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(07) 3105 7800
Turrbal and Jagera Country
Level 4, 348 Edward Street
Brisbane QLD 4000
At the start of this year, Vital Health welcomed 13 new allied health graduates across their Queensland and New South Wales clinics. Health Workforce Queensland (HWQ) placed nine of these graduates in their Queensland locations. We thought it was time to check in and see how the new grads are settling into their roles and the community, and to learn why Vital Health is such a valuable launching pad for those starting their allied health careers.
Sheena Lindholm, People and Innovation Manager at Vital Health QLD & NSW, was thrilled to answer some questions and share some insights into what the experience is like for a new graduate at Vital Health.
Vital Health is known for its strong support of early-career professionals. What makes it a great starting point for new graduates?
At Vital Health, we pride ourselves on being a rich provider of both clinical and country experiences. Out in the west, allied health professionals manage diverse caseloads, which truly enhances a graduate’s clinical experience, especially with a population that’s genuinely grateful for care, given the limited access to services in Western Queensland.
With over 35 years of experience in rural and remote allied health service delivery, we understand the importance of generalist practice early in a career. We guide our graduates from just a few hours of client contact to a full caseload by year’s end, with strong support from supervisors, senior clinicians, and peers. This exchange of knowledge benefits not only our graduates but also our wider team.
What are the main benefits for a graduate choosing to begin their career in a rural area with Vital Health?
Vital Health offers a wide range of learning opportunities, from developing clinical expertise to adapting to rural living and engaging deeply with local communities. Our rural generalist scope of practice gives graduates exposure to diverse clinical cases across the lifespan and care continuum.
Living in rural Queensland comes with additional lifestyle benefits - affordable housing, easy access to daily essentials, wide open spaces, and a strong sense of connection to the land. Stargazing under clear skies and a slower pace of life are just a few of the regional perks.
The new graduates are from a variety of allied health disciplines. How does the multidisciplinary model work in practice?
Our founder, Jean Benham, recognised early on that patients in rural areas often miss out when care is delivered in silos. That’s why she built a multidisciplinary workforce - combining expertise across disciplines to offer more comprehensive, effective care. This approach benefits both clients and staff.
Our model is entirely client-centred and driven by collaborative goal setting. It includes diverse skillsets within each profession, strong communication, and teamwork. Therapies are co-designed with the client (or their family/nominee) and include interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary programs supported by virtual team participation when needed.
Pictured: The new graduate's orientation at Vital Health Roma at the start of this year
What types of clinical experience do new graduates get?
Graduates begin by shadowing clinicians and participating in shared client sessions. Over time, they build their own caseloads, progressing in complexity with support from supervisors. They receive weekly supervision, attend monthly multidisciplinary learning groups, and participate in NDIS case conferencing.
Our clinicians frequently travel to smaller communities to deliver services on-site. They work with both paediatric and adult clients, run group sessions, and contribute to Indigenous health clinics. Events like a Queensland Reds rugby game also offer opportunities for community-based engagement. Through HWQ grants, we support ongoing professional development so graduates can pursue training aligned with their interests.
What do you look for in a new graduate applying for placement with Vital Health?
We seek individuals with the right balance of personal ambition and alignment with our values around learning, community, and culture. The ideal candidate is someone excited to move between clinical settings and community-based care. They should be curious, confident, collaborative, and open to self-directed learning.
We especially value those who want to become part of their community—whether that’s through local sports, volunteering, or simply enjoying regional life. It’s less about what you know now and more about your willingness to grow.
How does working in rural Queensland differ from urban settings, especially for early-career clinicians?
Working rurally provides a deeper connection - not only with clients but with the broader health system. Our graduates work closely with peers, leaders, and stakeholders from across the region, which provides a strong understanding of healthcare delivery and cultural dynamics.
Making a home in a rural town also means daily life is more convenient and connected. There’s rarely a queue for coffee, trips to the store are quick, and the sunsets are unbeatable. Local festivals, quirky characters, and genuine care form the heart of the experience - many consider it one of the best lifestyles in the world.
HWQ placed nine of your new graduates this year. What’s been the impact of this partnership?
Our relationship with HWQ is an essential part of our success. They are strong advocates for our mission and work hard to match the right candidates with our roles. There is real synergy between our organisations - we celebrate each successful placement and stay closely connected to see how each graduate progresses. Together, we’re strengthening the allied health workforce across southwest Queensland and supporting true equity of access to high-quality care in rural and remote communities.
Michael Sherry is one of the new graduate physiotherapists who started at Vital Health earlier this year and he was happy to give us an update on Roma life.
Michael, how are you settling in as a new graduate at Vital Health?
Working with Vital Health as a new graduate physio has been an amazing experience. A rural case load has allowed me to experience a wide range of conditions and social situations requiring me to build a strong foundation of problem solving and clinical reasoning skills. The positive atmosphere at Vital Health fosters learning and collaboration without the fear of judgement if a mistake is made.
Now you are a few months down the track, what's it like being a clinician?
My first few months have flown by! I feel that my confidence in my own knowledge and ability is growing but at the same time has really exposed the gaps in my skills which need improving. Additionally, I have learned so many things that were not taught at uni. For example, understanding the world of funding was initially challenging for me but overtime became easier to navigate. I'm looking forward to what I am going to learn in the future.
Pictured: New graduates Gabby, Michael and Darcy taking a break on the sidelines at the Rugby 7's event Vital Health sponsors.
Exercise Physiologist, Darcy Moore, was also part of the group that started in January and excitedly shared photos from the U3A Snap Fitness and Balance classes they run (see below).
Pictured: Darcy More, new graduate Exercise Physiologist at her U3A Snap Fitness and Balance Class in Roma.
Sheena shared, ‘We are immensely proud of our partnership with HWQ. They have been strong advocates for our vision and mission, and their support in matching our available positions with graduates and candidates has been invaluable. We celebrate each successful placement together, and we look forward to catching up with the HWQ team to hear how each candidate is progressing. There is synergy in the relationship and activities of HWQ and Vital Health Qld, and it is this partnership that allows us to bring in talented graduates who might otherwise not have been reached and support in a real way the equity of access to skilled Allied health providers through the many collaborative activities across Southwest Qld.
Vital Health will be exhibiting at HWQ’s Allied Health Student Careers Expo this August!
If you're a final-year uni student ready to take the next step in your health career, this is your chance to connect with healthcare providers from across Queensland. Discover real job opportunities and gain valuable insight into working and living in rural Queensland.
Join us on 21 August — register below!
