Charles Sturt University (CSU) could make a significant contribution to health services on the NSW mid-north coast said National Party Senator John Williams after touring the University’s campus in Orange.

 

Senator Williams toured the dentistry and health science facilities to learn more about how the University has grown rural student enrolments and graduate retention in rural health services.

 

Senator Williams, who funds a $4 800 annual regional dentistry scholarship from his electoral allowance, said mid-north coast residents were suffering the same lack of access to health and dental services as most rural Australians.

 

“That’s why we’re so pleased that Charles Sturt University has established a campus in Port Macquarie,” he said.

 

Senator Williams was particularly impressed by the CSU Community Dental and Oral Health Clinic.

 

“Charles Sturt University is carrying out dental work for the community here in Orange and it’s most impressive” he said.

 

Senator Williams said he was particularly pleased to meet CSU dental students and regional scholarship recipients Ms Amelia Judson, Ms Alayne White and Ms Jessica Powell.

 

“One of my passions is getting more dentists into rural and regional areas,” he said.

 

“When I started in the Senate they gave us a $4 800 increase in the electoral allowance and I decided to put my money where my mouth is and donate that to a first-year dental student from a rural area who gives a commitment they will practice in a rural area.

 

“It was great to meet the scholarship recipients in person today and hear from them about their commitment to rural health.”

 

Head of Campus at CSU in Port Macquarie, Professor Ross Chambers, said the University had shown with its dental clinics in Orange, Bathurst, Wagga Wagga, Dubbo and Albury-Wodonga that it could contribute to the health of the communities it served.

 

“Dental students undertake placements in the various clinics and can provide a range of services under supervision at a reduced cost” he said.

 

Head of CSU’s School of Dentistry and Health Sciences, Professor David Wilson, said offering students the chance to train close to home was critical to solving health workforce shortages in rural and regional Australia.

 

“Rurally-based health programs have a special role to play in providing educational opportunities to rural students who may be lost to the professions if their only choice is to move to the city to study,” he said.