Inverell Shire Council has unanimously resolved to participate in the Bush Bursary program for 2025/2026, contributing to the development of a sustainable rural health workforce.

The program is a vital initiative that aims to foster future medical professionals in rural communities.

The Bush Bursary Program, facilitated by the Rural Doctors Network (RDN), provides selected
medical, nursing, and midwifery students from NSW and ACT with the opportunity to undertake
a two-week placement in rural areas during their university holidays. These placements
introduce students to the realities and rewards of rural medical practice, with the hope of
encouraging them to pursue careers in regional healthcare.

Council will sponsor two students at a cost of $1,500 per student, continuing its commitment to
supporting rural health workforce development. Inverell Health Forum members coordinate the
hosting of sponsored students.

Last year, Council participated in the 2024/2025 Bush Bursary Program, sponsoring two
students, Ysabel Preller and Madeline Chisholm, who undertook placement in Inverell from 8
to 21 December 2024. Their experiences included rotations across Inverell Medical Centre,
Inverell Hospital, and Inverell Imaging and Diagnostics, where they gained invaluable insights
into rural healthcare operations and community engagement.

With demand for Bush Bursary placements far exceeding available spots—116 applications
were received for 43 placements in 2024—Council’s involvement in the program is crucial in
expanding opportunities for aspiring rural health practitioners.

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