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(07) 3105 7800
Turrbal and Jagera Country
Level 4, 348 Edward Street
Brisbane QLD 4000
From Friday 25 to Sunday 27 July, a new cohort of 23 first-year multidisciplinary health students will visit the North Queensland communities of Atherton, Yungaburra and Mareeba, as part of Health Workforce Queensland’s (HWQ) GROW Rural program. This marks the second GROW Rural cohort to engage with North Queensland communities, continuing efforts to build a sustainable locally connected health workforce for the region.
GROW Rural is an initiative of HWQ, a not for profit, non-government Rural Workforce Agency for primary health workforce in Queensland, focused on ensuring remote, rural, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have access to highly skilled health professionals when and where they need them, now and into the future.
The GROW Rural North Queensland (GROW Rural NQ) program is supported by funding from Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), whose partnership and ongoing support are instrumental in making the program possible.
Taking a collaborative, community-driven approach, HWQ works closely with local health services, professionals, and community members to shape the GROW Rural program. This whole-of-community model empowers residents and organisations to actively contribute to developing their future workforce.
GROW Rural NQ offers students in medicine, nursing, midwifery, dentistry, paramedicine, and allied health a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in rural life. Through on-the-ground experiences and meaningful community engagement, students gain valuable insights into both the professional and personal benefits of rural practice. The program fosters long-term relationships and supports participants to return to the area for clinical placements, and ultimately, consider rural health careers in the region.
From the first GROW Rural NQ cohort, nine medical, nursing and allied health students have returned to undertake university placements with a further five students looking to return over the next 12 months. Two occupational therapy students who did their 8-week placement with The Whole Child, a paediatric practice in Atherton, have enjoyed maintaining their connection with the practice by working remotely as Therapy Assistants.
HWQ Future Workforce Team Leader, Meredith Connor said, “One of the rewards of working with the GROW Rural program is watching the positive effect of local communities participating in growing their future health workforce. This year, a local high school graduate who participated in GROW Rural skills sessions over the past two years has been inspired to take the next step — joining GROW Rural NQ as a first-year paramedic student.”
During the 2025 GROW Rural NQ program, students will be introduced to local communities, healthcare services and health professionals through activities that will adopt a Joining the Dots theme:
Join the Dots by exploring local health services in Atherton following the clues to explore, learn, and connect!
Connect with local health professionals for a clinical skill session based on a diabetes scenario at the Atherton Health Hub
Enjoy browsing and supporting local suppliers at the Yungaburra Markets
Participating in a “Suspicion to Stitch” skills session where the students will explore skin cancer detection and suturing skills at The Doctor House
Participate in a talking circle and hear the career journeys of local health professionals and community members at Mareeba Medical Clinic
Enjoy free time with their local billet families and experience the warmth and hospitality of the Mareeba community
Mareeba GP and certified life coach, Dr Sarah Smith will share her personal journey and the lessons she wishes she’d learnt as a health student—offering insights that are both practical and inspiring
Finishing a weekend of networking, connection and adventures with a creative ink art session hosted at Dr Smith’s property
HWQ Chief Executive Officer Chris Mitchell said, “GROW Rural NQ is a vitally important way of connecting students to employment opportunities within Northern Queensland communities as they progress through their education and early careers.”
NQPHN Chief Executive Officer Ben Tooth said growing a strong and sustainable health workforce in regional, rural, and remote northern Queensland was essential to ensure a healthy future for all who call the region home.
“We know when students experience the impact of a rural practice firsthand, they’re more likely to return and build their careers and lives in these areas,” Mr Tooth said.
“Programs like GROW Rural NQ help showcase the value, diversity, and rewards of working in primary health care across our region.”
“We are proud to continue partnering with Health Workforce Queensland to deliver practical long-term workforce solutions that support healthcare in northern Queensland.”
For media inquiries or to arrange an interview please email communications@healthworkforce.com.au.
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