The Hunter region is benefiting from a boost to frontline emergency care, with an additional 17 paramedics now on the road in the community.
These additional paramedics are based at Tea Gardens Ambulance Station and are delivering emergency and out-of-hospital care across the Hunter New England area 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.
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 17 paramedics in Tea Gardens are helping to ensure the local community receives optimal, high-quality care when they need it most."
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley:
"From day one as Minister for the Hunter, my focus has been to make sure growing communities like Tea Gardens get the health services they need and today's announcement is real progress on that front.
"Bringing more paramedics into the area means quicker response times, stronger local coverage and a workforce that lives and works as part of the community.
"As more families choose to call Tea Gardens home, demand on emergency care is rising. People deserve confidence that help is close by which is why this announcement is welcome news."
Quotes attributable to Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington:
"This is great news for Port Stephens - with 17 additional paramedics in Tea Gardens on top of the 25 new paramedics who now call Medowie Ambulance Station home, our growing community will be well served into the future.
"Tea Gardens is the oldest town by median age in the country, so this significant boost to emergency care will be greatly welcomed by the community."
Quotes attributable to NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:
"Expanding our paramedic workforce at Tea Gardens 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."
