The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has opened a new office in Townsville, marking a significant investment in the future of general practice and community healthcare across North and Far North Queensland.
The new presence in Townsville will strengthen support for GP training, help grow the local medical workforce, and encourage more doctors to pursue a career in specialist general practice closer to home.
By establishing a local base in the region, the RACGP will be better positioned to support registrars, supervisors and practices, while helping to address workforce challenges and improve access to high-quality healthcare for communities across northern Queensland.
RACGP Rural Chair and local GP Associate Professor Michael Clements said the new office demonstrates the College’s commitment to developing the next generation of specialist GPs and supporting regional communities.
“Opening an RACGP office in Townsville is an important step in strengthening the future GP workforce across North and Far North Queensland,” he said.
“We know that communities are best served when they have access to well-trained specialist GPs who understand local healthcare needs and are invested in the regions where they live and work.
“This office will help us provide greater support for doctors undertaking GP training, build stronger connections with local practices and create more opportunities for people in northern Queensland to choose specialist general practice as a rewarding career path.
“For many medical students and junior doctors, training and working closer to home can be a powerful incentive to stay and build their careers in regional communities. We want more young doctors across Far North Queensland to see general practice as a specialty that offers variety, challenge, professional fulfilment and the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives.
“Most importantly, this investment benefits local communities. A strong pipeline of future GPs means better access to healthcare, improved continuity of care and healthier communities across the region for years to come.”
The Townsville office will support RACGP activities across North and Far North Queensland and further strengthen partnerships with local healthcare providers, training organisations and community stakeholders.
The RACGP said the move reflects its ongoing commitment to ensuring regional, rural and remote communities have access to the specialist GP workforce they need now and into the future.
Media opportunity
- What: RACGP Rural Chair Associate Professor Michael Clements available for interview at the new RACGP Townsville office. Contact via RACGP media: 03 8699 0992 / [email protected].
- When: Before 10.30am, Wednesday 29 July 2026
- Where: RACGP Townsville office, 19 Stanley St, Townsville City QLD 4810
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About us:
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is the voice of general practitioners (GPs) in our growing cities and throughout rural and remote Australia. For more than 60 years, we’ve supported the backbone of Australia’s health system by setting the standards for education and practice and advocating for better health and wellbeing for all Australians.
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Contact details:
Dominique Yohanes
Media Advisor
Kevin Diggerson
Public Affairs Manager
Contact: 03 8699 0992 / [email protected]
