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Turrbal and Jagera Country
Level 4, 348 Edward Street
Brisbane QLD 4000
From the moment 21 first-year health students stepped off the plane at Cairns Airport early on Friday 25 July, Health Workforce Queensland’s (HWQ) GROW Rural North Queensland program was more than just an itinerary - it was a powerful and immersive experience that deepened students’ understanding of rural health, fostered meaningful relationships with communities and peers, and inspired genuine interest in pursuing rural practice.
Representing a diverse mix of disciplines - medicine, nursing, midwifery, pharmacy, paramedicine, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech pathology - the GROW Rural students were united by curiosity and a shared interest in exploring the realities and rewards of rural healthcare.
Discovering Rural Practice Through Immersive Activities
Their first stop in Atherton set the tone for the weekend: an interactive discovery challenge that led students to local health practices, where they “joined the dots” between services and asked insightful questions to the HWQ representative at each location. This activity wasn’t just fun - it helped students map the interconnectedness of rural health services and appreciate the collaborative spirit that underpins rural care.
Lunch at Shaylee Strawberries Café offered more than just delicious food and fresh-picked berries - it was a chance to meet key community members, including HWQ Board Member Dr Tash Coventry, local clinicians, and representatives from Northern Queensland PHN. These conversations gave students a real glimpse into the heart of rural health - and the people who make it thrive.
At Atherton Health Hub, students met Martin “No Toes” Taylor, whose candid story of living with diabetes left a lasting impression. Through practical sessions on wound care, medication administration, and blood sugar testing, students gained clinical insights while connecting deeply with the human side of chronic disease. Many reflected that Martin’s story was a turning point - an emotional anchor that underscored the real-world impact of rural healthcare.
Skills, Stories, and Sutures: Learning by Doing
Saturday brought new challenges and new inspiration. In Yungaburra, Dr Diana House welcomed students into her practice and shared her journey of establishing care for her community. Students then rolled up their sleeves – literally - for hands-on practice in skin cancer detection and suturing using pig skin. They jumped right in, embracing the opportunity to develop practical skills while gaining insight into the importance of early intervention in rural health care.
In Mareeba, the team at Mareeba Medical Clinic shared their stories and demonstrated procedures including ankle brachial index testing, lung capacity assessments, and ear examinations. Students were struck by the clinic’s family-like atmosphere and the deep sense of purpose among staff. These interactions helped students see rural practice not just as a career path, but as a lifestyle rooted in connection and care.
Billeting: Where Community Meets Heart
One of the most highly valued aspects of GROW Rural is the opportunity for students to be billeted with local families - many of whom are health professionals themselves. The billeting experience offered students a glimpse into the rhythm of rural life and created bonds that extended beyond the clinic. Many students shared that the time spent with their hosts was a highlight of the program, as they recalled the warmth of their welcome and the meaningful connections formed over shared meals, activities, and laughter.
The evening gathering at Mount Uncle Distillery brought everyone together - students, billet families, and HWQ staff - for music, food, and reflection. It was a celebration of community and a reminder of the power of shared purpose.
Reflection and Renewal in Nature
Sunday’s final gathering at Dr Sarah Smith’s serene property was the perfect close to a weekend of growth. Nestled by a waterhole and shaded by bushland, students heard from Dr Smith - a medical practitioner and certified life coach - about resilience, purpose, and the personal rewards of rural practice. Councillor Lenore Wyatt, Deputy Mayor of Mareeba Shire Council, offered a warm welcome and reinforced the region’s commitment to nurturing future health professionals.
An art activity followed lunch, giving students a creative outlet to process their experiences. As they painted and shared, it was clear that the weekend had made a lasting impact - not just professionally, but personally.
Throughout the weekend, students expressed overwhelming gratitude for the opportunity to build strong clinical and social connections with peers and billet families, learn directly from passionate health professionals and community members, experience the lived impact of chronic illness through powerful patient stories, engage in fun, meaningful activities that showcased the vibrancy of rural life and deepen their appreciation for the role and importance of rural practitioners.
The GROW Rural North Queensland experience achieved more than just skill-building. It fostered a sense of belonging within Tablelands communities, strengthened student commitment to rural health careers, highlighted the personal and professional rewards of rural practice and sparked interest in returning for future placements and long-term practice. As one student shared, “GROW Rural isn't just about exposing yourself to healthcare in rural areas, it's about experiencing what it would be like to live in rural areas and the vibrant communities they hold.”
It was a win for the communities involved, as GROW Rural provided the chance to showcase rural healthcare as a meaningful and rewarding career path, reinforce local support for building the rural health workforce and create valuable connections between students and the region’s healthcare facilities. One local health care professional was thrilled to be involved in GROW Rural as it is “extremely important to show that working rural is enjoyable, professional and meaningful work.”
GROW Rural North Queensland isn’t just a program - it’s a catalyst for change, connection, and commitment. Until next year.
We were thrilled that ABC requested an interview with us about GROW Rural North Queensland, the program and our new cohort. You can listen to the interview below. You can also check out a video of highlights from the weekend, the photo album and more info about GROW Rural below.
