What is a Bush Skills Grant?
The Bush Skills Grant is also known as the Spouse Retraining/Education Grant and is designed to provide some financial assistance to the spouses of rural General Practitioners who would like to or are already undertaking retraining or further education. 

Financial assistance can also be obtained for the pursuit of a new hobby. The objective of this Grant is to acknowledge the fact that many spouses of rural GPs, particularly those who may have relocated from urban areas, often have fewer working opportunities once they move to a rural area. Retraining or further education may be necessary and is often less accessible and more expensive. It also acknowledges the important role that spouses play in the contentment of their GP spouse and family in continuing to live and work in a rural area. So in supporting spouses to pursue new interests, the RMFN is indirectly supporting a continuing and high quality rural medical service, which is the aim of the RMFNs umbrella organisation the NSW Rural Doctors Network.   

The Grant generally provides up to $500 per applicant, which must be used to fund the training course, education class or activity which provides a new skill and interest for the applicant. 

Who is eligible?
All spouses/partners of rural GPs currently practicing in rural NSW (RRMAs 3-7) are eligible for the Grant. They can be working fulltime, part time or not in paid work. Spouses who are also GPs working part time, are also eligible.

How do I apply?
Call the RMFN Coordinator, Liz Wragge, on 02 6545 2461 or email info@rmfn.org.au.

A written application must then be submitted which outlines the applicants eligibility for the Grant and how the Grant will be used. The application will be assessed by the RMFN Coordinator and the RMFN Committee generally ratifies all decisions, which are final.

What are the requirements of the Grant?
It is preferred that applications be submitted prior to commencing any training or education course. However, applications may also be accepted after courses have begun.

The main requirement of the Grant is that a small written report be submitted to the RMFN Coordinator after the course is completed, or if the course goes for many months, then a report should be submitted within a few months of commencing the course. 

This report is to outline how the course progressed, and to acknowledge the contribution made by RMFN. A photo, either of you or your family or you participating in your chosen course/activity, is required also. This report and photo will be published in the next RMFN newsletter.