
New campaign launched to attract GPs to Western & Far West NSW
A new General Practitioner (GP) Registrar recruitment and attraction campaign has launched to strengthening access to primary care across Western and Far West NSW.

Data in this week shows that general practice bulk billing, along with MyMedicare participation for practices and Australians are on the rise.
General Practice bulk billing rates have increased nationally by 3.4% over the last 7 months since triple bulk billing changes came into effect on 1 November 2023. This amounts to two million additional bulk billed visits for Australians.
In the dynamic landscape of the health care industry, communicating with multiple business partners about the changes of your health organisation’s details can be an administrative burden. However, with the Australian Digital Health Agency’s (ADHA) Provider Connect AustraliaTM (PCATM) service, health care organisations such as general practices and pharmacies can streamline information management.
WNSW PHN delivered a second and final round of the $10K Telehealth Support Grant for Residential Aged Care Homes (RACH’s) in late 2023 to facilities who hadn’t participated in first round grants . A total of 76% (39 out of 51) RACHs applied for and received the Telehealth Support Grant with approximately a quarter of all RACHs in Western and Far West NSW not applying for the telehealth support grant for different reasons.
Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) is pleased to partner with the Black Dog Institute to deliver a Suicide Prevention Capacity Building Program in the Western NSW region, and form a Western Area Collaborative Group. The program will commence in mid to late July 2024.
We are inviting expressions of interest from key stakeholders in the Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) region to build shared suicide prevention capacity across the region.

A new General Practitioner (GP) Registrar recruitment and attraction campaign has launched to strengthening access to primary care across Western and Far West NSW.

Last week, 55 health professionals participated in an education event in Dubbo that aimed to strengthen how people with an unintended pregnancy can find care and pregnancy choices close to home.

Last week, the Western NSW GP Registrar Career and Networking event in Dubbo saw GP Registrars, medical students and local clinicians come together to connect, share experiences and explore career pathways in general practice.

Recent heatwaves and bushfire activity remind us what we all know: disaster comes unexpectedly. Whether fire, flood, power outage or pandemic, regional NSW needs to be prepared to ensure general practice can support communities when they need it most.

Meet Amanda, a 37-year-old woman who has faced significant challenges. Living with anxiety, PTSD, and legal blindness, Amanda has encountered obstacles that many of us might find daunting. Yet Amanda’s story is one of resilience and courage, thanks to the support and resources she has embraced along the way.

Managing Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (BBPIP) participation is now easier with Services Australia’s eligibility assessments.

The way Bathurst residents’ access after‑hours medical care is changing. The Bathurst After Hours GP Service will close on 31 March 2026, as the community transitions to the new Bathurst Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC).

If your practice is registered and meets Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (BBPIP) requirements, you will receive your first incentive payment in January 2026.

The Western NSW Primary Health Network is running a summer campaign to promote the Medicare Mental Health phone line service and our walk in services in Bathurst and Dubbo. The Medicare Mental Health Phone Service offers a free and confidential first step for advice, guidance, and connection to local services.

The Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) has released its 2024–25 Annual Report, highlighting continued progress in strengthening primary health care across Western and Far West NSW. The report outlines WNSW PHN’s work to improve equity of access, health system sustainability, and health outcomes for communities in our region.