness.

We work collaboratively with health professionals, communities, service agencies, industry and both federal and state governments. We are privileged to act as the Australian Government’s designated Rural Workforce Agency for health in NSW, and the NSW fundholder for Rural Health Outreach and associated service programs.

RDN offers a range of services, programs and activities across NSW that:

  • help remote, rural and regional communities, General Practices and health services to find suitably skilled and qualified General Practitioners (GPs), nurses and allied health professionals to work in their towns
  • assist suitably skilled and qualified GPs, nurses and allied health professionals to pursue careers in remote, rural and regional NSW (both Australian and International Medical Graduates/Overseas Trained Doctors)
  • support existing remote, rural and regional doctors, nurses and allied health professionals through the provision of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities and succession planning
  • provide financial support for further study, training and short courses
  • assist in finding locum support for remote, rural and regional GPs, including through our unique and free RDN Locum Match
  • deliver a wide range of health outreach services to rural towns
  • support remote, rural and regional medical partners and families
  • provide a range of scholarships, support and information for students studying medicine or health-related degrees in NSW.

RDN also works with:

  • Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs) to support health services for Aboriginal peoples
  • rural NSW Primary Health Networks (PHNs) to support remote, rural and regional GPs
  • local communities, governments and rural Local Health Districts (LHDs) on medical workforce matters
  • university medical faculties to promote rural medicine.

NSW Rural Doctors Network funding

RDN receives funding from the Australian Government Department of Health to administer:

  • the Rural Health Workforce Support Program
  • the Health Workforce Scholarship Program (HWSP)
  • health outreach programs
  • the John Flynn Placement Program
  • the National Rural Health Student Network (NRHSN).

RDN receives core and project funding from the NSW Ministry of Health including for:

  • the NSW Rural Resident Medical Officer Cadetship Program
  • the NSW Rural Resident Medical Officer Cadetship Program for Indigenous Students
  • the NSW Medical Undergraduate Program
  • medical education conferences for current and future remote, rural and regional health professionals.

RDN separately administers the Bush Bursaries and Country Women’s Association scholarships.