TAFE NSW is helping to build a pipeline of nurses in the Cootamundra area through increasing the accessibility of high-quality training.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the Diploma of Nursing which recently commenced at TAFE NSW Cootamundra is expanding opportunities for regionally-based students to get in-demand skills in the booming industry.
“It was a wonderful opportunity to catch up with students embarking on a career in nursing. We know there is a great demand for Nurses right across NSW but particularly in rural and regional areas.” Ms Cooke said.
“It’s fantastic that students will be able to learn these Nursing skills right here in their own community and when they finish they will have their placement in a regional hospital.”
“By running the course with both virtual classroom and face-to-face components with local accommodation where required, TAFE NSW is making it easier for people to fit study around their other commitments.”
“Our healthcare heroes have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic and it’s crucial we continue to support them to deliver quality healthcare.”
Recent funding for a Connected Learning Point at TAFE NSW Cootamundra also shows the NSW Government’s commitment to supporting locals to upskill.
“Connected Learning Points like the one at TAFE NSW Cootamundra are technology-enabled spaces designed to increase access to education and training by virtually connecting students to teachers and courses they may not otherwise have access to,” Ms Cooke said.
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the NSW Government is delivering more opportunities than ever before to help people get the skills they need for the jobs they want.
“By investing in our local communities and in courses like this, we can help secure a brighter future for NSW families,” Mr Henskens said.
“NSW is leading the nation when it comes to skills and training, with more people in training than any other state, ensuring that we continue to build a strong pipeline of skilled, job-ready workers to help grow our economy.”
Next year TAFE NSW Cootamundra will offer an Introduction to Careers in Health course which will provide further opportunities to pick up in-demand skills for a rewarding career.
For more information on courses available at TAFE NSW, visit www.tafensw.edu.au.
Murrumbidgee Local Health District has introduced 25 newly graduated Registered Nurses who have commenced work across the District.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has welcomed these nurses and thanked them for choosing to begin their careers in a regional community.
“A majority of graduates are from outside the area, so it’s great to see our communities grow as they potentially bring their families and even friends with them too,” Ms Cooke said.
“These nurses will make a big difference, with a number from this intake joining the teams at local facilities including Junee District Hospital, West Wyalong District Hospital and Young Hospital.
“This is a major boost to our local health workforce, ensuring our communities can live healthy, full lives.”
The Cootamundra electorate has benefited from three nursing intakes so far this year, with nurses placed at Narrandera District Hospital, Junee District Hospital, West Wyalong District Hospital and Young Hospital.
Ms Cooke was pleased to meet Ms Sita Rana recently, who is six months into her program joining the dedicated team at Narrandera District Hospital.
Joined by Health Facility Manager Kate Williams, Ms Rana said she is excited to have joined the team at Narrandera and is looking forward to working and living in a regional community.
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said 140 graduate nurses have commenced work in the District this year, with 2022 marking the largest number of graduate nurses employed in the District to date.
“Being a nurse in regional and rural NSW is one of the most rewarding experiences, and I have no doubt that the skills these new nurses will learn while working in Murrumbidgee will set them up for the rest of their careers,” Mrs Taylor said.
“I congratulate Murrumbidgee Local Health District on its comprehensive education and mentoring program that ensures these nurses receive the support they need as they make the transition from university to the workplace.”
District Director of Nursing and Midwifery Christine Stephens said the additional graduate nurses will support the existing committed and dedicated nurses and midwives.
“We are excited to be able to offer great working opportunities to so many graduates, from both the region and other parts of the state including Sydney,” Ms Stephens said.
Throughout their first year, graduates are provided with opportunities in a variety of clinical settings to ensure they gain a range of experience and consolidate skills and knowledge developed whilst at university.
Between mid-2012 and mid-2022 the Murrumbidgee Local Health District increased its workforce by an additional 680 full time equivalent staff – an increase of 24.9% including 64 more doctors, 326 more nurses and midwives, and 111 more allied health staff.
The NSW Government is investing $4.5 billion to recruit 10,148 full time equivalent (FTE) staff to hospitals and health services over the next four years as part of the 2022-23 Budget, with 3,800 of those positions in rural and regional areas.
More support is soon to be available for new parents in the region with the appointment of a Nursing Unit Manager for Tresillian Cowra.
Commencing almost a fortnight ago, Nursing Unit Manager Rochelle Longhurst has been undergoing orientation and further training to support her in the new role.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke welcomed Rochelle to the position saying she will be a great addition to the communities she will service including Cowra, Young, Grenfell and Canowindra.
“Rochelle comes to the role with lots of experience being a former family and community health nurse and is very familiar with the area so I am excited to have her on-board.
“She has hit the ground running laying vital foundations to ensure the longevity of the service by working together with other health providers in the area to establish strong relationships,” Ms Cooke said.
Along with the NSW Government, The Tresillian and Gidget Foundation Australia who operate Regional Family Care Centres, have played a massive part in securing support for new parents the region through the new role.
The foundation is currently negotiating the purchase of a property at Cowra for the Family Care Centre which is proceeding well.
“Finalising the plans for the day centre is massive step forward in our campaign to secure a Tresillian Residential Unit as part of the Cowra Hospital redevelopment and I look forward to sharing more news about it in the New Year,” Ms Cooke added.
The new centre to be built in Cowra is one of six, including Goulburn, Grafton, Armidale, Griffith, and Muswellbrook. Established centres such as Dubbo, Queanbeyan and Taree have provided more than 14,000 services to families over the past two years.
Minister for Mental Health and Women Bronnie Taylor highlighted the importance of the integrated care approach and said it will ensure that counselling and parenting support are provided for local families.
“This is all about helping families in their hour of need and services like this can have a really positive impact on the wider community as well,” Mrs Taylor said.
“Being a parent, especially a new parent, is really tough, and I have every confidence that Rochelle will ensure families in the Cootamundra electorate are supported.”
Services will be delivered via home-visiting until the Family Care Centre is fully commissioned which we expect will be in January once furnishing and fit-out is completed.
The Cowra Tresillian Care Centre development is funded under the NSW Government as part of the 2021/2022 budget.
For more information on the service, please call: 1300 272 736