KEEP IN TOUCH
(07) 3105 7800
Turrbal and Jagera Country
Level 4, 348 Edward Street
Brisbane QLD 4000
GROW Rural
GROW Rural is a rural immersion program for university health students and a long-term workforce strategy for rural Queensland.
In partnership with local practices, health services, and communities, the program creates structured pathways into employment for future graduates. Students gain pre-employment experience, supported placements, and the clinical and interpersonal skills needed to become job ready. Communities play an active role in building and retaining their future health workforce. GROW Rural currently operates in North Queensland and South West Queensland.
In October 2024, the GROW Rural South West Queensland cohort returned to Roma and St George for their second rural immersion event. Now in their second year, students from a range of health disciplines came back to these communities with a growing sense of connection and familiarity.
The weekend began in Roma, where students shadowed health professionals across various settings. Medical, nursing, midwifery, and podiatry students were placed at Roma Hospital, where they observed care in the Emergency Department and other clinical areas. Allied health students joined Vital Health for patient consultations, while our dental student was hosted by Roma Family Dental. Paramedicine students explored rural emergency response with the Queensland Ambulance Service, LifeFlight, police, and fire services.
“Allowing students to see the opportunities available in rural, regional and remote regions opens their eyes to the career possibilities available... They cannot understand the opportunities fully without the exposure GROW Rural affords them.”
Local health practitioner
A standout session in Roma took place at the Showgrounds, where Rohan Ballon, Rural Interprofessional Clinical Educator from South West Hospital and Health Service, used his trained sheepdogs to explore leadership and teamwork, highlighting trust, communication, and collaboration in rural health care.
In St George, the day began with a riverside walk that transitioned into a simulated emergency: a staged near drowning involving a dementia patient. This scenario formed the foundation for a series of clinical training sessions following the patient’s journey, from emergency care at St George Hospital, to follow-up at St George Medical Centre, and into rehab planning at the SQRH Allied Health Education Hub. Students practised emergency response, assessment, and rehabilitation techniques under the guidance of local clinicians.
That evening, students joined councillors, health professionals, billet families, and community members for a dinner under the stars at Riversands Wines, an opportunity to connect, reflect, and imagine a future in rural health.
“While we bring passion for our individual disciplines, the GROW Rural program ignites the passion for a rural lifestyle... to provide that care where it is most needed and become part of an amazing community.”
GROW Rural participant
Another highlight was a team-building session at the historic Anchorage Homestead, led by SQRH Clinical Educator Steve Woodruffe. The session focused on interprofessional collaboration and problem-solving, ending with a puzzle box challenge that reinforced the value of working together. The immersion concluded with a visit to the Country Universities Centre, showcasing the local study support available to students.
As students departed Roma and St George, they left with more than just memories, they carried deeper clinical skills, stronger community ties, and a clearer understanding of rural health care. With their final immersion event in Charleville ahead in 2025, and plans for future placements in Roma, St George, and Charleville, their GROW Rural journey is far from over.
“I didn't fully understand what I was getting into when I joined the GROW Rural program... but I've gained an understanding that will help prepare me for work in rural health. If I could only pick one program while studying at uni, this would be it.”
GROW Rural participant
Health Workforce Queensland values our close collaboration with Western Queensland PHN and sincerely appreciates their funding support, which plays a vital role in bringing GROW Rural South West Queensland to life. For more information on GROW Rural click the button below.
