Rural Locum Assistance Program

Rural Locum Assistance Program We are dedicated to alleviating the pressures of workforce shortages in rural and remote Australia

The Rural Locum Assistance Program (Rural LAP) supports rural and remote health services by sourcing locums to cover personal or Continuing Professional Development (CPD) leave. Anaesthetists (specialists and GPs), obstetricians (specialists and GPs), nurses, midwives and allied health professionals located in Modified Monash Model (MMM) categories 2-7 are eligible to apply. Rural LAP covers leave for up to 14 working days for MMM 2-7 categories and up to 28 days for MMM 5-7 categories (noting that priority will be given to placements with a CPD component or located in categories 6 and 7). The program also offers financial assistance to urban GPs who require emergency medicine training. To be eligible for support, you must be willing to undertake a general practice locum placement in rural and remote Australia. Rural LAP combines the Rural Obstetric and Anaesthetic Locum Scheme (ROALS), the Nursing and Allied Health Rural Locum Scheme (NAHRLS) and the Rural Locum Education Assistance Program (Rural LEAP). The aims of the amalgamated program include:

- enhancing the ability of healthcare professionals in rural Australia to take leave and undertake CPD activities
- improving the retention of these health professionals in rural locations
- upskilling metropolitan-based GP professional competencies in Emergency Medicine.

Lunch with a view!One of our wonderful locums, Janelle Marshall, sent us a snapshot of her view while on her lunch break...
17/11/2025

Lunch with a view!

One of our wonderful locums, Janelle Marshall, sent us a snapshot of her view while on her lunch break in the stunning Mount Beauty, VIC.

Working as a locum isn’t just about providing vital care and support to rural and remote communities — it’s also about embracing new adventures, exploring breathtaking landscapes, and finding joy in the little moments along the way.

If you’re passionate about healthcare and have a sense of adventure, locum work could be the perfect way to combine both.

Locum life with Rural LAP“I’ve been working with Rural LAP for 8 months now and I absolutely love traveling around and m...
14/11/2025

Locum life with Rural LAP

“I’ve been working with Rural LAP for 8 months now and I absolutely love traveling around and making new friends wherever I go. The facility I am at is absolutely a lovely place to work.
If you love travelling, then go for it!” — Vickie Thomas, Endorsed Enrolled Nurse

Pictured: Vickie in her fun scrubs at Melaleuca Court Nursing Home in Minlaton, SA.

See Rural LAP on the Sunshine Coast, QLD! We will be exhibiting at the IAHA National Conference at the Sunshine Coast Co...
11/11/2025

See Rural LAP on the Sunshine Coast, QLD! We will be exhibiting at the IAHA National Conference at the Sunshine Coast Convention Centre from 24-26 November.

Come and say hello to Jess and Casey, who will be on hand to fill you in on all things Rural LAP, including how to request support and become a locum. We also have our prize wheel primed and ready to go for your chance to win some cool prizes to take home with you. We will be at stand 07.

We are looking forward to seeing you on the Sunshine Coast.

Last month Rural LAP teamed up with our colleagues at NTRLP and hit the road in the Northern Territory.Our team visited ...
05/11/2025

Last month Rural LAP teamed up with our colleagues at NTRLP and hit the road in the Northern Territory.

Our team visited clients and locums to make sure we’re delivering the best possible support and care to rural and remote communities.

It’s always a pleasure connecting in person and hearing firsthand how Rural LAP is making a difference.

Are you an aged care provider in a rural or remote community? Rural LAP can help you build a strong, stable workforce wi...
04/11/2025

Are you an aged care provider in a rural or remote community? Rural LAP can help you build a strong, stable workforce with generous relocation incentives and retention bonuses for new permanent team members.

Relocation incentives:
>> Eligible aged care workers who move from a metropolitan or regional area (MM 1–3) to a rural or remote community (MM 4–7) can receive up to $16,500 to support relocation costs. (Available to registered and enrolled nurses, facility managers, care coordinators, support workers, and personal care workers).

Retention bonuses:
>> To support workforce stability, eligible workers can receive annual retention bonuses of up to $3,700 (MM 4) or up to $6,000 (MM 5–7) for two years after relocation.

Please note: Applications must be approved before relocation to receive incentive payments.
Ready to grow your aged care team.

Call us on 1800 861 819 or email agedcare@rurallap.com.au to find out more or apply.

Travel Australia as a locum with Rural LAP, featuring Myrtleford, VIC. Population 3,285.Myrtleford is 282 km northeast o...
31/10/2025

Travel Australia as a locum with Rural LAP, featuring Myrtleford, VIC. Population 3,285.

Myrtleford is 282 km northeast of Melbourne in the High Country, Victoria. You will enjoy beautiful scenery, gorgeous rivers and mountain views with Mount Buffalo creating a fantastic backdrop to the town.

Myrtleford is a bike-friendly town and when you're not working, you can enjoy the following activities:
> The Mosaic Trail - Walk or ride the scenic trail from the town centre down Ovens River Loop and discover over 100 hidden mosaics.
> Murray to Mountains Rail Trail - Hire a bike or bring your own and ride the sealed road through the High Country, following an old train line between Wangaratta and Bright.
> Picnic at Lake Buffalo - spend the day at Lake Buffalo, enjoying the serenity and views. In the Summer, be sure to take your swimmers for a dip.

Not a locum with Rural LAP, visit our website to find out how to sign up - https://bit.ly/48Ve3Oc

*Please note we can not guarantee placements in all locations we support. This is due to clinic needs and positions available. If you would like more information on locations you can attend with your qualifications, please speak with your program officer.

Rural LAP makes a difference in rural aged care At Murroona Gardens, staffing shortages were met with incredible support...
29/10/2025

Rural LAP makes a difference in rural aged care

At Murroona Gardens, staffing shortages were met with incredible support from Rural LAP, who have been able to provide urgent support at short notice.

“Rural LAP nurses bring warmth, skill, and community spirit to Murroona Gardens, making a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents every day.” – Sally Vico, Murroona Gardens

With prompt, professional and hardworking locums ready to step in, the team at Murroona Gardens has been able to continue providing the best care for their community.

If you need locum support for your health service, reach out to the team today. Find more information on our website - www.rurallap.com.au

Ever wondered where we find our amazing locums?Health professionals apply to join the Rural LAP locum pool through our w...
21/10/2025

Ever wondered where we find our amazing locums?

Health professionals apply to join the Rural LAP locum pool through our website and we take care of everything, from recruitment to credentialing, to ensure the right people are in the right places when they’re needed most.

It’s simple, streamlined, and ensures communities across rural and remote Australia have access to skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals. 💙

Ready to join our team of dedicated locums?

Apply here: https://bit.ly/48QBQ2b

Come and say hello to Lizzie and Mena, who will be heading to Adelaide next week to discuss all things Rural LAP at the ...
16/10/2025

Come and say hello to Lizzie and Mena, who will be heading to Adelaide next week to discuss all things Rural LAP at the APASC25, taking place from 23-25 October at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

Learn about how to become a locum or request locum support for your clinic. And don't forget to have a pick of our lucky ducks to win yourself some goodies before you leave!

Connecting healthcare services with quality support. At Rural LAP, we’re proud to connect passionate healthcare professi...
13/10/2025

Connecting healthcare services with quality support.

At Rural LAP, we’re proud to connect passionate healthcare professionals with rural and remote communities across Australia that need them most.

Whether you’re:
> A healthcare professional looking for flexible, rewarding locum opportunities to travel, gain experience and make a real difference
OR
> A health service in need of skilled locums to keep your community’s care running smoothly

Rural LAP is here to help.

We handle all the administration, recruitment and credentialing, so you can focus on what matters most, providing quality care and positive impact.

Learn more at www.rurallap.com.au

“It is such a rewarding way to do the work I love while seeing some of this great big beautiful country.” – Linda Cornwa...
09/10/2025

“It is such a rewarding way to do the work I love while seeing some of this great big beautiful country.” – Linda Cornwall, Personal Care Worker

For Linda Cornwall, becoming a Rural LAP locum was about more than just work, it was about connection, adventure and personal growth.

Over the past two years with Rural LAP, Linda has had the opportunity to:
> Travel across Australia
> Experience unique communities like Flinders Island, Tasmania and Oak Valley, SA
> Contribute to the well-being of people in rural and remote areas

“It’s the safest and most rewarding way to travel this beautiful country, meeting new people, gaining knowledge and so good for your wellbeing,” says Linda.

With Rural LAP, every placement is an opportunity to grow, give back and explore this incredible country, while doing the work you love.

Ready to start your locum journey?
Join our community of healthcare professionals today: https://bit.ly/48QBQ2b

Make a difference in aged care. Your skills are needed! Are you passionate about caring for older Australians? Rural LAP...
07/10/2025

Make a difference in aged care. Your skills are needed!

Are you passionate about caring for older Australians? Rural LAP is looking for aged care nurses to support rural and remote communities across Australia.

As a Rural LAP locum nurse, you’ll:
> Provide vital care in aged care facilities where it’s needed most
> Enjoy flexible contracts with travel and accommodation covered
> Gain new experiences while exploring unique locations

Whether you’re after variety in your nursing career or want to give back to communities in need, Rural LAP offers the perfect balance of adventure, purpose and professional growth.

Apply today to become a Rural LAP aged care locum nurse - https://bit.ly/47I7sWg

Address

Suite 17S 2 King Street
Deakin, ACT
2600

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

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Our Story

The Rural Locum Assistance Program (Rural LAP) combines the Rural Obstetric and Anaesthetic Locum Scheme (ROALS), the Nursing and Allied Health Rural Locum Scheme (NAHRLS) and the Rural Locum Education Assistance Program (Rural LEAP). The aims of the amalgamated program include enhancing the ability of healthcare professionals in rural Australia to take leave and undertake continuing professional development (CPD) activities and improving the retention of these health professionals in rural locations. The program will also enhance the ability of metropolitan-based general practitioners (GPs) to upskill professional competencies in Emergency Medicine. Rural LAP was established by the Australian Government to support specialist and GP obstetricians and anaesthetists, nurses, midwives and allied health professionals in rural and remote Australia to take leave from their work for up to 14 working days (categories 2-7) for recreation and CPD leave and up to 28 working days for remote placements (categories 5-7) supporting recreation and CPD (noting that priority will be given to placements with a CPD component or located in MMM categories 6 and 7). Rural LAP also offers financial assistance to urban GPs who require training in order for them to become rural locums. Training for Rural LAP focusses on emergency medicine and to be eligible you must be willing to undertake a general practice locum placement in rural and remote Australia.