Working in the Central West

The NSW Central West offers exciting and challenging opportunities for health professionals. As with other rural areas, there is currently a significant demand for most types of health professionals, and work opportunities are varied. Many of the GPs in the smaller towns provide Visiting Medical Officer (VMO) services at the local hospital, covering emegency and/or procedural services (anaesthetics, obstetrics, or surgery). The rural context ensures challenging and exciting work within general practice, covering a broad range of acute, chronic and preventive health services. General practice staff do not work in isolation, and are supported through professional networks, remote consultation assistance, Division practice support, and ongoing local professional development opportunities.

The Division Map provides additional information on practices and hospitals in the region.

Living in the Central West

The Central West is a fantastic place to live and raise a family. The area encompasses a range of communities, including small historic villages, rural towns, and regional centres. Most residents have relatively relatively easy access to the services at the major centres of Dubbo, Canberra and/or Sydney or the regional centres of Bathurst and Orange in the centre of the region.  It is well known as an educational centre, and the region offers a vibrant range of cultural, social and outdoor opportunities to suit all interests.

Education/Schools

The region is known as an educational hub, boasting a significant number of educational institutions in addition to the public school system. These include respected private schools, university and TAFE campuses. 

Local Councils

Local Councils are usually involved in personally and professionallly supporting health workers through the provision of community services and sometimes in partnership with general practice. Follow the links below to each Central West Council to learn more about the specific area, programs, and contacts.

Council	Locations With General Practice(s) in NSW Central West Division Area
Bathurst Regional Council	Bathurst, Kelso
Blayney Shire Council	Blayney, Carcoar
Cabonne Council	Canowindra, Cudal (outreach), Eugowra, Molong, Manildra (outreach), Yeoval (outreach)
Cowra Shire Council	Cowra
Forbes Shire Council	Forbes
Lachlan Shire Council	Condobolin, Lake Cargelligo, Tottenham
Lithgow City Council	Lithgow, Portland, Wallerawang
Mid-Western Regional Council	Kandos, Rylstone
Oberon Council	Oberon
Orange City Council	Orange
Parkes Shire Council	Parkes, Trundle, Tullamore
Weddin Shire Council	Grenfell

The Greater Western Area Health Service has also produced Central West Town Booklets, which provide a good overview of the towns and their services/programs.

Cultural Diversity

The region has a growing cultural diversity, with residents from a broad range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. To welcome and suport all residents, most Councils have established programs, volunteers and groups to support residents new to the area and/or from different cultural, religious  and linguistic backgrounds. Contact the relevant Council directly for more information or review the Multicultural Services Directory.

Transport

The region is accessible by train and coach services, as well as flights to and from Sydney on Regional Express Airlines (REX).

Additional Information

The Greater Western Area Health Service Country Careers website provides extensive additional information about living and working in the region.