The Cardwell community came together this week to celebrate the transition of Cardwell Medical Practice back to a private, locally run medical service - marking a new chapter for local primary healthcare. 

The event - supported by Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS), and Cassowary Coast Regional Council - recognised the collaborative effort that contributed to securing long-term healthcare services for the area. 

With support from the Department of Health, Disability, and Ageing’s (DHDA’s) Thin Markets initiative, and following a competitive tender process, Cardwell Medical Practice (formerly Cardwell Family Practice) transitioned to a private practice on 1 July 2025.  

Clinic staff and partner organisations have worked hard throughout the transition to ensure the Cardwell community continues to access services without interruption. For patients, it’s been business as usual. 

The clinic is supported by Ingham Family Medical Practice and staffed by a locally based team, including long-term, stable general practitioners, to ensure continued access to quality care for Cardwell residents. 

The milestone follows an extensive process that began in 2023, when the Cardwell practice announced its planned closure. In response, NQPHN, Townsville HHS, and the Cassowary Coast Regional Council worked closely with the community to find a sustainable, long-term solution. During this time, Townsville HHS managed the clinic on an interim basis while future plans were finalised. 

Cardwell is now the second community in northern Queensland to benefit from the Thin Markets initiative, which is designed to support areas with limited access to primary care services. The first was Mission Medical in Mission Beach, which opened in November 2024 as the first practice in Australia under the Thin Markets program. 

NQPHN CEO Ben Tooth said the transition was a positive outcome for the community. 

“The Thin Markets funding has allowed us to explore new and innovative ways to ensure small communities are supported,” Mr Tooth said. “We’re proud to have worked with our partners and the community to achieve this solution specifically for Cardwell.  

“It truly reflects the dedication and hard work from everyone involved, including the teams on the ground. 

“It’s a step closer to our vision of all northern Queenslanders living happier, healthier, longer lives.”  

Townsville Hospital and Health Board Chair Tony Mooney said: “As a health service, we’re incredibly proud to have supported the Cardwell community through this transition period, and we’re excited to now see the practice return to local hands. 

“This outcome is a testament to what’s possible when we work together; local state and federal stakeholders collaborating with a shared goal and a determination to deliver for the people who matter most. 

“I want to thank our health service team, NQPHN, the Cassowary Coast Regional Council, the Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto, and of course, the staff at the practice who kept it running during this time. 

“Everyone’s efforts meant that patients from the Cardwell community could continue seeing a doctor locally, even during an uncertain period.” 

Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor Teresa Millwood said, the transition of the Cardwell Medical Practice is a significant milestone for our region and the result of years of determined advocacy, collaboration, and community effort. 

“Following the results of the 2022 Community Scorecard, which highlighted the community’s strong desire for improved regional medical services, Council made advocacy in this area a key priority. 

“We are proud to have worked closely with Northern Queensland PHN, Townsville Hospital and Health Service, and local stakeholders to help make this possible,” said Mayor Millwood.  

“This is not just the return of vital health services, it marks the beginning of a new chapter in delivering sustainable, community-focused primary health care across the Cassowary Coast.” 

Ingham Family Medical Practice will support the Cardwell practice. Principal General Practitioner Dr Brett Scott said: “We are proud to assist the Cardwell community to access stable and ongoing medical care. 

“Retaining the staff at the Cardwell practice has been key to providing consistency and familiarity for the patients.   

“With the support of my team, the commitment of the staff at Cardwell Medical Practice, and the support of the community, I am confident we can ensure this service continues to serve Cardwell well into the future.”