What Support is Available for Rural Doctors?

Bush Support Services provides mental health services for health professionals and their families who live and work in remote areas anywhere in Australia. They run a free and confidential telephone counselling and support services which is staffed by registered psychologists who have experience working in remote and rural areas.

In addition to the telephone helpline, Bush Support Services provide self-care workshops, and online courses around conflict management, and health and wellbeing. The Service is operated by CRANAplus, a peak professional body for remote and isolated health workers in Australia.

The Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) represents the interests of rural and remote doctors. It has seven state and Territory member groups along with a national office. The RDAA offers its members state-based and national conferences as well as networking support.
The Rural Family Medical Network operate in a number of states including New South Wales and Queensland. Services vary between states but may include financial grants to assist with networking, kids clubs, mentoring programs, and events.

The Doctors’ Health Advisory Service operates in all states, providing advice around stress, mental illness and addiction problems, as well as personal and financial difficulties. Services vary according to each state but may also include education programs and resources.

Rural workforce agencies in most states receive funding by the Australian Government Department of Health and state / territory governments to provide a range of activities and support to help health professionals looking to work in rural Australia. Such support may include assistance with relocation costs, networking, and training. An example of a rural workforce agency is the NSW Rural Doctors Network (RDN), which is a not-for-profit membership organisation offering a range of services, programs and activities across the state.