A Spring of Connection, Collaboration and Celebration

​October kicked off an inspiring few months of conferences, beginning with the RMA25 Conference. From thought-provoking sessions to inspiring speakers, the event was a true celebration of rural medicine and the dedicated people who make a difference every day.

We were especially thrilled to meet Dr Santini Subramaniam at our Rural Workforce Agencies joint trade stand, whom we were proud to support through a scholarship to attend the conference. It was also a highlight to see Dr Sarah Jane Springer recognised for her outstanding contribution to improving the health of First Nations peoples. Her dedication, passion, leadership and commitment continue to inspire us all.

Pictured at RMA25: Left, Dr Santini Subramaniam at our Rural Workforce Agencies joint trade stand. Right, Sandra Bukumirovic, Dr Ross Maxwell, Dr Sarah Springer and Dr Kris Battye.

​November was equally busy, with a number of conferences across the country. At the Rural Mental Health Conference, our team had the opportunity to present on Mental health and wellbeing: perceptions of rural primary care practitioners/manager. Findings were presented from our 2025 HWNA survey asking practitioners/managers how their current health and wellbeing was, how it compared to 2 years before, and identification of barriers to access of mental health support for themselves and family members.

We also attended RACGP’s GP25, where HWQ joined fellow rural workforce agencies, including Northern Territory PHN, Rural Health West and Rural Doctors Workforce Agency, on a collaborative trade stand. Regional Coordinator Caro was delighted to reconnect with colleagues and meet with health professionals keen to learn more about how we can support them to live and work rurally.

Pictured at GP25, Caro with fellow rural workforce agencies - NQPHN, Rural Health West, Rural Doctors Workforce Agency and Rural Doctors Network.

We were proud to sponsor the 2025 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Early Career Professional of the Year Award at the IAHA Conference on the Sunshine Coast. Our Executive Manager of Strategy & Partnerships, Jo Symons, had the honour of presenting the award to the very deserving Morgan Appleby. The team also valued the many conversations at our trade booth, sharing that it was “wonderful to meet new exhibitors and students from across Australia, and to showcase the services we provide to Aboriginal Medical Services.”

To round out a busy and rewarding year, we were pleased to attend the AIDA Conference in Sydney, a fitting conclusion to a season filled with connection, learning and collaboration.

Pictured: Top Right, Regional Coordinator Louise Bambury at the AIDA Conference. All other photos are from the IAHA Conference. Below Left, Sandra Bukumirovic and Jo Symons with Adj. Prof Nicole Turner, IAHA Chairperson, Top Centre, Regional Coordinator Marijana Duljaj.