With declining numbers of GPs in the rural and regional parts of the Hunter and New England as the existing workforce retire and relocate out of the area, pressure is being added to the remaining workforce. This is also impacting Registrar’s as the number of supervisors able to support training is reduced.

The PHN is making available six (6) GP Relocation and Retention Grants. The six (6) grants will be available to support selected communities to secure a GP from outside the HNECC geographical region. Each of the grants will be accompanied by a ‘Welcome Ambassador’ relocation support service for the relocating GP.

The identified 6 locations are priority areas in the GP Workforce Planning and Prioritisation Program (WPPP).

Selection Criteria

The GP Relocation and Retention Grants will be allocated via expression of interest from general practices and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) in the selected locations (below) that have secured a prospective GP. Practices may recruit final year Registrars to a permanent GP position to be eligible.

Welcome Ambassador Service

Attached to the grants is a Welcome Ambassador service valued at approximately $7,500 ex GST per GP which will run over a six-month period. Each GP will be assigned a Welcome Ambassador who will provide support across several areas.

The service will be negotiated by the PHN on the practice’s behalf who will require that the General Practice provide the GP’s contact details enabling the GP and Welcome Ambassador to communicate directly.

Terms and conditions

Funding is available for recruitment that commences between 1st February and 30th June 2024 subject to meeting eligibility criteria.

How to apply

Applications are open via completion of the online form on the PHN grants portal, SmartyGrants

Grants will be allocated on a first in basis to eligible applicants and close either 30th June 2024 or when all grants have been allocated – whichever comes first.

HNECC PHN reserves the right to close the grant round if all grants have been awarded prior to the closing date or extend the grant closing date if funds are still available.

For more information please read the grant guidelines available here.

If you have any questions regarding these grants, please contact the PHN Grants team on grants@thephn.com.au.