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(07) 3105 7800
Turrbal and Jagera Country
Level 4, 348 Edward Street
Brisbane QLD 4000
It’s been fantastic to be out and about over the past few months, reconnecting with colleagues and communities at a number of memorable conferences and events. These opportunities have allowed us to share insights, strengthen partnerships, and continue championing the rural health workforce across the state.
We were proud to attend the QAIHC Members Conference and Awards Dinner in early June, where our Health Workforce Solutions team engaged with delegates and showcased how HWQ can support the sector. A standout moment was presenting the Partnership Excellence Award to the Carbal Outreach Service Team from Carbal Medical Services, a particularly special experience, as shared by HWQ’s Sandra Bukumirovic (pictured below).
Pictured: Partnership Excellence Award being presented to the Carbal Outreach Service Team from Carbal Medical Services by Sandra Bukumirovic.
The 2025 RDAQ Conference was once again a major highlight on HWQ’s calendar. We were proud to continue our support as sponsor of the Rural Workforce Forum breakfast, which this year focused on the HWNA Issue in Focus: “The health and wellbeing of the remote and rural workforce.” Encouragingly, practitioners expressed a renewed sense of optimism compared to two years ago, a positive shift that was great to witness.
A standout moment of the weekend was at the David Horn Memorial Gala Dinner, where HWQ CEO, Chris Mitchell, had the honour of presenting the QRMFN Backbone of the Bush Award. This year’s well-deserving recipient was the remarkable Candida Blackwell of Mt Isa. You can read more about Candida via the button below.
Another memorable moment was the announcement of HWQ CEO Chris Mitchell's retirement, by Board Chair Dr Ross Maxwell. A truly heartfelt occasion that resonated deeply with the HWQ team. There may not have been a dry eye among us. You can read about Chris retirement in the CEO Message for Health Works #33.
Throughout the event, whether attending plenary and concurrent sessions or connecting with attendees at the trade booth, the HWQ team thoroughly enjoyed the chance to share, learn, and collaborate with others in the sector.
As highlighted in Chris’s CEO Message, HWQ has had the privilege of coordinating the annual RDAQ Conference since 2006. This year brought a mix of emotions, as it marked our final year in that role. As we realign our focus to better support strategic priorities and the rural health workforce, we are stepping back from the event coordination. However, our connection with RDAQ remains strong, and we look forward to continuing our support as active sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees in the years ahead.
Pictured: RDAQ Conference 2025
Rosie Barton, HWQ's Health Workforce Coordinator based in Gladstone, has also been active across Central Queensland in recent months. Among other events, in June, she attended the Central Queensland Health Expo and shared her reflections. “It was a pleasure to attend the CQ Health Expo. Seeing so many Gladstone students committed to their chosen health careers was truly inspiring. I look forward to watching these future health professionals grow and thrive in their fields.” To find out more about Rosie’s recent activities, click the button below to read her latest update.
Our Health Workforce Solutions team had the pleasure of attending the ACU Allied Health Careers Expo in early July, where they enjoyed connecting with students. Louise Bambury was on hand to share how HWQ supports health students and new graduates, from placement bursaries to assistance in securing the right role after graduation (pictured below). We’re also gearing up for our very own HWQ Allied Health Student Careers Expo in August (our friends from BUSHkids will be there too!). If you're a new graduate, we’d love to see you there! Event details are linked below.
Pictured: Louise Bambury at the ACU Allied Health Careers Expo with the team at BUSHkids.
It was great to be part of the Are You Remotely Interested? Conference in Mt Isa earlier this month, where the big Western Queensland family regrouped and energised. Jo Symons, Executive Manager Strategy & Partnerships said, ‘It was moving to listen to Dr Louis Peachey deliver the inaugural Dennis Pashen oration, participate in the discussion around the sustainability of primary care in North West Queensland, and hatch up new solutions to some old problems.’ David Stanyer and Melissa Brimelow, from HWQ’s Health Workforce Insights & Strategy Team, co-presented on primary care workforce gaps in remote Queensland. They were also lucky enough to visit the health clinic, primary school, and chat with some locals in Camooweal with three of the allied health team from NWRH, who kindly showed them around (pictured below). The team certainly got their dose of red dust and sun!
Pictured: While in Mt Isa for the AYRI Conference, the team at North West Remote Health took HWQ's David Stanyer and Melissa Brimelow to Camooweal to visit the locals, the health clinic and the primary school.
And there's more to come! Our team will be attending the APNA Festival of Nursing in late July, where we’ll be presenting and hosting a trade booth. Stay tuned to our social media channels and the next issue of Health Works for highlights and updates from the event.
