People experiencing homelessness in Nowra can now receive free health care as Street Side Medics, a not-for-profit, GP-led mobile medical service, expands its services to the region.
The Nowra mobile clinic was officially opened today by Fiona Phillips MP (Member for Gilmore), The Hon. Ryan Park (NSW Minister for Health) and COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW PHN. Jointly funded by the Australian Government, through COORDINARE, and the NSW Government, this is Street Side Medics’ first regional clinic.
Located at Shoalhaven Homeless Hub at 93 Plunkett Street in Nowra, the clinic operates from 10am – 12 noon each Tuesday. This newest clinic is be staffed by a dedicated team of volunteer general practitioners, specialists, junior doctors, and registered nurses.
The brainchild of 2022 Young Australian of the Year, Dr Daniel Nour, Street Side Medics provides free primary healthcare to vulnerable Australians via fully equipped and customised mobile medical units which on a weekly basis visit areas with demographically high concentrations of homelessness.
You can learn more about Street Side Medics via streetsidemedics.com.au or contact volunteer@streetsidemedics.com.au for more information on how to become a volunteer.
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Health, Ryan Park:
“In March, the Minns Labor Government announced $200,000 in funding to assist Street Side Medics to continue its services and expand into new areas in regional and rural parts of the state.
“I’m proud to support this incredible team who work hard to ensure our most vulnerable community members can access advice and treatment for acute and chronic health issues.
“We know that people experiencing homelessness can face serious barriers when accessing health services, I’m deeply grateful for these clinicians and the compassionate care they provide for our community.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Homelessness, Rose Jackson:
“Every person deserves to be treated with dignity and compassion, no matter their circumstances. The Minns Labor Government’s Homelessness Strategy is built on that principle – making sure people have not only a safe place to live, but the care and support they need to rebuild their lives. This new Street Side Medics service in Nowra is a perfect example of that in action.”
“For people doing it tough, something as simple as seeing a doctor can be out of reach. This clinic brings health care directly to people in a safe and respectful environment, breaking down barriers and treating everyone with dignity.”
“Homelessness is about more than housing – it’s about wellbeing, connection, and hope. By linking health care with housing and support, we’re giving people in Nowra the support they need.
Quotes attributed to Member for South Coast Liza Butler:
"This new clinic is a game-changer for some of our community’s most vulnerable residents.
“Having access to free, high-quality health care right here in Nowra means people experiencing homelessness won’t have to choose between seeing a doctor and meeting their basic daily needs. I’m proud to see this level of collaboration making a real difference in people’s lives."
Quotes attributable to Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips MP:
“The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring all Australians have access to health care that is equitable, affordable, and inclusive for people of all backgrounds and living situations.
"People who experience homelessness are at a significantly higher risk of suffering from poor physical and mental health. It is so important that vulnerable people in the Shoalhaven can now access this service."
Quotes attributable to CEO of COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW PHN, Prudence Buist:
"We’re thrilled that Street Side Medics is expanding into Nowra. Through our network, we’re encouraging local health professionals particularly GPs, other specialists, and PGY3+ junior doctors to get involved by volunteering just two hours a month to support this important initiative.
“Since November 2022, COORDINARE has proudly partnered with Street Side Medics to support the weekly Wollongong clinic, delivering primary healthcare to people facing housing insecurity. We remain committed to building a health system across South Eastern NSW that is equitable, affordable, and inclusive for people of all backgrounds and living situations.
"People who experience homelessness are at a significantly higher risk of suffering from poor physical and mental health. This is due to multiple, complex barriers such as stigma, health care costs, transport access, service awareness, cultural or linguistic barriers, missing documentation or lack of a regular, trusted health care provider.
"Health care treatment provided by Street Side Medics is bulk-billed, but for those without Medicare, or any other limitations preventing Medicare payment, Street Side Medics has a no-turn-away policy and attends to all patients free of charge. Their services include health examinations, diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions, establishing health care plans, immunisations, pathology services, nutritional advice, minor surgical procedures, and referrals to other providers.
"The team aims to deliver a tailored service designed to meet the individual needs of patients with a particular focus on addressing mental health, alcohol and other drugs, and chronic disease prevention and management issues,”
Quotes attributable to Street Side Medics Founder, Dr Daniel Nour:
"It’s often very difficult for those experiencing homelessness to prioritise their health or access appropriate health care. That's why Street Side Medics works in collaboration with other service providers, it better positions us to play a part in alleviating the barriers that limit vulnerable peoples’ access to primary health care.
“Street Side Medics has proven the value of a mobile healthcare model. Mobile clinics like ours play a vital role, bringing care directly to vulnerable people who’d otherwise go without. But for long-term change, we need more than pockets of innovation. We need to scale what works, connect services, and commit, as a nation, to doing better.
“Street Side Medics will continue our support of vulnerable Australians and we’d be deeply grateful to the people of Nowra for supporting us in any way that they can. Head to our website for an overview of how you can help.”