Edward River Council has welcomed the response to its Expression of Interest (EOI) process for the future operation of the Deniliquin Medical Centre, with applications closing yesterday and assessment underway.
Council received multiple local and regional applications through the EOI process, which sought experienced healthcare providers capable of delivering safe, high-quality and sustainable health services that respond to the needs of Deniliquin and surrounding communities.
Acting Mayor Kellie Crossley said the response was an encouraging step as Council works to secure a strong and sustainable future for healthcare delivery from Deniliquin Medical Centre.
"The level of interest gives Council good reason to be extremely positive about the next stage of this process," Cr Crossley said.
"We now have an important job ahead of us to carefully assess each application and understand the capability, experience and service model each potential provider can bring to our community.
"This is about more than finding a new operator for the Medical Centre. We have an opportunity to consider how the facility can support accessible, high-quality and sustainable healthcare for our community well into the future."
Applications will now undergo a formal assessment by a seven-person panel, comprising Council and independent members with regional and national experience across healthcare governance, management and leadership, health workforce planning, community services, mental health, procurement and probity in both the public and private sectors.
The assessment will consider the capability and experience of applicants, the sustainability of their proposed service model and their ability to respond to the current and future healthcare needs of the Edward River community.
Cr Crossley said Council wanted to support continuity of GP services while also strengthening the local health workforce and exploring opportunities for broader, more integrated care.
"Regional communities face well-documented challenges in attracting and retaining healthcare professionals, and Deniliquin is certainly not alone in facing those pressures," Cr Crossley said.
"We want a model that strengthens local healthcare and makes the best possible use of the Medical Centre, including opportunities for allied health and other healthcare professionals. Ultimately, it is about helping people access more of the care they need locally."
The assessment period is expected to take approximately 2-4 weeks followed by deliberations and final decision by Council.
Council and Ochre Health are continuing to work cooperatively on transition arrangements while the assessment process takes place.
Ochre Health has confirmed it will continue operating Deniliquin Medical Centre for approximately six weeks beyond 2 October 2026, with further flexibility if required to support an orderly transition to a future operator, including the transfer of relevant patient records subject to legal, confidentiality and privacy requirements.
"Continuity of care remains our priority, and patients should continue accessing the Medical Centre and attending appointments as normal," Cr Crossley said.
"We are encouraged by the response to the EOI and look forward to progressing the assessment process and securing the best possible outcome for our community."
Council will keep the community informed as the process progresses and encourages community members to rely on official information published directly by Council and Ochre Health.
