Northern NSW Health invites new graduates

THE Northern NSW Local Health District is calling for new nurses and midwives to apply for graduate roles across the region.

Applications are now open for NSW Health’s 2026 GradStart program, which offers placements for new graduates looking to kickstart their careers.

Successful applicants will follow in the footsteps of the 225 graduate registered nurses, seven midwives and 27 enrolled nurses who began with the district in 2025.

Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) director of nursing and midwifery Katharine Duffy encouraged potential candidates to consider the opportunity.

“NNSWLHD offers an exciting opportunity for new graduates to start their careers, with four Multi-Purpose Services and eight hospitals, including two major sites – Lismore Base Hospital and Tweed Valley Hospital – offering excellent support and learning opportunities,” Duffy said.

“Our new graduates will gain invaluable experience across a broad range of clinical settings, as well as in community healthcare.”

The GradStart program is an annual, state-wide recruitment process across more than 150 health facilities in metropolitan, regional, rural and remote NSW.

Students are eligible if they are completing a nursing or midwifery degree between June 1, 2025 and May 31, 2026, meet the requirements for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, and are Australian citizens or hold the relevant visa.

Duffy said it was an exciting time to join the district following the opening of the new Tweed Valley Hospital and with plans underway to redevelop Grafton Base Hospital.

“New graduates are integral to our vision to grow and train a sustainable local health workforce,” she said.

“Our nursing and midwifery service has some incredible mentors and educators who will nurture these new graduates.

“Depending on their interests, they’ll have the opportunity to take part in leading research projects and develop their leadership skills to take their careers to the next level.”

For more information, visit health.nsw.gov.au/gradstart