General News
25 October, 2026
Medical centres thrive
THE re-establishment of medical centres at Mission Beach and Cardwell through the Northern Queensland Primary Health Network’s (NQPHN) ‘Thin Markets Program’ has been hailed a success.
At the centre of the success has been the re-establishment of Mission Medical, which opened in November 2024 after Mission Beach went without a local GP for three years following the closure of its previous practice.
In Cardwell, the program has supported the transition to a stable, locally-owned general practice model, improving access and continuity of care for the community.
Since opening, the practices have experienced strong and sustained demand, reflecting the level of unmet need that had built up across the region.
Mission Medical has delivered more than 18,652 patient appointments over 12 months, while Cardwell Medical Practice recorded more than 8084 appointments in 12 months.
For residents, the impact has been immediate and significant. Where people once had to travel long distances, often more than 30-60km, to access basic healthcare, now they see a GP in their own community and often on the same day.
Dr Kim Favier, owner and principal GP of both Tully Medical Centre and Mission Medical, said the return of local services had made a profound difference to the community.
“Mission Medical was established under the thin markets initiative to address healthcare service gaps in underserviced regions,” she said.
“Prior to our opening, Mission Beach was without a local GP for three years. Our goal was to restore essential primary care services to the community and improve health outcomes through accessible, high-quality care.”
Dr Favier said the response from the community had been overwhelmingly positive, particularly among those most vulnerable.
“The return of local GP services has been met with strong community support and has had a significant positive impact,” she said.
“The practice has been particularly beneficial for elderly residents, individuals without access to transport and patients with chronic and complex health needs. Many have expressed relief and gratitude for the return of local healthcare services.”
Beyond restoring access, the Thin Markets Program has enabled both practices to deliver a broader, more coordinated model of care, including chronic disease management, preventative health programs, telehealth and visiting allied health services.
Mission Medical also achieved RACGP accreditation, reflecting its commitment to high standards of clinical governance and patient care, while Cardwell Medical Practice is progressing towards the same benchmark.
The program has also been instrumental in building a more sustainable healthcare workforce in the region.
Mission Medical now operates with a stable GP workforce supported by strong nursing and administrative teams, while Cardwell Medical Practice has strengthened its clinical leadership and is improving workforce stability with ongoing support.
Dr Favier said the success of Mission Medical would not have been possible without the partnerships established through the thin markets initiative.
“The initiative provided critical financial assistance for start-up costs and operational overheads during our first year,” she said.
“NQPHN provided targeted funding and strategic guidance, while Cassowary Coast Regional Council supported us with premises and rent assistance.
“These partnerships helped us overcome key challenges, including securing a suitable site, procuring equipment and recruiting staff.”
The program has enabled the practices to manage long-term health conditions locally.
Read More: Mission Beach