Street Side Medics calls for volunteer GPs at Bourke St clinic

Street Side Medics has issued an urgent call for Melbourne GPs to volunteer at its Bourke St clinic, as demand continues to grow for free primary healthcare among people experiencing homelessness.

The not-for-profit, GP-led mobile medical service operates fully customised medical vans equipped as “GP clinics on wheels”, delivering healthcare directly to people who may otherwise face barriers to treatment.

Its Bourke St clinic, located outside The Salvation Army’s Melbourne Project 614 at Westwood Place, off 69 Bourke St, runs every Thursday from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

Street Side Medics is now calling for more local GPs to volunteer for a monthly two-hour shift to help maintain consistent weekly clinics for some of Melbourne’s most vulnerable people.

Since launching in September 2024, the Bourke St clinic has recorded a steady increase in patient presentations, with many people returning each week for ongoing primary healthcare and continuity of care.

Street Side Medics CEO Nic Brown said the organisation relied on volunteers to keep its clinics running.

The Street Side Medics model is entirely volunteer-driven, and we are incredibly fortunate to have a dedicated and deeply valued team of medical and allied health professionals supporting our clinics,  Mr Brown said.

“However, demand at our Bourke St clinic continues to grow, and we are urgently seeking more GPs to help us meet the needs of people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness in Melbourne.”

Mr Brown said even a small commitment from local doctors could make a significant difference.

“Even two hours a month from a GP can change the trajectory of someone’s health,” he said.

“We would be immensely grateful for any GPs – especially in and around Melbourne’s CBD – to consider volunteering.”

The Bourke St clinic was Street Side Medics’ first expansion beyond NSW, following the charity’s launch in August 2020. It has since expanded its Victorian footprint to include clinics in Dandenong, St Kilda and Geelong.

Founded by 2022 Young Australian of the Year Dr Daniel Nour, Street Side Medics focuses on areas with high concentrations of people experiencing homelessness, working alongside food services, shelters and other support organisations.

Mr Brown said people experiencing homelessness often faced barriers to healthcare including cost, lack of transport, limited awareness of services and past negative experiences that had led to distrust.

Street Side Medics provides bulk-billed care through Medicare where possible, but also operates a no-turn-away policy for people without Medicare or those unable to access it.

Services include general health checks, chronic disease screening, acute infectious screening, immunisations, pathology, diagnosis and treatment, Medicare care plans, nutritional advice, minor procedures and referrals.

GPs interested in volunteering can email [email protected] or visit streetsidemedics.com.au •