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Turrbal and Jagera Country
Level 4, 348 Edward Street
Brisbane QLD 4000
Each year we run our HWNA Survey Competition, inviting health professionals from right across the state to share insights from working in their remote, rural and regional communities. From almost 900 participants this year we're pleased to announce Rockhampton's Jodie Gibbs is the lucky winner, receiving an Apple iPad for submitting her survey responses!
We’re so thankful for everyone who has participated. We are the only not-for-profit dedicated to addressing critical primary care workforce gaps in remote and rural Queensland – and we can’t do it without you.
You might have lost the iPad to Jodie, but our HWNA survey remains open until February 28, 2026.
Now, get to know Jodie a little better. A flight nurse with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, she has spent more than 17 years living and working in Central Queensland. Read her story below and get inspired about taking your skills where they’re needed most.
What drew you to Rockhampton and how long have you been there?
I was offered a position with the RFDS in Rockhampton after returning from overseas, and I’ve now called Rockhampton home for more than 17 years. I chose to stay because it’s an incredible place to raise a family, with a strong sense of community that I truly value. Over the years, we’ve built lifelong friendships, and we love the lifestyle here, everything is close by, and it never takes long to get across town.
Can you share the journey that led you to become a Flight Nurse with the RFDS, and how did that path take you to regional Queensland?
My interest in becoming a flight nurse started when I was working at Augathella Hospital. Watching the RFDS aircraft land on a dirt strip to retrieve an unwell patient was a memorable experience that sparked my passion. I researched what qualifications I needed, enrolled in midwifery, and later worked in emergency in London to gain trauma experience. When I returned to Australia, I applied for a position with the RFDS and was offered Rockhampton.
What has been the most rewarding experience or highlight about your time in Rockhampton so far?
The most rewarding part has been the friendships and camaraderie within the community and among colleagues. There’s a strong sense of teamwork and support that makes working here special.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced working in a regional community like Rockhampton?
One challenge is the cost and logistics of travel, flights to Brisbane can be expensive, especially if you need to see family urgently. Access to some specialist services can also require extra planning.
What is the most fulfilling part of living and working in a smaller town versus a larger city?
The most fulfilling part of living and working in a smaller town versus a larger city is the genuine connection you have with the community. You really get to know people, and there’s a sense of belonging that’s hard to find in a big city. Professionally, you feel like you’re making a real difference because you see the impact of your work firsthand. Plus, the lifestyle is more relaxed, which is great for raising a family and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
What advice would you give to health professionals, particularly nurses, who are considering working in remote or rural communities?
Be open to the experience. It’s incredibly rewarding both professionally and personally. You’ll gain skills you might not get in a metropolitan setting, and you’ll make a real difference in people’s lives. Embrace the challenges, because they help you grow, and take the time to connect with the community, it’s what makes rural nursing so special.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jodie, and thanks for taking the time to share insights on your community in our annual HWNA Survey.
