Rural Doctors Network CEO attends first NSW Premier's Rural, Remote & Regional Advisory Council for 2026

Last week, Rural Doctors Network CEO, Richard Colbran attended the first meeting of the NSW Premier’s Rural, Remote & Regional Advisory Council (PRRRAC) for 2026.

The establishment of the PRRRAC is a Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) initiative, adopted by the Premier, that has been welcomed by all 89 members. The PRRRAC held its inaugural meeting in October last year.

Co-chaired by CMA Chairman, Mayor Rick Firman OAM of Temora Shire, alongside NSW Premier the Hon. Chris Minns MP, PRRRAC will meet three times during 2026 to raise issues and discuss matters that are of concern to remote, rural and regional NSW communities, as well as showcase success stories.

PRRRAC members identified priority issues including the drought and the housing shortages that are impacting on remote, rural and regional NSW's ability to attract and retain skilled workers.

Image caption:

L-R Front: Mrs Tanya Jolly (CWA President), Temora Shire Mayor Rick Firman (CMA Chairman and PRRRAC Co-Chairman), NSW Premier the Hon. Chris Minns MP (PRRRAC Co-Chairman), the Hon Tara Moriarty MLC (NSW Minister for Regional NSW and Agriculture), Singleton Council Mayor Sue Moore (CMA Board Member and NSW Joint Organisation Chairs Forum Chair).

L-R Back: Mr. Xavier Martin (NSW Farmers’ President), Richard Colbran (Rural Doctors Network CEO and Chairman of the PRRRAC’s Drought & Water Working Party), Ms Jane Laverty (Northern Rivers Regional Director for Business NSW), Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg (NSW Regional Cities Chairman), Ms Leeanne Hamton (NSW Aboriginal Land Council Deputy Chair) and Mrs Tess Herbert (Local Land Services Chair of Chairs).

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• RDN’s Richard Colbran joins members of the Regional Health Ministerial Advisory Panel to visit UCRH (2024)
• First NSW Regional Health Ministerial Advisory Panel meeting held in Sydney (2023)
• RDN CEO announced as Chair of new Ministerial Advisory Panel (2022)