Australia has recently been heavily impacted by natural disasters and emergencies including drought, bushfire, floods and COVID-19. The New South Wales Rural Doctors Network (RDN) and partners developed and implemented strategies to support the primary health care response during this challenging time.

Across Australia, providing sustainable primary care services in small rural communities (<1000 population) has been increasingly challenging. It is acknowledged that health system planners must take coordinated action to strengthen systems to enable a community-empowered response to such challenges. In partnership with the Australian Government, Collaborative Care is a whole-of-system approach used in five Australian rural sub-regions to align communities, organisations, policy and funding levers with a common purpose in health workforce and service planning.

This paper presents MAIM (Measurement Advantage Implementation Model), an evidence-based framework for implementing Organisational Performance Measurement in non-acute health charities. MAIM integrates five components: theoretical scaffold, guiding principles, implementation framework, measurement domains, and monitoring tools to improve charity accountability and performance.

This study examined the impact of recovery funding on rural health practitioners and staff following the 2019-2022 bushfires. The funding provided access to professional development, which positively impacted staff well-being, capability, and resilience in the face of natural disasters.

This paper investigated technology and connectivity issues in rural New South Wales general practices. It found 87% of practices reported issues impacting staff's capability, with internet problems being the most frequent. Smaller practices faced more issues than larger ones.

The 2023-24 Health Workforce Needs Assessment Summary Report focuses on the pressing health workforce needs in rural New South Wales. It seeks to articulate and address these needs by highlighting current challenges and providing actionable solutions to ensure sustainable and equitable access to healthcare for rural communities.

This paper investigated the satisfaction of medical students with the Australian Rural Resident Medical Officer Cadetship Program. Findings revealed 91% were satisfied, and those who valued financial support and networking opportunities were most likely to have a positive experience with the program.

In a codesigned study, older Indigenous adults in a remote Australian location found wearable devices (watches and patches) to be an acceptable and feasible way to monitor for heart conditions like atrial fibrillation, despite challenges like heat and poor internet connectivity.

This systematic review investigated primary healthcare models used by allied health professionals in rural and remote Australia. The review found a variety of models, including integrated, outreach, virtual, discrete services, and health promotion. It concluded that rigorous evaluations are needed due to limited reporting on the effectiveness and impact of these models.

This paper examines Rural Health Pro, a digital platform addressing health disparities in rural areas. A qualitative study found the platform helps health professionals with professional development and peer connection. It was seen as a way to enhance capability and reduce professional isolation.