Health in the Central West reached a significant milestone this week with the graduation of the first 37 doctors from the Charles Sturt University School of Rural Medicine in Orange.
Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Neil Westcott, was in attendance to congratulate the graduates and reconnect with the five students who call Parkes home through their placement at the new Heart of Parkes clinical training facility in Currajong Street.
The Mayor also met with the three medical students who have been supported over the past five years through a sponsorship jointly funded by Parkes Shire Council and the ten member councils of the Central West Joint Organisation (CNSWJO).
"Many rural and regional areas struggle with a shortage of doctors, and by training students locally via Heart of Parkes and CSU, and financially supporting them through CNSWJO scholarships, there's a far better chance these graduates will remain in the Central West region," Mayor Westcott said.
The Heart of Parkes is a purpose-built clinical training centre located at 24–28 Currajong Street, officially opened on 1 July 2025. The facility is a collaboration between Evolution Mining's Northparkes Operations and Charles Sturt University's School of Rural Medicine.
The centre features modern training infrastructure including a simulation laboratory, tutorial rooms, multipurpose clinical skills spaces, a student lounge, kitchen and dedicated study areas. This allows medical students to complete their training locally rather than relocating to metropolitan areas.
The long-term aim of the facility - and the broader rural medical training program - is to build a sustainable pipeline of locally trained doctors to address the chronic shortage of medical practitioners in rural and regional NSW.
Mayor Westcott also acknowledged the significant contribution of Parkes-based GP Dr Kerrie Stewart, Head of Campus of the Central West Clinical School at CSU, who played a key role in advocating for and helping establish the Heart of Parkes facility. Dr Stewart has described the centre as "game-changing" for regional medical education and improved access to health services.
"It was great to meet these wonderful young people," Mayor Westcott said. "We wish these incredible young academics all the very best as they embark on their internships and begin their careers in medicine."
Caption:
Pictured at the event are (L-R) Cr Neil Westcott, Mayor of Parkes Shire Council with the three Central West Joint Scholarship recipients Heidi Annand, (Mallee Clinical School – Swan Hill, Internship in Albury), Saru Kukonowatsauka (Orange Clinical School, Internship Orange), and Miranda Eyb (Central West Clinical School – Parkes, Internship Dubbo). With them on the right are Kate Barker, Interim Executive Officer of the Central NSW Joint Organisation and Cr Tony Mileto, Mayor of Orange City Council.
