For many regional communities, access to a local doctor cannot be taken for granted. In towns like Gulgong, the absence of a resident GP meant long drives for appointments, delayed care and added pressure on families, particularly older residents and those managing ongoing health needs.
After 18 months without a local doctor, Gulgong’s medical practice has reopened, restoring access to primary healthcare close to home. The return of local services marks an important milestone for the community and reflects the early progress of Doctors 4 Mudgee Region, an initiative established to strengthen primary healthcare across the Mid Western region.
Doctors 4 Mudgee Region was created to address longstanding workforce shortages by attracting and retaining doctors in communities where access has been most limited. The program set out to recruit 10 doctors over three years to support Mudgee, Gulgong and surrounding towns. By the end of 2025, four doctors had already been recruited, easing pressure on regional health services and helping restore continuity of care.
This progress is particularly significant in a region that has experienced a GP-to-resident ratio more than double the national average.
It’s also a practical example of what can be achieved when industry, local government and health partners work together to remove barriers and strengthen essential services.
Through this partnership, Glencore’s Ulan Coal Complex has committed over $280,000 to support Doctors 4 Mudgee Region, helping underpin recruitment and retention efforts so communities can regain access to consistent, local healthcare.
Kate Day, Program Coordinator for Doctors 4 Mudgee Region, said the initiative demonstrates what can happen when communities take action and are backed by the right partners.
"What we’ve achieved in such a short space of time shows what’s possible when a community comes together with a shared purpose. The speed and scale of these results simply would not have been possible without the backing of our stakeholders, including Glencore, whose support has helped turn intent into real, measurable outcomes for our region."
D4MR committee, Kate Day, Joshua McLean, Dr Tim Jones, Philip Petrie, Rachel Gill, Lucy Stuart (absent Dr Liz Kennedy).
Restoring care close to home
Doctors 4 Mudgee Region is about more than filling vacancies. The initiative focuses on supporting doctors to build long-term careers in regional communities, helping practices reopen, stabilise and grow, and ensuring patients can once again see a familiar face when they need care.
For communities like Gulgong, the return of not just one, but two local doctors has brought confidence and continuity back into everyday life.
Lucy Stuart, Environment and Community Manager at Glencore Coal’s Ulan Coal operation, said the impact of restoring local healthcare extends well beyond the clinic.
“Having a doctor back in town makes an enormous difference. It means people can get care when they need it, without the stress of travelling long distances. It restores a sense of security for families and older residents .”
A shared commitment to regional health
Doctors 4 Mudgee Region is supported by Glencore’s Ulan Coal Complex, alongside Yancoal’s Moolarben and Peabody’s Wilpinjong coal operations, with the backing of Mid Western Regional Council.
Craig Strudwick, Glencore Coal Social Performance Manager, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening essential services in the communities where people live and work, and to supporting practical, long-term solutions to regional healthcare challenges.
“Access to healthcare is fundamental to the wellbeing of regional communities. Supporting Doctors 4 Mudgee Region is about restoring local care, supporting doctors to put down roots, and ensuring communities like Gulgong can access the services they deserve.”
Mudgee Medical Centre New Doctors Jan 2026 - Dr Gayanee Kumarasinghe, Dr Lauren Dunstan, Dr Spun Kongsirituwong, Dr Sabah Saeed, Dr Nathan Heijstee and Dr Peta O’Brien.
Building sustainable outcomes
By focusing on recruitment, retention and local support, Doctors 4 Mudgee Region is helping rebuild confidence in regional healthcare and reduce reliance on short-term or temporary solutions.
For Glencore Coal, supporting the initiative forms part of a broader commitment to improving liveability and wellbeing across regional New South Wales, recognising that strong communities rely on access to essential services such as healthcare, education and local employment.
With five doctors already in place and more to come, Doctors 4 Mudgee Region is delivering tangible benefits for the Mid Western region and helping ensure communities are supported now and into the future.