University of New England medical student Allie Bicknell says a rural placement through the Country Women’s Association of NSW (CWA) Bush Bursary program confirmed her ambition to become a Rural Generalist, as Rural Doctors Network (RDN) and the CWA celebrate 30 years of partnership supporting rural health.
The milestone was recognised at the opening of the 2026 CWA of NSW State Conference in Forster, where RDN chief executive Richard Colbran delivered the opening address.
Bicknell, who grew up in Brisbane and is studying a Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine in Armidale, completed her CWA Bush Bursary placement in Cowra and Canowindra in 2023.
“I came into Medicine not having a background in health and the bursary gave me an opportunity to see the whole approach to the care of a rural community,” Bicknell said.
“I was involved in every facet of the patient journey in the Health Care System. I spent time with doctors, nurses, allied health, pharmacists and I was able to speak with patients on their experience in the health care system. Having this insight so early in my degree cemented my wish to become a Rural Generalist.”
Bicknell said the experience also led to lasting personal and professional connections.
“I have an incredible friendship with the other student I was with on the Bursary and Ros Bullock, the doctor I was assigned with for my Bursary, is very much a mentor and friend for life,” she said.
The Bush Bursary program was established in 1996 through a partnership between RDN and the CWA, initially supporting medical students undertaking placements in rural communities across NSW.
Administered by RDN and funded by councils and the CWA, the program has since supported about 511 medical and nursing students. A recent study found 54 per cent of participants were still working in regional, rural or remote areas.
During the 2025–26 summer period, 33 medical, nursing and midwifery students participated in placements.
Colbran said the partnership between the organisations had played an important role in strengthening the rural health workforce.
“Rural Doctors Network works to build health access for all, but our founding vision came from family doctors in country New South Wales, so it has been our privilege to partner with a grassroots community group like CWA NSW for these three decades,” he said.
“The agenda for this year’s CWA Conference tackled the big issues on the minds of country people — health, education and infrastructure — so it was my great honour to be invited to participate, celebrate a great milestone and reflect on how we can build on that legacy over the next three decades.”
CWA of NSW president Tanya Jolly said the organisation was proud to continue supporting the initiative.
“For the past 30 years the association has supported RDN with Bush Bursaries, and we’ve worked together to advocate on a raft of health service issues for remote, rural and regional areas,” Jolly said.
At the conclusion of the conference, the CWA of NSW said more than 50 motions had been endorsed by delegates and would become advocacy priorities over the next 12 months, including several community health initiatives.
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