Graduate nurses urged to consider Ballina Hospital as Northern NSW recruitment drive begins
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Ballina District Hospital is among the health facilities looking to attract the next generation of nurses and midwives as Northern NSW Local Health District launches its annual graduate recruitment campaign.
Applications are now open for NSW Health’s 2026 GradStart program, with new graduates encouraged to consider starting their careers at hospitals across the Northern Rivers, including Ballina District Hospital.
Northern NSW Local Health District Director of Nursing and Midwifery Katharine Duffy said the region offered graduates the opportunity to gain valuable clinical experience while enjoying the lifestyle of the Northern Rivers.
“Northern NSW Local Health District 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,” Ms Duffy said.
“Our new graduates will gain invaluable experience across a broad range of clinical settings, as well as in community healthcare.
“Coupled with unrivalled quality of life opportunities at some of Australia’s premier coastal and hinterland destinations, we think there is no better place to live and work than Northern NSW.”
The GradStart program is NSW Health’s annual recruitment process for graduate nurses and midwives, offering employment opportunities across more than 150 health facilities throughout metropolitan, regional, rural and remote New South Wales.
Students completing nursing or midwifery degrees between June 1, 2025 and May 31, 2026 are eligible to apply, provided they meet registration requirements with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia and have ongoing work rights in Australia.
The recruitment drive follows the appointment of 225 graduate registered nurses, seven graduate midwives and 27 newly qualified enrolled nurses across Northern NSW Local Health District this year.
Ms Duffy said graduates would receive strong support from experienced mentors and educators while building long-term careers in the region.
“New graduates are integral to our vision to continue 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 to develop in their chosen specialties.
“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.”
Applications for the 2026 GradStart intake close on June 30, 2025, with further information available through the NSW Health GradStart website.
