My Broken Hill adventure

Sunset at the living sculpture at Broken Hill

For Sarah Melville, the Senior Occupational Therapist who joined NSW Health Deployment Program, Broken Hill was more than just a deployment - it was a warm, welcoming community that quickly felt like home. She's already recommending it to others considering future placements

Check out the NSW Health Deployment Program​.

Sarah taking a selfie on a bridge over a river

"Dear Diary,

Broken Hill is one of the friendliest and most welcoming places I've ever worked, and I'd recommend it to anyone considering a future deployment.

When I arrived, I joined a young and dynamic allied health team full of energy and passion. 

While there aren’t a lot of highly experienced therapists here across all disciplines, that’s part of what makes working here unique – you learn to think on your feet and adapt. 

I think having some experience before coming out, especially in a rural setting, can make a big difference in how quickly you find your rhythm.

From the start, everyone went out of their way to make Deployment Program staff feel at home.

Outside of work, there was always something happening – watching the sunset paint the desert sky, going for post-work hikes, having a drink at one of the many local pubs, or heading out for dinner with colleagues who quickly became friends.

Working in Broken Hill reminded me how much community spirit matters in healthcare – and how those bonds extend far beyond the workplace.

I’m so grateful for my time here and everything I’ve learned, both professionally and personally. Now, I’m looking forward to where my next adventure will take me."​
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Current as at: Tuesday 2 September 2025