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.
