The campaign to tackle Lakes Entrance’s GP shortage is gathering momentum, with organisers following up on the success of ‘The Longest Waiting Room’ initiative by launching a targeted recruitment drive directly to medical professionals.
Jointly led by Lakes Entrance Action and Development Association (LEADA) chairperson Sharen Cameron and Cunninghame Arm Medical Centre (CAMC) principal Dr David Campbell, the campaign aims to secure additional doctors for the coastal town.
In a joint statement, Ms Cameron and Dr Campbell thanked community members who supported the initial protest event, noting that the strong public response succeeded in generating high-profile media coverage and attracting the attention of prospective doctors.
Following the initial rally, campaign leaders took their recruitment drive to Melbourne for the General Practice Conference and Exhibition (GPCE), a major professional education and networking event for primary healthcare workers.
Operating a dedicated recruitment stand, representatives met face-to-face with interested doctors to promote the professional advantages of working at CAMC, including its teaching and supervision programs, flexible working arrangements, and the strong community backing demonstrated by local residents.
Organisers reported an encouraging response from the conference, with several doctors expressing genuine interest in practicing in East Gippsland.
To capitalise on that interest, CAMC and LEADA will host a dedicated showcase weekend titled The Great Lakes Welcome – Come and Try Lakes Entrance on October 3 and 4.
The initiative will bring prospective doctors, along with their partners and families, to Lakes Entrance to experience the region firsthand. The weekend itinerary will include complimentary accommodation, community meals, a cruise on the Gippsland Lakes, town tours and comprehensive visits to the CAMC clinic to meet existing medical staff.
Organisers emphasised that recruitment pathways remain flexible, offering options ranging from short-term locum work, visiting arrangements and part-time sessions to staged moves and permanent roles.
While long-term recruitment efforts continue, CAMC has also secured immediate relief for local patients. Two visiting locum doctors are currently assisting with appointments at the clinic, and Dr Nicholas Wilkes has officially returned to practice at CAMC, helping ease immediate appointment backlogs.
Campaign leaders noted that while doctor recruitment remains a challenging process with no guarantees, the strong community advocacy behind ‘The Longest Waiting Room’ has successfully converted public awareness into active conversations with potential general practitioners.
