From 11 August 2023 to 30 June 2026, health workers taking up new roles with NSW Health in regional and rural locations can receive incentive packages up to $20,000 (depending on the position and location).
Find out more in our frequently asked questions.
Rural and regional life in NSW has so much to offer. And these communities need health workers now more than ever.
The Rural Health Workforce Incentives Scheme (RHWIS) aims to recruit and retain staff in eligible positions at health services across regional and rural NSW.
In addition to standard employment entitlements, an incentives package is available for some NSW Health jobs in regional and rural locations across NSW.
The incentive scheme applies to all eligible health workers. So whether you're a nurse, doctor, physiologist, therapist, sonographer, social worker, occupational therapist, paramedic, administration officer, or in support and domestic services, there could be an incentivised job waiting for you at a public hospital or health facility.
In addition to standard employment entitlements, an incentives package of up to AUD$20,000 in value (depending on the position and location) is available for some roles in particular locations across NSW.
An incentives package might include financial and non-financial support in the form of:
If you apply for and are offered an incentivised job under the RHWIS, you will discuss the details of your individual package with your new employer (NSW Health agency).
While almost anyone can apply for an advertised job, to receive an incentive package under the RHWIS you must be a health worker employed by the NSW Health Service and engaged under the Health Services Act.
We recommend you read the RHWIS fact sheet which sets out important information about the scheme, and what you need to consider about working in rural and regional NSW.
Anyone who is not directly employed by NSW Health (for example, a locum, agency nurse, Visiting Medical Officer, or a contingent worker not paid through NSW Health payroll) is not entitled to incentives. We encourage you to apply for an incentivised position as an NSW Health employee.
Not all rural and regional health locations and jobs will be incentivised under this scheme – the recruiting LHD will make this decision.
If a job is incentivised, this information will appear in either the job posting title, or in the position description. If in doubt, please contact the advertised hiring manager or local recruitment office.
The NSW Health agency contact listed in the position description will be happy to discuss general details about the role and the incentives scheme at any stage of the recruitment process.
If you are offered the job, you will then be able to discuss the specific incentives available to you with your hiring manager or recruitment officer.
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We strongly recommend that you discuss any incentives you might receive or are already receiving with a financial advisor. NSW Health does not provide financial and tax advice.
The incentive package made available to individual employees is valued at its gross value. Any fringe benefit tax liability is not counted as part of the value of the package and the employing health agency is responsible for payment of any fringe benefit tax incurred.
The Welcome Experience | NSW Government – This exciting new service provides essential government workers and their families with the support they need to move into regional communities. Settle in and become one of the locals.
Essential Worker Partner Employment Support | NSW Government – This service supports the partners of essential workers to secure relevant and meaningful employment in their new regional community.
Visit Why we live and work in rural NSW for stories and insights from NSW Health staff who already live and work in regional, rural and remote NSW.
Our RHWIS fact sheet answers some frequently asked questions about the scheme.
If you have a general question about the scheme please email NSWH-RHWIS@health.nsw.gov.au
Visit Recruitment initiatives for information about other current NSW Health recruitment schemes.
