The new intakes will go through a 12-month transition-to-practice program, which will see them cover a range of disciplines at hospitals throughout the region.

Parliamentary secretary for the Illawarra Gareth Ward welcomed the new recruits.

‘’Most of the graduates were from the University of Wollongong, so it’s incredibly heartening to see that we’re educating our own and they’re staying in the local health system to help local patients,’’ he said. ‘’Nurses make an enormous contribution and for most it’s not just a job, but a passion.’’

Mr Ward said nurses made up 47 per cent of the 7000 staff employed by the local health district.