The Rural Allied Health Educator Pilot Program, a joint venture between NSW Health and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), is building a pipeline of allied health clinicians in rural, regional and remote communities, by boosting the number of student placements in Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD).
SNSWLHD developed a new student-led clinic as part of its program to assess and provide therapy for pre-school children in Moruya. Ten allied health students have gone through the program with more planned for 2025.
The program is enticing allied health students to stay and take up full time roles in rural, regional and remote locations.
A survey of students participating in the program found prior to commencing placement only 56.2 per cent were interested in working for NSW Health in a rural area as a graduate.
Following completion of placement, 85 per cent were more interested in working for NSW Health in a rural area as an allied health graduate and 95 per cent of students were satisfied with their placement experience and would recommend a rural placement to other students.
Allied health clinical placements typically take 4-8 weeks and give students experience across a range of clinical areas relevant to their profession.
At SNSWLHD, the allied health educators supervise students directly and work with universities to coordinate placements.
Amy Cooke and Joanne Li completed their allied health student placement at Moruya Hospital in February 2025 where they worked with the Brighter Beginnings program, delivering paediatric development screening, communication and occupational therapy assessments and interventions.
The $1 million Rural Allied Health Educator Pilot Program is a joint venture between NSW Health and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development across Hunter New England, Western NSW, Far West, Murrumbidgee and Southern NSW Local Health Districts.
DPIRD has invested $1 million per year over three years into the Rural Allied Health Educator Pilot Program.
For further information visit the Allied health professions in NSW Health webpage.
Quotes attributable to Regional Health Minister, Ryan Park:
"Staffing is one of the most critical issues we face in the healthcare system, and in regional, rural and remote locations that problem is amplified.
"I am really proud a program like this is having great results at encouraging allied health students to take up a rewarding role in the bush.
"The Minns Labor Government is committed to boosting our allied health workforce by increasing training and education pathways for students in rural and regional NSW."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional New South Wales, Tara Moriarty:
"We support the Rural Allied Health Educator Program through funding these important regional allied health workforces.
"Getting essential workers into regional NSW is a major focus of the Government and this program plays a role in that plan.
"The students also have the opportunity to participate in The Welcome Experience while on placement.
"The Welcome Experience is a service which provides essential workers the support they need to make the move into live and work in regional communities by assisting them to get to know the local area and people first."
Quotes attributable to Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland:
"It's really positive to hear this program is encouraging students to take up positions in regional, rural and remote hospitals.
"I spent many, many years working in regional and rural hospitals, and I can say that it is incredibly rewarding."
Quotes attributable to Allied Health Educator, Cathie Matthews:
"The allied health students have been an integral part of our Brighter Beginnings and Speech Pathology Services offered to preschools in the Eurobodalla region.
"It has been great to see them develop their clinical skills working with our occupational therapists and Education colleagues to support children's communication development.
"Providing students with quality clinical placements to develop their skills and love of allied health in the incredible communities found in our regions, and carry that passion with them through their careers has been an amazing privilege."
Quotes attributable to Allied Health Student, Joanne Li:
"This rural placement has been thoroughly enjoyable and a wonderful opportunity to increase my knowledge and experience in the field.
"We have been able to work with a multi-disciplinary team to help provide screenings and interventions at preschools, which has greatly increased our knowledge and experience. The Southern Coast is beautiful with so much to offer, and the lack of traffic is such a luxury."
Quotes attributable to Allied Health Student, Amy Cooke:
"I have loved undertaking my placement in the Eurobodalla region. It has been a wonderful opportunity to take the time away from my family commitments and focus on my learning and development in such a beautiful location.
"It has felt like a working holiday - enjoying the traffic free roads, friendly community and taking in all the sights along the coastline."
