The Honorable Arthur Griffith who was the then NSW Minister of Public Works inaugurated the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area in 1912. The development of the MIA saw many Italian miners arrive from Broken Hill and many of these settled and took up farming. The Italian influence was increased by further immigration and is very much alive in the area.

It is one of Australia's premier agricultural regions which produces 95% of NSW rice and 80% of NSW wine, which is 20% of the total national wine production. The Riverina is also Australia's largest exporter of bulk wines.

The region is also home to the nation's largest egg and poultry enterprise (Bartters). The area produces 70-75% of the state's maize grain. Most maize is grown under contract for a range of end uses including: gritting for corn flakes and other snack foods including corn chips, waxy maize for flour, high-amylose for high fibre bread, popcorn, feed grain and silage for nearby feedlots. A small quantity is being exported into high value niche markets.

The economy in the area is growing rapidly and dynamically. This is reflected in the area's growing population.

The number one program for the Division is retention and recruitment. The Division has a rapidly aging GP population with a third of our GPs aged over 55 years old and the oldest being 75.

Some of the main stakeholders in the Division area are: local GPs, practice staff, the Greater Murray Area Health Service, other health agencies, pharmaceutical companies, local Councils and the local media.