Mudgee: Accommodation to attract healthcare workers revealed, new connecting bus from rural towns

New accommodation designed to attract and retain regional healthcare workers has been revealed in the state’s central west. Here’s what it looks like.

The Mudgee healthcare accommodation. Picture: Supplied

Healthcare workers in the state’s central west will soon have access to accommodation units as part of efforts to attract, recruit and retain staff in the region.

The four units, either with one or two bedrooms, are located on the Mudgee hospital grounds and feature a kitchenette, living areas and ensuite bathrooms.

Dubbo Legislative Council representative Stephen Lawrence said the units were a great asset to the Mudgee health service.

“It means visiting nurses, doctors, allied health professionals and other health personnel will have a safe and comfortable place to stay while providing services at the hospital and within the community,” Mr Lawrence said.

To support and build the western NSW health workforce, there will be additional accommodation projects at Warren, Collarenebri, Walgett, Baradine, Condobolin, Tullamore, Narromine, Trundle and Wellington.

Four units will soon open to healthcare workers in Mudgee. Picture: Supplied

Separately, residents in villages near Mudgee will soon have access to a weekly bus service to support those living in regional and remote communities.

Mr Lawrence said the new pre-booked service, which begins at the end of July, would stop at Clandulla, Charbon, Kandos, Rylstone and Lue.

The same day return service will run every Wednesday, allowing residents four hours in Mudgee, from 10am to 2pm, while picking them up and dropping them off at varied times.

“This weekly service will provide more options for communities, offering peace of mind when planning important appointments by having the option to use a reliable and affordable service managed by local operators Eastend Bus Services,” he said.

The service will be part of a two-year trial supported by the NSW Government’s Transport Access Regional Partnerships program.

Tickets will be $3.60 for an adult each way, $1.80 for children and concession holders each way and $2.50 for pensioners per day.

Eastend Bus Service tickets can be purchased on their website.