The Far South Coast is benefiting from a boost to frontline emergency care, with an additional eight paramedics starting work in the community earlier this month.
These additional paramedics are based at Eden Ambulance Station and are helping to deliver emergency and out-of-hospital care along the coast, contributing to NSW Ambulance's highly mobile workforce.
This increase in clinical staffing forms part of the Minns Labor Government's commitment to deliver 500 additional paramedics to rural, regional and remote areas through the Regional 500 initiative. These additional paramedics are on top of 17 additional paramedics who commenced at Cooma Ambulance Station on 16 May.
The cohort is part of the third intake of 125 paramedics planned for regional NSW as part of the regional 500 initiative. They join the 125 paramedics who commenced across the state last year, and another 125 who began work in 2024.
Under this initiative, an additional 34 paramedics are already working across the Southern NSW zone.
The Minns Government will continue to roll out the additional 500 paramedics for regional NSW next year, with future locations determined through NSW Ambulance's evidence-based, best practice service, and workforce planning, as well as consultation with staff and the Health Services Union.
This recruitment boost is part of Labor's long-term commitment to meaningful investments into our health workforce, relieving pressure on our health system and meeting the needs of our regional communities.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:
"Our communities in the Far South Coast deserve confidence that emergency care is available when and where it's needed.
"More paramedics on the road in the Eden area is about improving access to care across a large and often remote region, while continuing to strengthen emergency health services in regional NSW."
"The Coalition has criticised the Government for hiring too many health workers, but Labor understands that a supported and empowered workforce means better health outcomes for our community."
Quotes attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Health and Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland:
"This investment in our regional paramedic workforce is about ensuring people on the Far South Coast can access high-quality emergency care, no matter where they live. It's a practical step toward delivering the right care, in the right place, at the right time."
Quotes attributable to NSW Ambulance Interim Chief Executive Clare Beech:
"Strengthening the paramedic workforce in and around Eden enhances our ability to respond across a large and diverse regional area.
"With demand for ambulance services continuing to rise, this additional capacity helps ensure our teams can continue providing safe, timely care for the community."
