In 2004, Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) created a health clinic in Newcastle to support newly arrived Sudanese refugees with unmet health needs. The service quickly found that whole-family assessments were needed, leading to an expansion to adult care.
Within two years, the clinic developed into a nurse-led program operating across the district. It provides health assessments, treatment, and referrals for people from refugee and refugee-like backgrounds during their first six months in Australia. To strengthen access to primary care, Honorary Medical Officer (HMO) roles for General Practitioners (GPs) were introduced.
By 2026, the program has expanded to six GP HMOs, including the first appointed in Armidale in 2023. This program has now supported more than 6,000 people from refugee and refugee-like backgrounds, with around 3,000 adults receiving GP care. Health issues addressed include infectious disease, chronic illness, mental health concerns, nutritional deficiencies, and disabilities requiring NDIS support.
