Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, recently met with Rural Workforce Agency Victoria (RWAV) Chief Executive Officer, Lauren Cordwell, to discuss the work of RWAV and the ongoing shortage of rural health practitioners in small Mallee towns.
The discussion focused on addressing GP shortages in rural communities and ensuring adequate housing for health professionals.
RWAV, a not-for-profit, government-funded organisation, works to improve access to healthcare across regional Victoria while supporting the recruitment and retention of health professionals in these areas.
Ms Benham said the meeting was an important and constructive step in understanding RWAV’s objectives and the strategies they employ to attract medical professionals to regional areas.”
“Here in North West Victoria, we are severely impacted by the rural GP shortage. Smaller towns are struggling even further due to a lack of allied health professionals such as physiotherapists, speech pathologists, and radiographers,” Ms Benham said.”
“RWAV plays a crucial role in supporting our communities by helping secure funding, providing suitable housing, and offering incentives for health professionals to work in rural areas.
“By focusing on practical solutions like funding support and accommodation, RWAV helps ensure regional communities can attract and retain the health professionals they need,” Ms Benham said.
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