Recognising the unique challenges that primary health providers in the Lismore community face, the Australian Government and the NSW Government will each contribute $2.5 million in targeted support for eligible providers.
The funding will be distributed in grants for general practices, allied health (including mental health), dental practices, pharmacies, private specialists, pathology providers, drug and alcohol treatment services and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in Lismore.
Grants of up to $150,000 will be available, with provisions to consider applications from providers with exceptional circumstances above that threshold.
Ensuring that Lismore locals can continue to access quality primary health care is critical to support the health and wellbeing of the entire community.
Out of 67 local primary care providers surveyed following the disaster, 58 practices, or close to 9 out of 10, reported some flood damage.
The Lismore community has shown great resilience in the face of disaster over the past few years, including the flooding during 2022, bushfires in 2019-20 and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Funding for the grants will be provided to the North Coast Primary Health Network (PHN), Healthy North Coast.
