Originally from South Africa, Dr Alexandrescu has been working at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Perth for the past four years, and was looking for a position in a rural community.

“It was a big decision to come here, [it is] a change of job and scenery,” she said.

“I have a small baby and Dungog is close to Newcastle and not far from Sydney.

“It’s also rural and not too isolated.”

Dr Alexandrescu went through a medical recruitment agency and found Dr Duncan Dew’s advertisement.

“I started looking 18 months ago, but having the baby put it on hold for awhile,” she said.

“Dungog seems to be a nice place and I am looking forward to being a part of the community.”

Dr Alexandrescu will be living in Dungog with her husband and young baby.

Part of the money raised from the GP Stakes Day held in February was used to finance the recruitment company’s cost.

Dr Dew said it was an expensive process.

“But it’s great the town now has a female doctor,” he said.