Residents of Rochester and surrounding communities will soon benefit from increased access to local healthcare with the arrival of Dr Esther Oluyide who commenced practice at Campaspe Medical Centre on 20th July 2026.
Dr Oluyide brings extensive experience from primary care, community health, and regional hospital settings. Having worked across a range of specialities, including general and emergency medicine, general practice, obstetrics and gynaecology, psychiatry, and general surgery, Dr Oluyide offers valuable experience to support the health and wellbeing of the local community.
“We are delighted to welcome Dr Esther to our team and to the Rochester community”, said Laura Watson, Business Support Officer, Campaspe Medical Centre.
“Attracting healthcare professionals to rural communities is vital for ensuring residents can access high-quality care close to home. Dr Oluyide’s appointment strengthens our ability to meet the growing healthcare needs of local families.”
Originally from Nigeria, she completed her primary medical degree in Samoa and recently moved from Tasmania where she worked as a hospital doctor. Dr Oluyide said she is excited to begin the next chapter of her career in Rochester and to commence GP Registrar training through Remote Vocational Training Scheme (RVTS) Program.
“I am looking forward to becoming part of the community and supporting residents with their healthcare needs. Rural practice provides a unique opportunity to build long-term relationships with patients and contribute positively to community wellbeing.”
The new RVTS training post and the attraction of Dr Oluyide to Rochester has been achieved through Connecting The Docs’ engagement in Murray PHN’s Thin Markets Project. The project is funded by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and will improve access to primary healthcare by developing a new, sustainable model of care for rural communities where health services are limited or difficult to maintain.
Dr Annemarie Newth, a Founding Member and executive sponsor, Connecting The Docs said, “Our work with key partners in the Murray PHN Thin Markets Project has been instrumental in demonstrating that stronger connections between health services, partner organisations and community strengthen workforce systems and support networks — improving attraction and long-term retention in regional and rural areas, and building the social cohesion that leads to healthier communities.”
The appointment is expected to enhance local access to medical services and support continued delivery of quality healthcare across Rochester and neighbouring communities. Community members wishing to make an appointment with Dr Oluyide can contact Campaspe Medical Centre on (03) 5484 4480or visit https://www.redhs.com.au/.
About Campaspe Medical Centre
Campaspe Medical Centre is committed to providing the highest quality medical care to patients. They deliver ethical, consistent, timely and comprehensive medical care encompassing family medicine, emergency care and preventative health strategies.
Address: 1 Pascoe Street, Rochester, Victoria 3561
Phone: (03) 5484 4480 Fax: (03) 5484 4466
Email: cmcadmin@redhs.com.au
Office Hours: Monday – 9:00am – 5:00pm, Tuesday 9:00am – 5:00pm, Wednesday 9:00am – 5:00pm, Thursday 9:00am – 5:00pm, Friday 9:00am -5:00pm
For After-Hours and weekend service, please phone the practice and follow the prompts to speak to the GP on call.
About the Murray PHN
Thin Markets Project This project aligns to Murray PHN’s strategic priorities of sustainable rural healthcare and integrated programs and activities. The project is funded by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and will deliver on objectives of primary healthcare reform through the development of an innovative model of care that is sustainable in rural thin and failing market regions.
About Connecting The Docs
Connecting The Docs was founded in 2023 by seven health services seeking to address the chronic medical workforce challenges that exist in regional and rural areas by choosing to work in collaboration and designing an innovative program to attract, place and retain medical practitioners and medical specialists in regional and rural Victoria. Beyond its core program functions, CTD works with key organisations, training colleges and government bodies and other health services to address key challenges and create workforce opportunities in regional and rural Victoria. Email: team@connectingthedocs.au