The Shoalhaven region is set to benefit from a boost to frontline emergency care, with an additional 13 paramedics starting work in the community this month.
These additional paramedics will be based at Ulladulla Ambulance Station and will deliver emergency and out-of-hospital care across the broader Shoalhaven region, contributing to NSW Ambulance's highly mobile workforce.
This increase in clinical staffing forms part of the NSW Government's commitment to deliver 500 additional paramedics to rural, regional and remote areas through the regional 500 initiative. NSW Ambulance is working with staff to prepare for their commencement in Ulladulla on Saturday 30 May.
The cohort is part of the third intake of 125 paramedics planned for regional NSW. They join the 125 paramedics who commenced across the state last year, and another 125 who began work in 2024.
The Minns Labor Government will continue to roll out the additional 500 paramedics for regional NSW next year. Future locations will be determined through NSW Ambulance's evidence-based, best practice service and workforce planning, as well as consultation with staff and the Health Services Union.
Health systems around the world continue to face increasing demand, with aging populations and workforce shortages, Labor is making the long-term investments into recruiting more staff to better meet the growing health needs of our community.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:
"These 13 additional, highly trained paramedics will help ensure our communities in Ulladulla and across the Shoalhaven continue to have access to timely, emergency care.
"Supporting regional communities with a strong, sustainable ambulance workforce is a key priority for Labor, and this expansion reflects our continued commitment to investing in regional and rural NSW.
"The Coalition has criticised the Government for hiring too many health workers, but we know that a strong workforce relieves pressure on our health system to deliver the high-quality care our regional communities need."
Quotes attributable to Member for South Coast, Liza Butler:
"People in the Shoalhaven deserve timely access to high-quality emergency care, no matter where they live. These additional paramedics will help strengthen frontline ambulance services across the region and ensure local communities continue to receive the care they need.
"The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to boost regional healthcare workforces, with 500 additional paramedics being rolled out across rural, regional and remote NSW.
"These new paramedics based at Ulladulla will support NSW Ambulance's highly mobile workforce and help meet growing demand for emergency and out-of-hospital care across the Shoalhaven."
Quotes attributable to NSW Ambulance Interim Chief Executive Clare Beech:
"These additional paramedics will provide important support for our teams at Ulladulla and help NSW Ambulance continue delivering reliable emergency care across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.
"The increase to our paramedic workforce also supports a more sustainable, future‑focused ambulance service, particularly as demand rises during the winter months."
