New University Department of Rural Health for Central Queensland

​The Minister for Regional Health, Dr David Gillespie MP, earlier this year announced the establishment of the new University Department of Rural Health focused on growing and supporting the local nursing and allied health workforce. The new Central Queensland Centre for Rural and Remote Health (CQCRRH) will be based in Emerald, with plans to expand to Biloela in 2023.

James Cook University academic, Professor Sabina Knight (AM) (pictured), who led the successful bid to establish the new centre will take up the position as Director having previously holding the position as Director of James Cook University’s Murtupuni Centre for Rural and Remote Health in Mount Isa. Th new UDRH will offer health students education and training locally with courses initially focused on nursing, pharmacy, occupational therapy and psychology students.

HWQ CEO, Chris Mitchell welcomes the announcement; “This is an extremely positive initiative for the region and a great steppingstone into remote and rural health for students. The new UDRH will positively impact future health workforce distribution in the region and contribute to increasing the wellness and access to a health workforce for the surrounding communities.”

Pictured Middle: Professor Sabina Knight (AM) attending the Health Workforce Stakeholder Group meeting hosted by Health Workforce Queensland, in September 2021