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RDN's Patron celebrates contributions of rural health community
22nd December 2025
Ahead of RDN's recent Rural Health Month Conferences in Sydney, RDN's Patron, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW, held a welcome reception for around 100 guests at Sydney's historic Government House, in a significant act of recognition for the work of the rural health community, RDN and RDN members. This was the first time RDN had been honoured with such recognition, and it was a wonderful experience to share with representatives of the rural health community.
Working in rural health is a richly rewarding career, but working in rural communities can feel isolating. Moments of recognition like this are important, not only for bringing people together and fostering a sense of “rural positivity” and community amongst all those working in rural health, but also because they demonstrate that the work being done ‘out bush' is valued and supported.
RDN Chair Richard Colbran presented Her Excellency with an artwork by Aboriginal Steel Art inscribed “in appreciation” of the Governor’s role as the "Inaugural Patron of Rural Doctors Network".
Her Excellency offered her opening remarks in Gadigal language in acknowledgement of the historic setting, before speaking of her admiration and support for the efforts of rural doctors and the work of RDN. The Governor repeated many of the sentiments expressed in the Patron's Message she wrote for our 2024-25 Annual Report, which we would like to share with you here:
Message from Our Patron: Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW.
"It was a great pleasure to become the inaugural Vice Regal Patron of Rural Doctors Network (RDN) in 2024, and in doing so, to offer support to a charitable organisation which was ‘born and bred’ in rural NSW and has contributed so significantly to the health and wellbeing of people in our regional, rural and remote communities for almost 40 years.
"I first connected with RDN in June 2019, just a month after I was sworn in as Governor of New South Wales, meeting the then Chair, Chief Executive Officer Richard Colbran and the Treasurer at Government House. Understanding the importance of the health and wellbeing of people living outside our big cities, I was pleased to learn more about RDN’s work in promoting “health access for all.”
"That work came into sharp and urgent focus during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Earlier this year, I received RDN Chair Professor Peter O’Mara, Chief Executive Officer Richard Colbran and Chief Operating Officer Mike Edwards to discuss rural health initiatives, ongoing challenges facing rural health, and RDN’s efforts to address these issues. In addition, Professor O’Mara shared his perspective as a rural community GP and as the first Aboriginal Australian to serve as Chair of RDN.
“With the close of another financial year, may I offer my congratulations to the Board, Executive and staff of the Rural Doctors Network on another successful 12 months of supporting rural health professionals to improve regional, rural and remote health programs, services and outcomes. I look forward to welcoming rural GPs to Government House during your Annual Conference in November."
- Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW.
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