Uralla Shire Council voted to support the program on Tuesday, that will bring a medical student to the town to learn about rural practice for two weeks.

“I’m in support - we need to give these young doctors a future,” councillor Isabel Strutt said.

“They may not come to this town but they may go to other rural areas, it’s something I think we should be in support of.”

Council copped flack after it decided not to take part in the program last year, arguing they had insufficient time to organise the placement.

But, this year it will put $4600 toward accommodation, on the proviso the student stays within the shire.

Councillor Natasha Ledger said she’d like to see council capitalise on this opportunity, to ensure these doctors return to Uralla when they’ve finished their degrees.

“We really need to value-add to this to keep the doctor’s coming back to the community,” she said.

“If we intend on bringing medical students to the country, provide an advantage to bringing their business to Uralla later on down the track – perhaps we can look at that in the future.”

The student will spend time with local GP’s and medical specialists, along with the potential for visits to allied community health services including the local pharmacy, aged care facilities and Aboriginal medical services.

A council staff member will organise social events for the student, engagement with community groups and liaise with the local medical practitioner who will look after them.