Many people across regional NSW are furious about the state of healthcare in their communities, with ongoing concerns about doctor shortages, delayed treatment, overstretched hospitals and the struggle to access basic services close to home.
Now, the NSW Government is calling for regional residents who want more than just complaints on social media or conversations around town to step forward and help shape the future of healthcare across the state.
Expressions of interest have opened for the Regional Health Ministerial Advisory Panel, an independent body that provides strategic advice directly to the Minister for Health and Regional Health, and the NSW Health Secretary.
Health Minister Ryan Park said the panel was designed to ensure regional communities had a direct voice in healthcare planning and decision-making.
“The NSW Government is investing in regional health services so communities across the state can get the care they need, closer to home,” Mr Park said.
“No matter where people live, they deserve access to safe, high-quality healthcare. Listening to our local communities is central to tailoring our health services to what families need.
“That is why the Regional Health Ministerial Advisory Panel is so important. Its members bring the voices of regional, rural and remote communities to the table, helping us deliver safe, sustainable and high-quality healthcare with real outcomes for people who live outside our major cities.”
The panel’s role is to identify opportunities and solutions to improve healthcare access, outcomes and service delivery across hospitals and health support services in regional, rural and remote NSW.
The advisory group also aims to strengthen community engagement and ensure local perspectives help inform how healthcare services are designed and delivered outside major cities.
Applications are being encouraged from people who can represent the interests of regional communities, including Aboriginal communities, and those with knowledge or experience in key healthcare priority areas.
Those areas include strengthening and supporting the regional health workforce, improving access to safe and timely healthcare, promoting prevention and early intervention, improving community engagement, integrating primary and hospital care, and expanding the use of technology and digital health services in rural and remote settings.
The panel members may be appointed for terms of up to three years and will meet at least every three months.
Applications close on Friday 29 May 2026. For more information, including how to apply, visit EOI Regional Health Ministerial Advisory Panel or contact MOH-ODS-Regional@health.nsw.gov.au.
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