INVERELL Shire Council has reaffirmed its commitment to improving local health services by supporting ongoing advocacy efforts to attract a permanent senior doctor to the Inverell District Hospital.

The initiative, co-ordinated by Hunter New England Health in partnership with the Inverell Health Forum and a consortium of medical organisations, represents the first step in establishing Inverell Hospital as a Rural Generalist Training Location.

Such a designation will provide long-term benefits, including a permanent doctor presence and a pathway for future doctors to live, train and work in the Inverell region.

The Inverell Health Forum, chaired by Cr Wendy Wilks, has worked with HNEH, local practitioners, academic institutions and government agencies to develop a sustainable medical care model for the Shire.

Recent correspondence from Dr Paul Craven, executive director of HNEH, confirmed plans to recruit a senior doctor who would serve in the Emergency Department and assist in training the next generation of doctors.

Inverell mayor Kate Dight said the initiative reflects Council’s strong commitment to community priorities.

“Health and medical services are at the top of our community’s concerns,” Cr Dight said.

“Supporting the recruitment of a senior doctor is a vital step toward securing long-term, sustainable

healthcare for Inverell Shire.

“Council is proud to be part of this combined effort,” she said.

Council staff have already been liaising with HNEH to provide promotional material showcasing Inverell as a desirable location for medical professionals.

Health and medical services were identified as the highest priority in Council’s December 2024 Community Satisfaction Survey, with 34 per cent of residents ranking it above community safety, road networks and the local economy.

This priority is also reflected in the Inverell Shire Community Strategic Plan, which commits Council to advocating for access to quality medical services.

Council adopted a General Practitioner Support Program Policy in 2023, providing grants of up to $30,000 per doctor to assist with establishment costs.

To date, three medical practices have benefited from the program.

While the policy does not specifically cover senior doctor recruitment, Council acknowledged

supporting this role aligns with the policy’s intent to reduce pressure on local GPs and strengthen long-term medical capacity.

At its Ordinary Meeting on December 17, 2025, Council considered options to contribute to the

recruitment package and resolved to provide a one-off establishment grant of $30,000 from the GP Support Program Reserve.

Council’s contribution will form part of a consolidated package coordinated by HNEH to attract the best candidate for this pivotal role.

The recruitment of a senior doctor is expected to deliver immediate improvements in medical

services while laying the foundation for Inverell Hospital to become a Rural Generalist Training Location.

This model will ensure sustainable medical care, encourage future doctors to train and remain in the region, and provide lasting benefits to Inverell Shire residents.