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Turrbal and Jagera Country
Level 4, 348 Edward Street
Brisbane QLD 4000
Going Rural North
Going Rural North (GRN) is a targeted initiative, funded by Northern Queensland PHN, that supports non-medical health students undertaking rural placements across northern Queensland. GRN addresses “placement poverty” by offering bursaries and wraparound support, helping students fully engage in both clinical and cultural aspects of their rural experience.
University placements are more than a step toward graduation, they’re powerful, immersive experiences that shape future rural health professionals. With the support of GRN, students are able to take advantage of rural placements in real-world healthcare settings, including Primary Health Care, Hospital and Health Services, and Aboriginal Medical Services. They gain practical, hands-on experience, develop autonomy, and work within multidisciplinary teams that highlight the collaborative nature of rural health care.
Beyond clinical learning, GRN placements offer cultural immersion and connection to community. Students develop a deeper respect for First Nations culture, a stronger understanding of social determinants of health, and build relationships through local events, cultural activities, and mentorship.
Being away from familiar settings challenges students to grow personally and professionally, building confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose. Many students report forming lasting peer connections and leaving placements with a clearer vision of their future career path.
“This experience has fuelled my desire to pursue a graduate position in rural locations… The combination of hands-on clinical exposure, cultural learning, and strong professional support has had a lasting impact on my career aspirations.”
Rielly Harpus, Master of Nursing Student
GRN bursaries are key to making these transformative experiences possible, removing financial barriers so students can focus on learning, growing, and becoming part of the rural health workforce of tomorrow.
Pictured: Tammy Dark, student RN on placement at Palm Island
Placement Snapshot 2024–2025
As we reflect on the 2024-2025 period, the success of GRN stands as a testament to the value of investing in student placement experiences. Not only are we building skilled, culturally responsive health professionals, but we are also actively contributing to the long-term sustainability of the remote and rural health workforce.
Here is a snapshot of 2024-2025:
Total placement bursaries awarded: 43
Total placement weeks supported: 292
MM Regions covered: MM2, MM4, MM5, MM6, MM7
Some key highlights:
Most common discipline: Occupational Therapy (11 bursaries, 91 weeks).
Region with most placements - MM7: 19 placements
Towns with the most placements - Thursday Island with 8 placements of 57 weeks, and Weipa with 7 placements of 49 weeks
The figures below show the various professions that received placement bursaries in 2024-2025 and the distribution of placements within the Modified Monash (MM) regions.
“It’s one thing to learn about working in a remote community at university, but there is nothing like experiencing it firsthand.”
Alexandra Bowden, Occupational Therapy Student
Video: Sigrid Dobson, 4th year Occupational Therapy Student
