Patients in Northern NSW are benefiting from a boost to frontline emergency care, with an additional 14 paramedics now on the road in Tweed Heads, and another 6 paramedics on the road in Grafton.
These additional paramedics are based at Tweed Heads Ambulance Station and Grafton Ambulance Station.
This total enhancement of 20 extra paramedics for the Northern NSW zone is optimising emergency and out-of-hospital care across the North Coast as part of 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 and regional areas.
This marks the third intake of paramedics under the regional 500 initiative, following 125 paramedics who commenced in regional NSW last year and another 125 who began work in 2024. Under this initiative, an additional 44 paramedics have now commenced in Northern 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.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Ryan Park:
"The Minns Government is strengthening emergency health services in regional communities by adding more paramedics to the frontline.
"After 12 years of neglect by the Coalition, we are focused on rebuilding the health workforce that keeps our essential services running.
"These extra 20 paramedics in Northern NSW are helping to ensure the local community receives optimal, high-quality care when they need it most."
Quotes attributable to Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin:
"Our local paramedics do an incredible job under pressure, and these new recruits will provide them with vital support.
"Adding 14 paramedics to Tweed Heads and 6 to Grafton provides a significant boost to our local emergency response, giving families the peace of mind that help is close at hand when they need it most."
Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Tweed and Clarence Emily Suvaal:
"Having 14 new paramedics join the team at Tweed Heads and another 6 at Grafton is making a real difference for patients across Northern NSW.
"This investment reflects our commitment to improving access to emergency healthcare for rural and regional communities by expanding our workforce."
Quotes attributable to NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:
"Expanding our paramedic workforce at Tweed Heads and Grafton enhances our capacity to respond to emergencies and provide greater support to teams across regional NSW.
"With demand for ambulance services continuing to grow, these additional resources help us continue to deliver a high level of care for the community."
