Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie welcomed the announcement on July 12. 

The practices are two of 67 that were offered grants across the nation, with a total of $13.1 million under the Government’s Rural General Practice Grants program.

“This grant will enable each practice to expand and improve its facilities,” Dr Gillespie said.

“Better facilities will allow more doctors, nurses and other health workers to get hands-on training in general practices in rural and remote areas like Lake Cathie and Wauchope.

Assistant Minister for Health David Gillespie said practices would match the amount of their grants to undertake their projects.

Dr Gillespie said the projects could range from building new rooms to renovating existing rooms and buying computing technology or medical equipment.

“As well as medical graduates, they may be used for training overseas trained doctors, nurses, Aboriginal health workers or other health professionals employed in the practice,” he said.

“Other grants will be used to create meeting rooms where patients can receive education about health conditions, such as diabetes, so they can take a more active role in managing their own health.

“The Government supports a strong primary care workforce that can meet Australia’s future healthcare needs.

“Improving access to doctors and other health professionals in rural and regional Australia is a priority for our long term national health plan.”