The Hunter Valley has had a long history as a farming, coal mining and steel producing area, but is now rapidly undergoing change particularly with the closure of the BHP steel operation in late 1999. The challenges posed by its history reinforce the Hunter being a region which 'looks after its own' and one in which GPs see themselves as being a part of their communities. It is in this environment that general practice has developed with a need to provide innovative, self-reliant solutions to medical problems in areas where funding was restricted or non-existent.

The HUDGP encompasses approximately 403 GPs including GP Registrars. GPs in the Hunter urban region belong to one of five geographic networks, each with approximately 70-90 GPs and with populations ranging from 40,000 to over 100,000. Each network is able to elect two representatives to the HUDGP Board as Directors. This structure was established with the explicit aim of promoting a local community, grassroots approach to HUDGP activity. The HUDGP is very active across the full spectrum of Divisional activity from GP input into health policy at a regional, state and national level to the conduct of programs related to the delivery of high quality health care to the community. The HUDGP has, over the past 12 years developed a significant role and capacity for action on behalf of its GPs and their patients as well as having a national reputation for innovation coupled with its emphasis on achieving health and resource gains for our region.

The HUDGP on behalf of its GPs never hesitates in standing up in advocating for patient issues in our region. We are in that sense, proudly parochial and community focused.