New graduates join our District
 

Sydney Local Health District has welcomed more than 940 new staff, as Junior Medical Officers (JMOs), nurses, midwives and allied health professionals begin their careers across our hospitals and services. 

This year, 312 GradStart Registered Nurses and 10 GradStart midwives have joined the District. 

They will be placed across RPA, Concord, Canterbury and Balmain hospitals, Mental Health Services, Drug Health Services and Sydney District Nursing. 

Registered Nurse Lasta Singh, who was part of the January intake of GradStart, said she is grateful to her preceptor, Mariama Kallay, for guiding her through the transition and providing the support she needed as she began her shifts on RPA’s Renal Ward. 

“They match us with a preceptor to work with for the first six weeks, so you have a go-to person to ask questions and debrief if needed,” Lasta said. 

“I really love my preceptor – I don’t know what I would do without her. The whole team made me feel very supported and looked after.” 

The District has welcomed more than 600 JMOs in 2025, with 350 at RPA, more than 150 at Concord, 94 at Canterbury and 13 at Balmain Hospital. They will work across a range of specialties to gain broad clinical experience. 

Dr Catherine Garnsey, one of the JMOs joining RPA, said the orientation process helped ease the transition.  

"The team has been incredibly supportive and we've had opportunities to meet fellow interns and the wider JMO community. Starting with a buddy shift made the experience much less daunting," she said.  

Another 37 new allied health professionals have joined the team, including occupational therapists, speech pathologists, dietitians, social workers, pharmacists, a medical radiation scientist, a genetic counsellor, and physiotherapists. They will be based across RPA, Concord, Canterbury and Balmain hospitals and community health centres.  

The District’s Chief Executive, Deb Willcox AM, welcomed the new starters as they begin their careers across the District.  

"We are thrilled to have so many talented professionals join us this year. Their enthusiasm and fresh perspectives will bring great energy to our teams, and we look forward to supporting their growth as they embark on this exciting journey."