April 23, 2013, 4 a.m.

Charles Sturt University vice-chancellor Professor Andrew Vann, opposition spokesperson for Rural Health Dr Andrew Laming, chair of CSU's medical school consultative committee Audrey Hardman and Liberal candidate for Hume Angus Taylor. Photo: Doug Dingwall, The Cowra Guardian

ALL future doctors living in Dubbo and surrounds won't need to relocate to city areas if an online petition brings a medical school to regional NSW.

Doctors 4 the Bush, an online action group on Facebook, is an initiative by Charles Sturt University (CSU) to spread the word about bringing doctors to the bush, who train at a CSU-run medical school in Orange and Wagga Wagga.

Senior representatives of CSU met with rural community stakeholders in Cowra to show 16,565 signatures in support of the university's medical school proposal.

CSU director of corporate affairs and university secretary Mark Burdack said the petition presentation was a great opportunity for the community committee to demonstrate the passion of rural and regional people.

"It was great to be present to see the reaction of Dr Andrew Laming (opposition spokesperson for rural health) and Mr Angus Taylor (Liberal candidate for Hume), who were clearly impressed by the extraordinary efforts of these dedicated supporters of a medical school for inland Australia," he said.

"I have been privileged to work alongside people like Audrey Hardman (AOM and chair of CSU's medical school community consultative committee) who is a tireless campaigner for the rights of rural people.

"She doesn't just talk about rural health shortages, she gets up and does something about it."

CSU vice-chancellor Professor Andrew Vann, along with Dr Laming, Mr Taylor, Mrs Hardman and medical consultant Professor John Dwyer, were the people who inspired the university every day to address the needs and aspirations of rural and regional Australians, Mr Burdack said.

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University petition calls for new rural medical school