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The $1 million Rural Allied Health Educator Pilot Program a joint venture between NSW Health and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), is boosting student placements in Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD), helping build a pipeline of allied health clinicians in regional and rural NSW.

In MLHD, there have been 150 allied health student placements since the introduction of the Rural Allied Health Educator Pilot Program. The program is enticing allied health students to stay and take up full time roles in rural, regional and remote locations.

A survey of students participating in the program found prior to commencing placement only 56.2 per cent were interested in working for NSW Health in a rural area as a graduate.

Following completion of placement, 85 per cent were more interested in working for NSW Health in a rural area as an allied health graduate and 95 per cent of students were satisfied with their placement experience and would recommend a rural placement to other students.

Allied health clinical placements typically take 4-6 weeks and give students experience across a range of clinical areas relevant to their profession. The program includes occupational therapy, speech pathology, social work, dietetics and exercise physiology students.

The allied health educators directly supervise allied health students, as well as work with universities to coordinate student placements and support other allied health clinicians to increase student placement opportunities in regional NSW.

Speech Pathologist Katie Vernon completed her allied health student placement at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital in 2024 and enjoyed it so much she applied for a graduate position. Katie made the move from Sydney to Wagga Wagga in February and is settling into her new role at the hospital and her new community.

The Pilot Program is a joint venture between NSW Health and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development across Hunter New England, Western NSW, Far West, Murrumbidgee and Southern NSW Local Health Districts (LHDs).

DPIRD has invested $1 million per year over three years into the Rural Allied Health Educator Program.

For further information visit: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/workforce/alliedhealth/Pages/professions.aspx 

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“Staffing is one of the most critical issues we face in the healthcare system, and in regional, rural and remote locations that problem is amplified.

“I am really proud a program like this is having great results at encouraging allied health students to take up a rewarding role in the bush.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to boosting our allied health workforce by increasing training and education pathways for students in rural and regional NSW.”

Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty:

“We support the Rural Allied Health Educator Program through funding these important regional allied health workforces. 

“Getting essential workers into regional NSW is a major focus of the Government and this program plays a role in that plan.

“The students also have the opportunity to participate in The Welcome Experience while on placement.

“The Welcome Experience is a service which provides essential workers the support they need to make the move into live and work in regional communities by assisting them to get to know the local area and people first.

“It’s essential that we motivate health care workers to build their lives in rural areas.

“This program shows students that they can have a bright and productive future when they work in rural areas.”

Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr:

“This is a great example of how collaboration between the health and education sectors can drive recruitment in rural and regional health.

“It also demonstrates how different sectors can work with the community to fill critical gaps, such as can happen with the Murrumbidgee Health and Knowledge Precinct.

“We have workforce shortages across the board in health, but this boost to allied health recruitment is a good development as we work towards providing the dedicated professionals that rural and regional communities deserve, and I acknowledge the government for its work in this area.”

Allied Health Educator (Speech Pathology), Melinda Hewitt:

“Regional and rural health has so much to offer, and we love to welcome students and graduates. We invest in them, and they are a valued part of our team.

“It’s important for students to come out to regional areas and experience the high standard of healthcare we provide. They can see the advantages of working rurally, such as the broad scope of practice, opportunities for professional development and the lifestyle.

“Students are having a great experience, and they are going back and telling their friends. Before this program we struggled to get applicants for allied health roles, now we have no problem filling positions.”

Allied Health Graduate (Speech Pathology), Katie Vernon:

“With a student placement at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital you’re not just a student, you’re part of the team. Everyone was so welcoming and supportive; I loved it straight away and I was excited to go back and tell my fellow students about my experience.

“Having an educator like Melinda to provide clinical supervision and support me through my final student placement ensured that I was confident and ready for a smooth transition into a new graduate role.

“I have only been here for a few weeks, but I am already amazed at how broad my caseload is – from paediatric feeding to medical imaging, as well as working out in the community providing services close to home for our patients.”

Three inspiring women from regional NSW have today been named finalists in the 2025 NSW/ACT AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.

This year, the spotlight is on the exceptional regional talent who have founded their own organisations and businesses, significantly contributing to the prosperity of regional and rural communities in NSW.

They are:

• Carol Mudford from Dubbo, founder of sHedway, a community-led initiative providing mental health and suicide prevention support in the shearing industry
• Dimity Smith from Tamworth, founder GRO Rural and GRO Events Group, innovative businesses connecting agricultural and rural communities, industries, and professionals across Australia
• Katelyn Wall from Nemingha, co-founder of award-winning beekeeping and pollination business Wall’s Honey Co.

The prize of the NSW/ACT AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award is a $15,000 Westpac grant for a project, business or program, access to professional development opportunities and alumni networks.

The 2025 NSW/ACT winner will be announced on Friday 2 May and will then compete with other six state winners. The National Winner and Runner-Up will be announced on Tuesday 9 September 2025 at Australian Parliament House in Canberra.

Find out more information about the Rural Women’s Award, visit the AgriFutures website.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“I congratulate Carol, Dimity and Katelyn for their impact within regional and rural communities in NSW. This Government remains steadfast in supporting inspirational women who are making a difference and ensuring the long-term success of the communities they live and work in.”

“I am proud to see such amazing and innovative talent, combining healthcare, community spirit and agriculture. These women have started grassroot movements in their communities, personally touching the lives of many people through their work.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“Rural women are some of the most innovative people I know. They are routinely faced with ever-changing challenges and think creatively to ensure their communities and industries continue to flourish.

“Congratulations to Carol, Dimity and Katelyn on your successes and for being finalists in this year’s AgriFutures Awards.

“The three finalists are intelligent, resourceful and exceptional at what they do. This award serves not only as an acknowledgement of their achievements, but also as an inspiration to others.”

AgriFutures Australia Chief Operating Officer Belinda Allitt said:

“It is AgriFutures’ privilege to provide these women with a platform to build on their leadership skills to drive change in rural and regional Australia and receive the recognition that they are more than deserving of.

“I congratulate the 2025 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award state finalists on their achievements and thank them for their hard work and determination. We’re excited to follow their journeys, welcome them to the alumni and provide them the support to accelerate their impact across Australian rural communities and industries.”

Finalist Carol Mudford said:

“I’m incredibly humbled to be recognised among the strong, proactive women of rural Australia.

“The big hearts and can-do attitude of the shearing shed family make anything seem possible, and it is with strong communities looking out for each other that we can all live well.

“Thank you for highlighting the strength and contributions of women within our communities across rural Australia.”

Finalist Dimity Smith said:

“I am incredibly honoured and humbled to be recognised alongside such inspiring rural women who are driving real change in their communities and industries.

“I am committed to improving choice and access in rural and agricultural Australia—ensuring that people can build meaningful careers where they love to live, without being limited by their location.

“I am proud to help bridge the gap between corporates, farmers, and professionals, strengthening the connections that enable rural communities to thrive for generations to come.”

Finalist Katelyn Wall said:

“I am honoured to be named a finalist and to stand alongside such inspiring women who are making a significant impact across rural and regional NSW.

“It’s a privilege to educate preschool-aged children in my local community about bees and the environment, and this recognition provides an exciting opportunity to further develop and expand the program.

“I look forward to collaborating and networking with my fellow finalists and alumni, all of whom are dedicated to driving meaningful change in their communities.”

Work is about to commence at Mimosa Rocks National Park on the NSW Far South Coast, which is receiving a $6.5 million funding boost to strengthen the park’s resilience against natural disasters.

Severe flood events in 2021 and 2022 caused significant damage to the park, leading to extensive closures of campsites and visitor precincts.

Around 76 per cent of campgrounds – 60 sites in total – along with several popular day-use areas were either closed or had limited access until repairs could be made.

The investment is being made under the $200 million Infrastructure Betterment Fund, which is financed by the Australian and NSW Governments to support the repair and rebuilding of public assets directly impacted by natural disasters.

This funding for Mimosa Rocks National Park will support critical improvements including:

• Upgraded drainage systems to manage heavy rainfall.
• Relocation of high-risk campsites to minimise future flood damage.
• Improved road surfaces for better access and safety.
• Enhanced pedestrian beach access points to mitigate the effects of ocean storms surges and dune erosion.

Improvements will be made to four precincts within the national park, including three campgrounds:

• Aragunnu,
• Gillards Beach,
• Middle Beach,
• Nelsons Beach.

Construction will commence in the coming months, and visitors are advised to expect intermittent disruptions.

Visitors should check NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service alerts before any visit: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/alerts/alerts-list.

People can register for progress updates by visiting: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/mimosa-rocks-betterment.

Federal Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain:

“Mimosa Rocks National Park is one of the Sapphire Coast’s most popular destinations, which is why we’re investing $6.5 million with the NSW Government to repair the damage caused by storms – supporting upgrades to the park’s facilities, and making it more resilient into the future.

“From fishing, birdwatching, picnics, and whale watching – Mimosa Rocks has so much to offer, which is why we’re ensuring that locals can make the most of it, and that we can continue to attract more visitors to the Bega Valley.”

NSW Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe:

“National parks are one of NSW’s greatest public assets, loved by everyone from locals to international visitors.

“The NSW Government is funding critical upgrades to Mimosa Rocks National Park to ensure visitor facilities can better withstand storms and floods. This will reduce flood closures and minimise disruptions to visitors, while improving safety.

“The improvements will also reduce economic impacts to the region by ensuring campsites and visitor precincts remain open.”

NSW Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty:

”This is an important investment in the south coast in the Mimosa Rocks National Park, to ensure more resilience for sites used by visitors can be better protected. This is good for locals and the many Australians who love to visit our parks.

“This is another good example of the positive outcome when the NSW and Commonwealth Governments work close together to deliver for the south coast.”

NSW Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland:

“Each year, more than 200,000 people visit Mimosa Rocks National Park, making it a key contributor to the regional economy of the Bega Valley.  

“It is crucial that Mimosa Rocks is accessible for visitors and offers them an exceptional experience of this beautiful south coast gem.”

With today’s climate pollution data showing that emissions are up quarter on quarter and Australia still not on track to meet our emissions reduction goals, Adam Bandt says it is clear that the only option for avoiding catastrophic global heating is to elect more Greens at the next election to get Labor to act in minority government by stopping new coal and gas mines.

Labor has failed to release updated 2035 targets, instead focusing on approving new coal and gas projects. With the decision on Woodside’s North West Shelf project currently sitting on Tanya Plibersek’s desk, Labor has thus far approved 32 new coal and gas projects.

The data released today also shows electricity emissions going up 1.5% in the last year as state Labor Governments extend the life of coal-fired power stations, and should send alarm bells ringing on the future electricity sector reliant emissions cuts to 2030 that Labor needs to meet their 43% target.

Quarter on quarter emissions are also up, with the September quarter in 2024 seeing 110.3 million tonnes of emissions produced compared to the 110.0 emitted for the same quarter in 2023.

The quarterly data revealed 434.9 million tonnes of emissions were released in the year to September 2024. This is only a 0.9% reduction in the two and a quarter years since the 438.8 million tonnes emitted in the year to June 2022 when Labor first came into office.

This rate of decline puts even Labor’s paltry 43% targets out of reach without a rapid increase in policy ambition.

Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP:

“With emissions this high, Labor is blowing any chance of a safer climate and even their own weak climate goals are out of reach.” 

“Gas continues to keep emissions high, but Labor is continuing to open massive new gas projects, and is considering approving a Woodside mega-project for another 50 years.

“Labor’s continued approvals of new coal and gas means the country can’t cut emissions fast enough, and Peter Dutton would make pollution even worse. We can’t keep voting for the same two parties and expecting a different result.

“Nothing changes unless your vote does. The only chance of a safer climate is voting Greens to keep Peter Dutton out and get Labor to act by stopping new coal and gas mines.”

The Minns Labor Government is taking important steps to address homelessness in the Northern Rivers, transforming a vacant retirement village into 70 supported temporary accommodation units.

In partnership with Homes NSW, community housing provider Social Futures plans to deliver 70 temporary beds at Tweed Heads, with wraparound support to help vulnerable locals get back on their feet.

The form­er residential village for over 55s was sitting vacant and unused since it was put on the market in 2023. Soon, it will provide a safe place to stay for community members including seniors and people with a disability, with the first stage of the project to deliver 20 new homes in coming weeks.

The NSW Government is taking decisive action to transform underutilised properties into secure, supported accommodation, run by experienced community housing providers—reducing reliance on costly hotels and motels.

Temporary accommodation is more than just immediate shelter, it’s a lifeline that helps prevent homelessness, connecting people with essential support services for long-term stability and better outcomes.

This project was made possible by a $525,800 grant from the first round of the $100 million Homelessness Innovation Fund.

The grants support new and improved approaches to tackling homelessness and are available to accredited homelessness services, registered Community Housing Providers, Aboriginal Community Housing Providers and those working toward accreditation or registration.

The first funding round backed 24 projects, distributing nearly $10 million, including $768,862 to Social Futures to convert a disused aged care facility into crisis accommodation in Lismore.

Round two recipients will be announced soon, with applications open until 30 April 2025.
To find out more, visit the links below:

• Reforming Temporary Accommodation Grant HIF
• Service Reform and Innovation Grant HIF

The Homelessness Innovation Fund is a key part of the NSW Government’s $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, which will deliver:

• 8,400 new public housing homes
• 21,000 affordable and market homes
• Upgrades to 30,000 social housing properties

This investment reflects the NSW Government’s commitment to tackling homelessness, increasing housing supply and delivering better outcomes for regional communities.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“Homelessness and housing are impacting people right across the state, but this is being felt particularly hard here in the Northern Rivers region.

“We know we need smarter solutions to deliver housing, faster – and last year, we created the Homelessness Innovation Fund to do just that.

“The Fund is about giving trusted community housing and homelessness organisations such as Social Futures a solid foundation to trial new approaches as we work together to tackle the housing crisis.

“We want to move away from relying on expensive hotels and motels for temporary accommodation. These are not appropriate places for the elderly, people with disabilities or families – particularly women and children fleeing domestic violence.

“This project will give vulnerable people in the region access to the care and resources they need – not just a roof over their heads.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery and State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said:

“I have been deeply engaged with Tweed Shire Council, community housing providers like Social Futures and others to address the long-standing issue of homelessness in the Tweed, made worse by the 2022 floods which impacted parts of Murwillumbah and surrounds particularly hard.

“This repurposing model, whereby a vacant facility can be easily converted into managed temporary accommodation, will work well here in Tweed Heads, where the need is great.

“I congratulate Homes NSW and Social Futures on partnering in the Soorley Street project, which importantly, has wraparound support services for people who will live in the units.”

Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot MP said:

“Our community on the North Coast has one of the highest rates of homelessness across NSW and that’s why this project is vitally important for our region.

“The Federal and State Labor Governments are working together to address the issues of housing affordability, rental stress, and homelessness.

“The NSW Labor Government funding of $525,800 towards these 70 new supported temporary accommodation units in Tweed Heads will provide urgent relief for some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

“Social Futures is a trusted community housing and homelessness organisation that works across the region providing important support and services.”

Social Futures CEO Tony Davies said:

“Transforming this vacant property into supported temporary accommodation for people experiencing homelessness provides immediate relief for some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

“By working collaboratively with government, council, and community partners, we’re not only increasing the availability of temporary accommodation – we’re creating a pathway to lasting, positive change.”

“With onsite access to wrap-around support services, security and 24/7 onsite management we can deliver safe, supportive temporary accommodation that empowers people to regain stability and independence as they work toward securing long-term housing.

Beauty students at TAFE NSW Ultimo now have access to the latest industry-aligned training equipment and fit-for-purpose teaching spaces, thanks to a $1.82 million upgrade to the beauty training facilities funded by the NSW Government.

Including dedicated nail and beauty therapy rooms, the modernised facilities will ensure students develop the practical skills and knowledge to start or continue a career in the booming beauty industry.

The teaching space is also equipped with the latest industry-standard tools and resources, including spa chairs, beauty beds, professional lighting, and advanced equipment for specialised skin treatments.

As the beauty services industry continues to grow, enrolments in TAFE NSW beauty courses have increased by 26 per cent over the past five years. The updated training facility will be used to train the future beauty therapists and nail technicians to meet demand.

The investment is part of the NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening vocational education and ensuring students have access to modern, industry-standard training environments.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan visited TAFE NSW Ultimo to observe students and teachers performing creative Mardi Gras makeovers in the lead-up to the famous Sydney Mardi Gras Parade happening this weekend.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:

“The NSW Government’s investment to upgrade the beauty training facility at TAFE NSW Ultimo demonstrates our commitment to providing high-quality, hands-on training to meet industry and consumer demand.

“It’s important the learning spaces and equipment students are using to develop and practice their skills are industry-standard so when they graduate, they’re familiar with the tools and equipment they’ll be using in the workplace.

“The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is a major annual event attracting thousands of locals and visitors to Sydney, and thousands more tuning in to watch the famous parade on TV. It was amazing to see the creativity and skill that goes into some truly glamorous Mardi Gras makeovers.”

TAFE NSW Specialist Makeup Services Teacher, Emma Court said:

“It’s exciting to see students learn in our upgraded beauty facilities here at TAFE NSW Ultimo. These spaces offer hands-on training in a modern environment and provide our students with the skills they need to work in the beauty industry.

“The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival is an incredibly busy time for makeup artists and beauty therapists across the city. Everyone wants to look their best and demand skyrockets for beauty services including makeup, spray tanning, waxing and acrylic nails.

“In the classroom, we channel the students’ passion for artistry into a fun, practical, and skill-diverse course, setting our students on the best pathway to succeed in the industry. It’s wonderful to see the students nurture their talent and gain more creative confidence – it’s my favourite part of teaching.”