1246586
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http://www.nrhsn.org.au/client_images/1246586.pdfTRANSCRIPT
I n t h i s i s s u e• CheckouttheawardwinnersandhighlightsofNURHC
• FarewellNRHSNExecutive2012• Catchupwith29RuralHealthClubs• RuralplacementinBrokenHill
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COOEE!October2012
Coverphoto:Firstprize,CountryCaptureNURHCphotocompetition,‘TamarValleyCow’,byJeremyOng,OUTLOOK
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NRHSN Rural Health Clubs
1 ARMS
2 AURHA Adelaide University, SA
3 AWAIRH La Trobe University, VIC
4 BREAATHHE University of Newcastle, NSW
5 BUSHFIRE Bond University, QLD
6 CARAH Charles Darwin University with Flinders University), NT
7 CRANC University of Canberra, ACT
8 FURHS Flinders University, SA
9 HOPE4HEALTH
10 KRASH University of Notre Dame, WA
11 LARHC La Trobe University (Bendigo), VIC
12 MARHS Charles Sturt University, NSW
13 MIRAGE University of Sydney, NSW
14 NERCHA University of New England, NSW
15 NOMAD Deakin University, VIC
16 OUTLOOK University of Melbourne, VIC
17 RAHMS University of New South Wales, NSW
18 RHINO James Cook University, QLD
19 RHUUWS University of Western Sydney, NSW
20 ROUNDS Notre Dame University, NSW
21 ROUSTAH University of South Australia, SA
22 RUSTICA University of Tasmania, TAS
23 SHARP University of Wollongong, NSW
24 SPINRPHEX Combined Universities, WA
25 StARRH Charles Darwin University, NT
26 TROHPIQ University of Queensland, QLD
27 WAALHIIBE
28 WARRIAHS Charles Sturt University, NSW
29 WILDFIRE Monash University, VIC
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Combined Universitiesof Western Australia
contentsNRHSN Executive round up 3NRHSN policy takes shape 4RHW ceo 5nURHc 2012 6-9
regular features:Meet a member 10Indigenous Festivals 12 Rural placement 13 Rural High School Visits 14Portfolio reports 16-18Club Events 20-39
CatchuponNRHSNnewsinsideCooee
To find out more: visit the websitewww.nrhsn.org.au
Future Workforce team:Project Officers: Amanda Fisher (Cooee Editor), Linda McCaffrey, Rachel Drummond Team Manager Kerryn Eccleston and Director Helen Murray. Email: [email protected], Tel: 03 9860 4700
Studentsaroundthenetworkarebusilypreparingforassignmentsandexams,asthe2012academicyeardrawstoaclose.Manyclubsareelectingexecutivemembersinpreparationfor2013andtheNRHSNexecutivechangeoverwilloccurinNovember.Seehowmembershavebeenbusyin2012promotingruralhealththroughruralplacements,attendingconferences,clubactivities,speakerevents,IndigenousFestivalsandRuralHighSchoolVisits.CheckouttheprofilesofWARRIAHS
memberKristyMcGregor,ARMSadministratorBronStuartandAlumnimemberStaceyPutland.The2012NRHSNexecutivemembers
SimonReid,JamesRothandBenjaminCroughwrapuptheiraction-packedyear,readytohandoverthereinsto
the2013teamKatherineHumphreys,DanFauxandJillianFerrell.Theachievementsof2012have
beendiverseandplentifulacrossthebreadthofthenetworkfromtheworkoftheportfoliorepresentativestoanexecutivevisittoCanberra,withahighlightoftheinspiringruralhealthconferenceNURHCinAugust.Asalways,thereismoretocome.
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NRHSN Rural Health Clubs
1 ARMS
2 AURHA Adelaide University, SA
3 AWAIRH La Trobe University, VIC
4 BREAATHHE University of Newcastle, NSW
5 BUSHFIRE Bond University, QLD
6 CARAH Charles Darwin University with Flinders University), NT
7 CRANC University of Canberra, ACT
8 FURHS Flinders University, SA
9 HOPE4HEALTH
10 KRASH University of Notre Dame, WA
11 LARHC La Trobe University (Bendigo), VIC
12 MARHS Charles Sturt University, NSW
13 MIRAGE University of Sydney, NSW
14 NERCHA University of New England, NSW
15 NOMAD Deakin University, VIC
16 OUTLOOK University of Melbourne, VIC
17 RAHMS University of New South Wales, NSW
18 RHINO James Cook University, QLD
19 RHUUWS University of Western Sydney, NSW
20 ROUNDS Notre Dame University, NSW
21 ROUSTAH University of South Australia, SA
22 RUSTICA University of Tasmania, TAS
23 SHARP University of Wollongong, NSW
24 SPINRPHEX Combined Universities, WA
25 StARRH Charles Darwin University, NT
26 TROHPIQ University of Queensland, QLD
27 WAALHIIBE
28 WARRIAHS Charles Sturt University, NSW
29 WILDFIRE Monash University, VIC
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Combined Universitiesof Western Australia
Executivefarewell2012
What a phenomenal few months it has been for James, Ben and myself (Simon) in the NRHSN Executive camp. From meeting with politicians in Canberra, to being inspired by speakers and delegates alike at NURHC 2012, it is a fantastic time to be involved in rural health.JunesawtheNRHSNExecutivetravel
toCanberratopromotethegreatworkthatourmembersaredoingacrossthecountry,whilealsoendeavouringtocreatesomepositivechangeforrural
Students gathered from around Australia to celebrate the future of rural health at NURHC (National University Rural Health Conference), Creswick, Victoria during August.
healthstudents.MeetingswiththeDepartmentofHealthandAgeingandruralhealthprofessionalstakeholdersallowedustodiscusscurrentissuesforstudentsandconsiderfuturehealthworkforcepossibilities.WethenventureduptoParliamentHousetomeetwithpoliticiansandpresenttothemourNationalPrioritiesPaper.WehighlightedanumberofissuesthatwefeelcouldmakeasignificantimpacttoourstudentsandruralAustralia.Theseincludedincreasingthenumberofruraloriginstudentsin
allhealthdegrees,extendingtheHECSReimbursementSchemetoallhealthstudentsandprovidingplacementsupporttonursingandalliedhealthstudents.Wewereabletogainsometractionontheseissues,withtheworkoftheNRHSNdiscussedbytheMinisterforHealthTanyaPlibersekduringquestiontime.The2012NationalUniversityRural
HealthConference(NURHC)broughtmorethan160medical,nursingandalliedhealthstudentsfromuniversitiesaroundAustraliatopicturesqueCreswickinruralVictoria.Theaimoftheconferencewastoconnectstudentswiththeirpeers,engagethemwiththeopportunitiesavailableinruralhealthandinspirethemtotakethenextstepandbecomethenextgenerationofruralhealthchampions.Timehasflownbythisyearanditis
timetowelcomeinthenewExecfor2013.CongratulationsgotoKatherineHumphreys,3rdYearphysiotherapystudentatCurtinUniversity,PerthandWAALHIIBEmember,DanFaux,3rdyearmedicalstudentatGriffithUniversityandHOPE4HEALTHmemberandJillianFerrell,3rdyearMBBSstudentattheUniversityofQueenslandandTROHPIQmember.Seeyououtthere.Simon,JamesandBen
2012and2013NRHSNexecutiveatFace2FaceinSeptemberfrontrow(l-r);KatherineHumphreysandJillianFerrell,backrow(l-r);SimonReid,
JamesRoth,BenjaminCroughandDanFaux.
JamesRoth,(l-r)SimonReidandBenCrough Picture courtesy of The Canberra Times
NRHSNtakesprioritiestocapitalThe voice of NRHSN’s multi-disciplinary members was carried to Canberra, the bush capital, in June as the Executive delegation descended for the annual national round of stakeholder meetings. The2011-12NationalPrioritiesPaper,
endorsedbytheCouncilinlate2011,wasthecentrepieceofadvocacydiscussionsandinstrivingtosupportstudentsthetopthreeitemsfromtheNPPthatwerehighlightedwere:• expandingtheruraloriginstudent
intakethatexistsformedicineat25%to33%andexpandingacrossotherhealthcourses
• expandingplacementsupportforalliedhealthandnursingtoensureruralplacementexperiencesarewellsupportedandleaveapositiveprofessionalandpersonalimpressiononstudentstoencouragethemtoconsiderruralpracticeupongraduation
• expandingtheHECSreimbursementschemeacrossotherhealthprofessionsinreturnforworkinginruralareas.
ThetripbeganwitharoundofmeetingswiththeDepartmentofHealthandAgeing–HealthWorkforceDivisionwhichfundstheNRHSN.WethenmetwiththeNationalRuralHealthAlliance(NRHA)ChairProfLesleyBarclay,policyadvisorBethJohnsonandmanageroftheRuralAustraliaMedicalUndergraduateScholarshipScheme(RAMUS)SusanMagnay,RodWellingtonCEOofServicesforAustralianRuralandRemoteAlliedHealth(SARRAH),RuralDoctorsAssociationofAustraliaCEOJennyJohnsonandJanineRamsey,nationaldirectoroftheAustralianRuralHealthEducationNetwork(ARHEN)thepeakbodyofUniversityDepartmentsofRuralHealth(UDRH)andasdiariesdidnotconnectthedelegationheldaphonemeetingwithGeriMalone,whoisnationalco-ordinatorofCRANAplusshortlyafterthetrip.Afterthestakeholdermeetingsround
thedelegation,comprisingco-chairsJamesRothandSimonReid,secretaryBenCroughandNRHSNexecutiveofficerHelenMurray(directorof
futureworkforceprogramsforRuralHealthWorkforce),heldmeetingswithpoliticiansacrossthepoliticalspectrum• TheMinisterforIndigenousHealth
WarrenSnowdonwhoacceptedourinvitationtobeguestspeakerattheNURHCdinner;
• TheOfficeoftheMinisterforHealthand,subsequently,MinisterPlibersekaskedtheParliamentarySecretaryforHealth,CatherineKingtorepresentherandofficiallylaunchNURHC2012atCreswickinAugust;
• IndependentMPTonyWindsor’steam–whowereveryproactiveinencouragingthegovernmenttoconsidertheNRHSNpriorities;
• TheOfficeoftheShadowMinisterforHealth,PeterDutton;
• GreensSenatorRichardDiNatalewhowasanACRRMfellowpriortopolitics;and
• NationalsSenatorFionaNash,theShadowParliamentarySecretaryforRegionalEducation.ItwasanhonourforNRHSNthatthe
Exec–James,SimonandBenwereacknowledgedandnamedinpersonbyMinisterPlibersekduringQuestionTime;assherespondedtoaquestionfromTonyWindsoraboutruralhealthandNRHSNissues.MsPliberseksaidshesupportedtheMinisterforEducationlookingintotheNRHSNideaofexpandingtheexistingHECS
reimbursementthatisavailableformedicalgraduatesinreturnforruralserviceforalliedhealthgraduates(theNRHSNiscallingforthisfornursingandalliedhealth).The2012Canberratripwassuccessful
andencouragingbecausethefutureruralhealthworkforceisbeingtakenseriouslyasavaluedandthoughtfulvoicewithintheruralandremotehealthsector.WiththeNRHSNportfolioteamsrepresentingusrightacrosstheyearonvariousnationalstakeholderpanels,thisannualCanberravisitbytheExecutivetargetsthecommunicationofNRHSNprioritiesdirectintofederalpolicymakingchannels.Thevisitfurtherstrengthened
relationshipsthathavebuiltupovertheyears.InmostcasesthedelegationreceivedfavourableendorsementofitskeyissuesandtheNRHSNwillcontinuetoprosecutethenationalprioritiesintothe2012/13budgetroundandupcoming2013federalelectionarena(inanon-partisanspirit).TheadvocacyeffortwasroundedoffwithgoodmediacoverageincludinginterviewswithABCRadio,FairfaxAgriculturalPress,theCanberraTimesandotherprintandonlinemediathathelpedtoconveyandmagnifythemessage.MediacoverageandtheNRHSN
NationalPrioritiesPapercanbefoundontheNRHSNwebsitewww.nrhsn.org.au.
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PositiveprognosisforHealth
NSW Rural Doctors Network0249248000www.nswrdn.com.au
Rural Workforce Agency Victoria0393497800www.rwav.com.au
Health Workforce Queensland0731057800www.healthworkforce.com.au
Rural Doctors Workforce Agency (SA)0882348277www.ruraldoc.com.au
Rural Health West (WA)0863894500www.ruralhealthwest.com.au
NT Health Workforce0889821000www.gpnnt.org.au
Health Recruitment Plus – Tasmania0363342355www.healthrecruitmentplus.com.au
www.rhwa.org.au
Get to know the Rural Workforce Agencies
Rural Health Workforce
I’ve just experienced my first NURHC, and it well and truly exceeded its ambition of ‘Connecting, Engaging and Inspiring’. In short, it was a fantastic event.Thepassionandenergyondisplayat
Creswick,Victoria,leavesmeinnodoubtthatthefutureofruralhealthisingoodhands.Theconferenceofferedaninsightinto
thebreadthofactivitythatisoccurringatruralhealthclubsthroughoutAustralia–demonstratedbythevarietyofstudentpresentations.Congratulationstoallthepresenters
andtoeveryoneinvolvedinclubactivitiesfortheircommitmenttothecauseofruralhealth.Wefirmlybelievethatthepositive
ruralexperiencesprovidedbyyourclubsareagreatwayofengagingnotonlywithcountrylifebutwithenrichingprofessionalopportunities.Ourkeynotespeakers–featuring
severalseasonedpractitioners–showedwhatastrong,insightfulcommunitywehaveworkinginruralhealth.They,andthemanyotherswhoteach
andsuperviseinthecountry,aregreatpeopletolearnfrom.ItwasalsopleasingtoseeourRural
WorkforceAgencymemberssowell
representedatNURHC.Thesenot-for-profitagenciesareinthebusinessofattractingandrecruitingdoctors,nursesandalliedhealthprofessionalstoworkinruralandremoteAustralia.Theyhaveexcellentcontactsin
localcommunitiesandworkinunisonwithtrainingproviders,collegesanduniversities.Inshort,theyareaone-stop-shopforruralhealthcareersandcanguideyouthroughyourruraljourney.
Frontrow(l-r):BenCrough,JacintaO’Neill,CatherineRyanandFrancescaGarnett.Backrow:SimonReid,MPCatherineKing,GregSamandJamesRoth.
Greg Sam, RHW CEO
Finally,I’dliketothanktheDepartmentofHealthandAgeingforsupportingandinvestinginsuchasignificanteventaswellasourmajorsponsorsinACRRM,theRACGPandtheUniversityofNotreDame.Theybelongtoacommunityoforganisationsthathaveyourbestinterestsatheart.Together,wewillhelpyouachieve
yourcareergoalssothatruralcommunitiesgetthehealthcaretheydeserve.
rural health workforce
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NURHC2012NationalUniversityRuralHealthConference
NRHSN Rural Health Club Event of the Year AwardTheawardforthebestRuralHealthClubEventwenttoSHARPfortheirinnovativemen’shealthprogram‘Checkit’.Theprogramledto1,000localmenreceivinghealthchecksatcommunitybasedeventslastyear.
Janie Dade Smith Award1st PrizewasawardedtoJustin Cain-Bloxsome,SHARP.AGamilaroiandYuinmanfromNewSouthWales,JustinistheIndigenousHealthportfolioholderfortheNRHSN.HeisalsoastrongadvocatefortheAustralianIndigenousMentoringExperience(AIME),whichpartnersuniversitystudentsandIndigenoushighschoolstudentswiththegoalofencouragingIndigenousstudentstocompletesecondaryeducationandgoontouniversity.
2nd PrizewasawardedtoMadeleine VenablesfromsPInRPHeX
3rd PrizewasawardedtoSasha BaileyfromKRASH
Morethan160healthstudentsfromacrossAustraliagrabbedtheopportunityto‘connect,engageandinspire’atNURHC.TheeventwasopenedbyBallaratMPCatherineKing,theFederalParliamentarySecretaryforHealthandAgeing.Theconferencefeaturedarangeofexpertspeakersandsessionsdesignedtoengageandinspirestudentdelegates.SpeakersincludedTimRowefromtheIndigenousMarathonProject,remoteareanurse,CRANAplusPresident,ChristopherCliffe,VictorianGPsDrClaireHepper(Creswick)andDrAshrafTakla(Boort);FayeMcMillan,PresidentofIndigenousAlliedHealthAustralia;AssociateProfessorDavidPierce,DirectorofRuralHealthattheUniversityofMelbourne;andProfessorJenneneGreenhill,DirectoroftheFlindersUniversityRuralClinicalSchool.Wewerealsoextremelyimpressedbytherangeofbrilliantstudentpresentations–congratulationstoallthepresentersonsharingsomeamazingstorieswithyourpeers.Besuretocheckoutmorephotosonfacebook.Congratulationstothedeservingand
inspiringwinnersofawardsatNURHC2012.
AwardsCountry Capture – Photo Competition
1st prize (front cover)Tamar Valley Cow
Jeremy Ong, oUtLooK2nd prize (right)Turner’s Vineyard,Orange,NSWAlice Fraser, RHUUWs3rd prize(inset) Kicking the Dust
Erin Duff, SHARP
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Rural Health Workforce AwardsRural Health Workforce presented five prestigious awards.
Outstanding Contribution to Indigenous Communities – a joint award with National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation
AwardedtoDavid Baker,HOPE4HEALTH.Dave(right)hasbeenadentalrepresentativeforHOPEHEALTHin2011and2012.Inthistime,hehascoordinatedavolunteerEmergencyDentalClinicProjectintheAboriginalcommunityofCherbourg.Thisclinicprovidesemergencydentalcareandpainrelieftothelocalcommunitywhootherwisedonothaveaccesstodentalcare.
Outstanding Contribution to Rural and Remote CommunitiesAwardedtoKatherine Humphreys,(right)WAALHIIBE.AphysiotherapystudentatCurtinUniversity,KatherineisaWACountryAmbulancevolunteerandspentarecentuniversitybreakinRoebourneassistingwithAboriginalpaediatricpneumococcusresearchfortheTelethonInstitute.ShehasalsotakenaleadingrolewithCurtinVolunteers,headinguptheirprograminLaverton.Inthisrole,sheestablishedrelationshipswiththeWAPolice,localminesandthelocalschoolandhospital.
Outstanding Contribution to Promotion of Rural HealthAwardedtoTim Hasted,ROUNDS.Tim(belowright)hasbeenhighlyactiveinthepromotionofruralhealthbothatanationallevelandatalocallevelthroughhisuniversityRuralHealthClub.Hehassomehowmanagedtobalancehisuniversitystudiesinmedicinewiththefollowingresponsibilities:NRHSNJuniorandSeniorMedicalPortfolioRepfor2011,StudentReponBondedSupportProgramNAC–2010and2011,StudentReponJohnFlynnPlacementProgramNAC–2011,ProjectOfficerresponsibleforrevisingJFPPApplications–2012,2011AMSANationalConventionAcademicCommitteeMember–2010-2011,RecentlyappointedastheACRRMrepresentativeontheJohnFlynnPlacementProgramNationalAdvisoryCommittee.
Outstanding Contribution in Rural LeadershipAwardedtoTeena Downton,SHARP.Teena(belowrightwithRHWboarddirectorBillHamill)hasbeenaleaderinruralhealthformanyyearsandduringthistimehasdemonstratedarealpassionandcommitmentthroughherongoinginvolvementwithTheStudentHealthAllianceforRuralPopulations(SHARP),theNationalRuralHealthStudentNetwork(NRHSN),herruralclinicalplacementsandruralhealthresearch.TeenaiscurrentlytheSeniorCommunityandAdvocacyPortfolioRepfortheNRHSNandtheNRHALiaison.SheisthedrivingforcebehindthePortfoliohavingco-ordinatednumerousprojectsandsubmissionssuchastheNRHSNNationalGuidelinesforOptimisingruralclinicalplacementexperiences(withChrisTimmsandteam)andupdatingtheNRHSNportfolioinductionkit.TeenahascappeditoffthisyearwithhercommunityactivitiesatBrokenHillwhileonplacement.
Best Student Presentation AwardsTherewerefiveseparatestudentpresentationsessions,eachwithsixpresenters.DelegatesattendingthesessionsvotedfortheirfavouritepresentersandthefivewinnerswereawardedTherapeuticGuidelines.
PresentationGroup1Nicholas CorrfromSHARP
PresentationGroup2Lisa WatersfromStARRH
PresentationGroup3Kristy McGregorfromWARRIAHS
PresentationGroup4Tara NaigefromNOMAD
PresentationGroup5Natalie KewandAlyce WilsonfromoUtLooK
2012 NRHSN Life MembersShannon Nott,RAHMS,NRHSNCo-Chair2008and2010
Amy Stephenson,FURHS,NRHSNCommunity&AdvocacyPortfolio2010-11
Daniel Mahony,WAALHIIBE,NRHSNAlliedHealthPortfolio2009-10
Outstanding Contribution to a Rural Health ClubAwardedtoMadeleine Venables,sPInRPHeX.Madeleinefeelsstronglyaboutpromotingruralcareeropportunitiesandencouragingfuturegenerationsoftheruralhealthworkforce,throughcoordinatingdynamicruralhealthclubandnationalevents.ThroughSPINRPHEX,Madeleinehasorganisedworkshops,bushcampsandnetworkingeventsthemedaroundruralhealthaswellasmentoringforcountryhighschoolstudents.ShehasalsobeenprominentinsupportingIndigenousHealththroughClosetheGapandisactiveatanationallevelonthemedicalportfoliooftheNRHSN.
2012
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The colour and spirit of NURHC1: RWAVCEORodJackson(l-r)withJustinCain-Bloxsome,NRHSNIndigenousHealthPortfolio.2: HealthRecruitmentPluscompetitionentries.3: Paneldiscussion(l-r)DrAshrafTakler,FayeMcMillan,DrSuePageandDanielMahony.4:DebKay,HealthWorkforceQueensland,(l-r)JanieDadeSmith,BondUniversity,andBushfiremembersAmaniSavyandAngelaVicocelebratedattheformaldinner.5:AgroupofmedicalstudentsgatheredforanACRRMbondedsupportprogramnetworkingeventatNURHC.6:RuralWorkforceAgenciesandRHWstaffshowcasedthediversityofprogramsandservicesonoffer.7: SHARPstudentscelebratedtheclub’sawardfortheevent‘Checkit’8: DianaMcCluskeyJFPPCoordinator,ACRRM(l-r)withNOMADmemberLucyDobson,whoreceivedthePresident’sprizeforherinspiringvideo.
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Have you studied/had other careers in the past?Iamcurrentlyworkingasagoverness(that’sateacherforkidswhodoschooloftheair)andlivingonalargecattlestationinfarwesternQueensland.If you weren’t studying your current course, what would you be doing?Travellingtheworldorjustlivinghere,intheoutback,surroundedbyreddustandclearblueskies.
What attracted you to join your Rural Health Club?Theopportunitytoexperience‘rural’Australia.
Best rural placement experience?Yettohavearuralplacement–althoughonecouldsaythisisapermanent,longtermplacementlivingonastation.Best NRHSN experience?NodoubtbothNURHC’sIhavebeentoinAliceandmostrecentlyCreswick–alwaysinspiringandempowering.Best RHC experience?TheopportunitytotravelacrossAustraliameetingpeoplewhoarereallymakingadifferenceinruralcommunitiesandvisitingtheremoteNTontheNTHealthWorkforceRuralHighSchoolVisitsProgram.
KristyMcGregorOur Member
What is your 5 year plan?‘Plan’–Idon’treallyhaveaplan.Beingouthere,whereonebitofrainthrowsyourroutineallout,hastaughtmetogowiththeflow.Theopportunitiesareendless;youneverknowwhatisgoingtocomeyourway.
What keeps you occupied in your spare time?Lifeisneverboringonastation.WhenIamnotworkingfulltimeteachingthekids–fourboysaged11,9,7and3–orrushingtofinishauniassignment,Icanbefoundcookingfor20plusblokes,fillingAvgasdrums,scrubbingtoiletblocks,sortingmail,changingnappies....thetermgovernessisn’tsoundingsoposhisit?IfIhavesparetimeIliketogoforawalkuptheairstripandappreciatethebeautyofthewideopenspacesouthere.
What’s the one thing you want the world to know about you?EventhoughIliveontheedgeofthedesert,Istillappreciategoodcoffee.
The thing you don’t want the world know?Ihaven’tusedconditionerfor18monthsbecauseitgoesfunnyinthecreekwater.
What are you studying? BachelorSocialWork,3rdyear,DistanceEducationthroughCharlesSturtUniversityinWaggaWagga,NSW.
Where are you from originally?Camden–onceacountrytown,nowpartofthesprawlingsuburbiaofSydney.
What is my favourite ARMS memory?IamproudofthepassionARMSmembersputintoalltheiractivitieswhethertheybeacademic,communitybasedorsocial,andthecamaraderieandsupporttheyshowtoeachother.MyfavouriterecentmemoryistheirperformanceintheGoldenWindmillsatNURHC2012.
What do you do at Australian National University/ARMS? What does your job involve?ANUstudentsarerequiredtohaveeightweeksruralexperiencethroughoutthecourseoftheirdegree,undertakeninYears1–3withtheoptionofdoingYear4selectivesrurally.AsRuralPlacementsOfficer,myjobentailsorganisingandcoordinatingtheseplacementsincludingaruralstreamwhere25%ofthedomesticcohortliveandstudyinruralareasfortheentiretyoftheirthirdyear–andbeingadministratorforARMS.Theruralstreamispopular,andentryiscompetitive,andhasbeenproventobeverysuccessfuleducationallywith
manystudentswinninguniversityprizes.MyroleincludesinterviewingandselectingstudentsforRuralStreamandNorthernTerritoryplacementsandsix
weekruralplacementsundertakenbytherestofyear3.TherolealsoincludesorganisinginformationsessionsandbriefingsforthestudentsforalltheseactivitiesandapplicationsforRuralStreamscholarships.TheClinicalSchoolprovidesadministrativeassistanceandtransporttoassiststudentstoattendevents.
What keeps you occupied in your spare time?MyfamilyisimportanttomeandIenjoysharingtheirlives.Ialsolikeswimming,walking,gardeningandcreativepursuitslikedressmakinganddesign,freemachineembroidery,fabricdyeingandscreen-printing.
What’s the one thing you want the world to know about you?
Ihavelotsofinventiveideasaroundmycreativepursuits.
The thing you don’t want the world to know?
Ilovethemandolinandliketheideaofplayingitwell–itisoneofthosethingsthatneedsalotmoreattention.
BronStuartOur Administrator
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Words of wisdom for others thinking about a rural career?Goforit.Theopportunitiesareamazing.Thesenseofcommunityisunbelievable.Livingintheoutbackyoumeetthemostdowntoearthcharacters,andlearnsomuchaboutyourselfonalltheadventuresyouwillhave.Flyinginsmallplanes,weekendsatcampdrafteventsandrodeos;whenyoulive250kmfromthenearesttown–youmakeyourownfun.Evenifthatfunisdancingonthecoffeetableandflickingthelightswitch–wellthereisn’tanightclubhere.
An NRHSN/RHC experience that didn’t go quite right?Iamfortunatetohavelovedthemall.Evenifittakessixflights–includingonesquashedintoalittleshuttleplane,andtwobustrips,togettoNURHC.
Anything else at all?Onlineshoppingmeansmaildayisthehighlightoftheweek.Taketheopportunitytogetoutbush.
Kristy is a National Student Representative for SARRAH (Services for Australian Rural and Remote Allied Health) and Co- Senior Allied Health Portfolio Holder
How long have you been involved?IhavebeenworkingwiththeANURuralClinicalSchoolfornearlyfiveyearsandhavebeeninvolvedwithARMSforfouryears.ARMSisaveryproactivegroup,organisingandactivelyparticipatinginahugeamountofactivitiestopromoteruralhealthincludingruralshows,Men’sHealthPitstops,HighSchoolvisitsandmentoringschoolstudents,AcademicSpeakernights,andIndigenousHealthprogramsaswellassocialactivitiesformemberslikebushdancesandskitrips.ARMSmembersareusuallythestudentsinterestedinruralhealthandtheonesthatapplyforRuralStreaminYear3.TheclubrunsautonomouslywithmoreexperiencedmembersmentoringnewerstudentsastheycomethroughandhandoverthereinsinYear4,whentheyarepreparingtoembarkontheircareers.ARMSiswellsupportedbytheANURuralRuralClinicalSchoolthroughstaffat-tendingeventsandprovisionofadmin-istrativeassistanceandtransporttoattendeventsthemselves.
Which Club were you a member of?ROUSTAHattheUniversityofSouthAustraliainAdelaide,graduated2011.
Where are you from originally?SunnyStrathalbyn,ontheFleurieuPeninsula,SouthAustralia.Where are you now?Mildura,farnorthwesternVictoria–boastingtobethemost-liveable,people-friendlycommunityinAustralia.
What do you do there? (Career, spare time etc)IworkasanInternPharmacistattheMilduraBaseHospital.WhenI’mnotworkingweekendsorstudyingIenjoyahorseridealongthebillabong,abikeridetoourinlandbeachorakayakalongtheriverwhentheweather’sright.Milduraisfabulous.What is the best thing about your town/job?Thepeople.Everyonehereissofriendly.You’reawellsupportedandrespectedmemberoftheteamandthereisalwayssomethingtodoandsomeonetodoitwith.Whetherit’sdining,localtheatreorwateraerobics.
Words of wisdom?
Makethemostofanyopportunityyougettogorural.It’sthepeoplethatmaketheseplacesgreat,introduceyourselfandacceptallinvitations.Networkstakeyouplaces–it’snevertooearlyortoolatetostart.
Best NRHSN experience?NURHCinAliceSprings,theconferenceinspiredmetocommitmoreandmoretimeandenergytoourRuralHealthClub.Itwasgreattofeelpartofthebiggerpicture.
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?Probablyteachingpianoanddancetochildren.
Best rural placement experience?ThedrivethroughstunningcountrysidetoandfromthehospitaleverydaywhileonplacementinMoruya,NSW.
Best RHC experience?EatingoversizedoystersinCedunawithagreatteamofgirlsafterfourdaysofRHSVsacrosstheEyrePeninsula.
What’s the one thing you want the world to know about you?Ilovegoingtoworkeveryday.
The thing you don’t want the world know?Ican’tstandanythingtoocomplicated–surelyeverythingcanbesimple.
Anything else at all?I’msogratefulfortheopportunitiesI’vehadbeingapartofROUSTAHandtheNRHSN.WhenIfirstjoinedasPharmacyRepIdidn’tfeelIhadmuchsparetimetogive,thenthepresidenttoldmenottoworry,butI’donlygetoutwhatIputin.Threeyearslater,afterbeingpresident,I’dtellnewmembersthesamething.IgotbacksomuchmorethanIcouldhaveeverimagined.
StaceyPutlandOur Alumni
Pictured at Trentham Estate Winery, overlooking the Murray River.
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Colourful activities from making plaster casts to painting murals and piecing together ‘Gusty Gus’ were among some of the most popular sessions held with primary and secondary students from across Australia attending Indigenous Festivals.CongratulationstoallNRHSN
participantsinthe2012IndigenousFestivalseason.RuralHealthClubmembersvisitedfestivalsinWesternAustralia,SouthAustralia,NorthernTerritory,NewSouthWalesandVictoria.FestivalswereheldatVibePort
HedlandWA,VibeTownsvilleQLD,VibeBendigoVIC,WakakirriBarungaNT,DeadlyDaysWauchopeNSW,DeadlyDaysBallinaNSW,WakakirriHallsCreekWAandWakakirriCedunaSA.ThesuccessofNRHSNparticipationat
IndigenousFestivalsisaresultofhoursofplanningforeacheventbyRuralHealthClubs,thetwointernalofficersAmberRuane(ARMS)andNatalieKew
(OUTLOOK)andaRuralHealthWorkforceprojectofficer.Formoreinformation,[email protected].
IndigenousFestivals
LARHCPresidentLeticiaKeadywithastudentatVibeAlive,Bendigo,Victoria.
IndigenousFestivalofficerandOUTLOOKmemberNatalieKewpromotinghealthfoodoptions.
MARHSstudentstakepartintheTownsvilleVibeAlivefestival.
NRHSNstudentsgrabamomenttosee
reddogatDampier,WesternAustralia,ontheirwaytoafestival.
Database1. Visitwww.nrhsn.org.au
2. FindyourRuralHealthClub
3. Click‘JoinNow’andcompletethemembershipinformation
4. Startinteractingwithyournewnetworkoflike-mindedpeopleinterestedinruralhealth.
Join your Rural Health Club. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3, 4…
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TeenaDowntonRural PlacementSHARPRuralHealthClub,University of Wollongong
I spent 40 weeks of my medical school training undertaking a longitudinal clinical placement in Broken Hill during the 3rd and 4th years of my degree. Broken Hill is a rural mining town in Far West NSW with a population of approximately 20,000 people. A 14-hour drive from Sydney and a 6-hour drive from Adelaide, it is surrounded by the spectacularly beautiful Australian outback and home to some of the most welcoming and down-to-earth people I have ever met.Iwasextremelyexcitedtohavebeen
offeredtheplacementforacoupleofreasons.IhaddevelopedastronginterestinruralpracticeduringmyundergraduatedegreethroughmyinvolvementwithmyRuralHealthClub,andIthoughtthatBrokenHillwouldprovidemewiththeperfectopportunitytogoasfarruralasIcouldwhilestillastudenttoroad-testhowI’dgolivingand“working”inaruralcommunity.Iwasalsodrawntotheopportunity
toexperiencesomethingdifferentandgetawayfromtheNSWCoastwhereI’dgrownupallmylife.TheroadtripouttoBrokenHillwasalittledaunting.ForthefirsttimeinmylifeI’dbeenconfrontedwith360degreesofthehorizon,flatnessandroadsstretchingoutendlesslyintothedistance.Itisasignificantcontrasttothehigh-risecityscapesofthecoast.Icontemplatedonthedriveout
whetherIhadmadetherightdecision.However,Ihadsuchafantasticexperience,manyaspectsofwhichIdon’tthinkIwouldhavebeenabletobeapartofifIchoseaplacementclosertohome.
ExperiencingtheoutbackinBrokenHill
ManyhealthstudentsfromotheruniversitiesanddisciplinesundertakeplacementsinBrokenHillmakingitquiteahubforprovidingruralandclinicalexperiencestothenextgenerationofhealthprofessionals.Thisofcourse,meantthatforstudentslikeme,BrokenHillwasfullofopportunitiesfornetworkingandmakingnewfriends.Ithoughtitwasgreattoseenursing
studentsdoingtheirplacementsalongsidemeattheBrokenHillBaseHospitalEmergencyDepartmentasitreallygavemeasenseofwhatitwillbelikewhenweareallworkinginourrespectiverolesinthefuture.I’vekeptincontactwithmanyofthe
studentsImetduringmyplacementandI’dliketothinkwe’dmakebrilliantteamsofhealthprofessionalsworkingoutbushandsupportingeachotherinthefuture.Clinically,Iwaswelcomedbythe
localhealthcommunityandhadgreatexposuretowhatattractsmetoruralandremotefuturepractice–afairamountofhands-onintheEmergencyDepartment,opportunitiestobeinvolvedinthemanagementofawiderangeofclinicalpresentations,experienceworkingalongsidehighlyskilledstaff,andgettingthefeelingthatIwasreallyappreciatedbythecommunity.ThepatientsIcameacrossdisplayeda
greatsenseofhumour.Itwasinterestingexperiencingwhatlifemustbeliketobeahealthprofessionalinaruralcommunity,suchasmeetingmembersofthecommunityinbothclinicalandnon-clinicalsettings.Duringmyplacement,Iwaslucky
enoughtojointhelocalBrokenHillRoyalFlyingDoctorServiceBaseteams
onacoupleofflightstoWhiteCliffs,TibooburraandHungerfordtorunGPclinicsfortheresidentsoftheseremotecommunities.Itopenedmyeyestotheessential
andimportantworkthattheRoyalFlyingDoctorServiceprovides,andhowremotenesscanimpactonaccesstohealthcare.Attimeswewouldhavetofactor
remotenessintoourdecisionsonpatientmanagementwhenthenearesthospitalwasseveralhundredkilometresaway.Myplacementwaswell-supportedby
thestaffattheBrokenHillUniversityDepartmentofRuralHealthwhoIfoundtobegenuinelyinterestedinassistingallstudentstohaveapositiveexperienceinthecommunity.Thestudentaccommodationwasexcellent,anystudentfeedbackwastakenonboard,andwehadinter-professionalafternoonsessionsonceaweekwherewecametogetherwithstudentsfromotherhealthdisciplines.Thiswasbalancedbylotsofsporting,
andsocialactivities.Itwasn’tlongbeforeIfoundmyselfdevelopingaloveformassiveboulders,sandycreekbedsandreddirt.MyBrokenHillplacementnotonly
providedmewithagreatclinicalexperience,butabroaderlifeexperienceindiscoveringwhatitislikebecomingpartofaruralcommunity.AlthoughIwas1,200kmsawayfrom
home,Ididn’tfeelisolated.IintendonreturningtoBrokenHillinthefuturetovisitfriendsandmaintainprofessionalconnections.Theexperiencehasmademelook
forwardtoseeingmoreofruralAustraliaduringmymedicaltrainingandpractice.
RuralHighSchoolVisitFor an original RHSV, the NRHSN and NT Health Workforce conducted a School of the Air Visit in Alice Springs. Students from across 40 stations had a great surprise when they dialled in for their weekly assembly to have us present activities and health promotion over the air waves. Like most RHSVs the usual activities were done like blood pressure cuffing, swallowing sounds, arm strength tests and healthy teeth brushing. The difference was that the students were not in the room. Wepresentedtoacamera.DuringtheRHSVwehadanumberofoccasionswhereweaskedquestionsandtheresponsefromthesestationkidswasunbelievable,onejokedthatbecausehissisterwentandsawaspeechpathologistthatshenowneverstopstalking.TheydefinitelyhaveagreatsenseofhumourwhichisanassettothetechnologyofSchooloftheAirandtheStationGovernesses.Allofthekidsoutlinedadesiretostay
ruralandmostlyontheirproperties.Whenaskedwhattheywouldliketodo–fromthedisciplineswehadmentioned–therewasnotonethatdidn’treceivemorethan20‘handsraised’thusindicatingastronginterestinhealthcareers.ItwasdefinitelyaspecialRHSVduetoitsnatureandthefactthatmanyofthesekidshaveneverheardorseenwhatsomeoftheprofessionsdo.Presentingtoanemptyroom,doingtheactivity,lookingatafixedcamerawhilst
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checkingyourimageontheTVscreenwasafairjugglebutonetheCentralAustraliaRHSVteamenjoyed.WehadagoodlookatthestationclassroomswhentwostudentsfromtwoseparatestationsjumpupanddemonstratedtheirinterpretationoftheAmyHoitink’sSpeechactivityagainshowinggreatenthusiasmforsucharareevent.ThisRHSVhighlightedthedifference
inlivinginaremotelocation.Itwasupliftingtobeabletogetthesestationkidsenthusiasticabouthealthandtokeepgoinghardatschool.The team had Amy Hoitink - Speech Pathology, Stephen Langley - Physiotherapy, Rob Short-Burchell - Medicine, Rebecca Gaston - Nursing, Neeraj Vyas - Dentistry and Ben Crough - Pharmacy.
Check out some of the Rural High School Visits across Australia.
NRHSNmemberswithSchooloftheAirdeputyprincipalBillNewmaninAliceSpringsduringJune2012.
ThirdyearpsychologystudentGemmaAltingeratNorthernTerritoryRuralHighSchoolVisit.Photo courtesy NT Medicare Local.
ARMSmembersvisitaschoolinYoung,NSW.StARRHmemberswithstudentsfromEssington,Darwin,NT.
byBenCrough
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TherearesomegreatresourcesavailabletoyouasaRuralHealthClubmember,sowhynotcheckthemout.
Rural High School Visit (RHSV) Informati on SheetFindouthowtorunasuccessfulRuralHighSchoolVisit.www.nrhsn.org.au/rhsvkit
Indigenous Festi vals Informati on SheetFindouthowtogetthemostoutofanIndigenousFestival.www.nrhsn.org.au/indigenousfesti valkit
RHSV and Indigenous Festi val Acti vity BookletYour‘onestopshop’forgreatideasforfunfilledactivitiestoengagewithprimaryandhighschoolstudents.www.nrhsn.org.au/acti vitybooklet
Rural Placements GuideTohelpyouhaveagreatruralorremoteplacementexperience!www.nrhsn.org.au/ruralplacementsguide
When the Cowpat Hits the WindmillAguideforyouandyourfellowRuralHealthClubsmembersonhowtostaymentallyhealthyinthebush.www.nrhsn.org.au/mhg
Wide Horizons: Health Students Get Out of Town (DVD)Threehealthstudentssharetheirexperiencesofruralandremoteplacements.www.nrhsn.org.au/widehorizons
Go Rural (DVD)Needsomethingtohelpenticepotentialmembers?
The NRHSN on FacebookLinkinwithmembersfromallacrossAustraliafromallhealthdisciplines.Sharephotos,videosandlinks.www.facebook.com/nrhsn
Nati onal Events CalendarSeewhattheall29RuralHealthClubsareuptoandshowwhatgreateventsyourClubhasplanned.www.nrhsn.org.au/upcomingevents
Scholarships FindoutwhatscholarshipsareonofferthatyouorfellowRuralHealthClubmemberscouldtakeadvantageof.CanbeagreatwaytoattractmemberstoyouClub!www.nrhsn.org.au/scholarships
NRHSN Inducti on KitWonderinghowyourClubfitsintotheNetwork?Theanswersarehere.www.nrhsn.org.au/inducti onkit
How to Run a Rural Health Club GuideFilledwithtemplatesandsamplesofotherClubsconstitutions,executiveandcommitteeroledescriptions,eventplans,sponsorshipproposalsandmanymoretipsandtricksonhowtorunaTHRIVINGRuralHealthClub.www.nrhsn.org.au/rhcguide
IfyouwouldlikeanycopiesoftheaboveresourcessenttoyouoryourClubpleasecontactinfo@nrhsn.org.auorcall0398604700.
NRHSNresourcesatyourfingertips
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NRHSNportfolioupdatesfor2012PortfoliosP16-19
IndigenousHealthPortfolioJustin Cain-Bloxsomee:[email protected]
It’sneartheendofanotherNRHSNyearandwe’vehadourupsanddownslikealways.Firstly,NURHC2012,itwasgreatcatchingupwithsomanyoldfriends,butalsomakingsomenewonesandnetworkingwithhealthprofessionalsfromalloverthecountry.I’mproudtosaythattwoofthemajorawardsatNURHCthisyear,werewonbyIndigenousstudentswithDavidBakerfromHOPE4HEALTHtakingouttheRHWAandNACCHOawardforhiscontributiontoIndigenouscommunitieswithafantasticdentistryoutreachprogramtoCherbourginQLD.TheotherawardwastheJanieDade-Smithaward,whichI’mtheproudrecipientofthisyear.NURHC2012hadsomeamazingIndigenoushealthpresentationsbyFayeMcMillan,presidentofIndigenousAlliedHealthAssociation(IAHA)andfirstAboriginalpharmacist,Associate
ProfBradMurphy,anAboriginaldoctorandlecturerinIndigenoushealthatBondUniversity.Butwecan’tgopasttheamazingpresentationsbyournon-Indigenouscolleaguesworkinginthissector,particularlyMichaelO’HalloranwhohasbeendoingsomeamazingworkinKatherineintheNTandTimRoweandtheinspirationalworkbeingdoneattheIndigenousMarathonproject.TheIndigenousHealthportfolioislookingforwardtoattendingtheIndigenousAlliedHealthAustraliainauguralconferenceinBrisbanethiscomingNovember,butalsoseeingtheoutcomesofsomeotherfantasticeventssuchasCATSINandSARRAHconferences.Finally,IwouldliketothankDameyonBonsonforhiscontributiontotheIndigenousHealthportfoliothisyear.WeareeagerforNRHSNmemberstoapplytobeapartoftheportfoliofornextyear,ifyouhave
anyquestionsfortheIndigenousHealthportfolio,pleasedon’thesitatetocontactusontheportfolioemail.Goodlucktoyouallfortherestoftheyear.
IndigenousHealthportfoliomemberJustinCain-BloxsomereceivedtheJanieDadeSmithawardatNURHC
fromtheaward’snamesake.
CommunityandAdvocacyPortfolioChris Timms, Teena Downton, Francesca Garnett and Mitch Milanovice:[email protected]
withkeystakeholdersfortheNRHSNandthroughourefforts,wehavebeenincreasingtheprofileofthestudentvoiceinthebroaderruralhealtharena.TeenaandMitchhavecontinuedtoprovidevaluedrepresentationonbehalfoftheNRHSNontheNationalRuralHealthAlliance(NRHA)Council,andFrankiehasbeeninvolvedin
anumberofmeetingswiththeAustralianRuralHealthEducationNetwork(ARHEN).Timeisflyingbeforethe12thNational
RuralHealthConferenceinApril,andMitchhasbeenworkingcloselywithAmyStephenson(NRHSNAlumniandGraduateDietician)ontheConferenceAdvisoryCommitteetoensurestudentsarewellrepresentedatwhatpromisestobeoneofthebiggestruralhealtheventsin2013.Aspromised,ourteamisstrivingtomake
ourselvesmoreaccessibletoyou.WearesteppinguptheopportunitiesforyoutobecomedirectlyinvolvedinhelpingtheNRHSNadvocateforthestudentvoiceonruralhealthissues.WehavebeenworkingbehindthesceneswiththeExecutiveoninitiativestoincreaseawarenessoftheRuralHealthClubsandtheNRHSNamongparliamentarians,andencourageyoutocheckouttheNRHSNStudentServicesandAmenitiesFee(SSAF)PositionStatement–whichcanbeusedtodoyourownadvocacyathome.WearealsoworkingonadocumentprovidingtipsonhowtoapproachyourlocalMP.Contactusifyou’dlikemoreinformationongettingstarted.We are now on Facebook and Twitter, so like us, follow
us and above all, get involved.
Our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/cap.portfolio
Our Twitter profile: http://twitter.com/NRHSN_CAP
CommunityandAdvocacyportfoliomembersMitchellMilanovic(l-r),FrancescaGarnett,TeenaDowntonandChrisTimms.
TheyearhasflownbyandonceagainithasbeenanexcitingtimefortheNRHSNCommunityandAdvocacyPortfolio(CAP).OurteamhasthoroughlyenjoyedworkingtogetheroninitiativestosupportandprovideastrongvoiceforallNRHSNmembersontheissuesthatmatter.Wehavemaintainedstrongrelationships
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NursingportfoliomemberCatherineRyan.
AbighowdytoNRHSNmembersacrossthecountryfromyourNursingPortfolio.Hereisanupdateofouractivitysofarthisyear…WehaveprovidedyouwithrepresentationontheCRANAplusstudentsandnew-graduatessub-committeewherewetooktheopportunitytoexaminethecommittee’stermsofreference,futuredirectionsandmarketing.Wearecurrentlyworkingonapositionpaperforstudentsundertakingremoteplacements.TheNursingPortfoliochairedthemost
recentinter-portfolioteleconference,whichoccurtwiceeachyear.WeexploredareasofcollaborationandPortfolioinvolvementatNationalUniversityRuralHealthConference.WewerealsojoinedbytheNRHSNExecutiveandhadtheopportunitytomakesuggestionsforissuestoberaisedastheyheadedtoCanberratomeetwith
NursingandMidwiferyPortfolioCatherine Ryane:[email protected].
theDepartmentofHealthandAgeing,stakeholdersandpoliticians.TheworkoftheNursingPortfolioincludes
respondingtoenquiriesfromourmemberRuralHealthClubs.TheyhavebeenapproachingustodiscusswaysofengagingNursingstudentswiththeirRuralHealthClubs.WehavebeenencouragingClubstoholdnursing-specificevents,targetnursinglectures,recruitnaturalleaderswithineachyearofnursingandtoprovideincentivesfornursingmembership.Ialsoregretthatmyco-portfolioholder,
AlyceJackson,hasresignedtopursueopportunitiesthathavestemmedfromworkattheBrokenHillHospital.IwishherallthebestwithhernewendeavourandthankherforhercommitmenttotheNursingPortfolio.Wewerepleasedtohavethearticle,
PassionforNursinginthebush,writtenbyAlyceJacksontheJuniorNursingPortfolioholderrecentlypublishedbyRoyalCollegeofNursingAustralia.TheNursingPortfoliolooksforward
tomaintainingastrongrelationshipwithCRANAplusandaimstoincreasecommunicationwiththenewAustralianCollegeofNursing.PositionsfortheNursingPortfolio
JuniorandSeniorpositionswillbeopeninglaterthisyear,staytuned.
AlliedHealthPortfolioLindsay Dundon, Courtney Challinor, Kristy McGregor, Katherine Humphreyse:[email protected]
TheAlliedHealthPortfoliohassuccessfullyspent2012developinggoalsandstrengtheninganddevelopingbothnewandcurrentrelationshipswithstakeholders.Inlate2011,theAlliedHealthPortfolio
conductedtheAlliedHealthStudentSurveyasajointinitiativebetweentheNRHSNandServicesforAustralianRuralandRemoteHealth(SARRAH).ThisprojectwasdesignedtoincreasetheunderstandingoftheNetwork’salliedhealthstudentbaseexperienceswithruralclinicalplacementsaswellasthescholarshipsupporttheyreceived.TheAHPworkedhardtocollateresultswiththereportnowfinalised.Thesurveyidentifiedanumberofkeyfindingsincluding;lowstudentmembershipofruralandremotealliedhealthprofessionalbodies(signifyingtheneedandpotentialtoengagemorestudents)andtheneedforbettersupportofalliedhealthstudentswhowishtoundertakearuralorremoteplacement.Interestingly,acurrenttrendshowedstudentsbelievethebiggestissueinruralworkforceretentionistheisolationandlackofprofessionaldevelopmentopportunitiesavailable.Katherine,KristyandLindsayattended
theAlliedHealthProfessionsConference(AHPA)earlierthisyear.Thisprovideda
fantasticplatformtopromotetheroleandworkoftheAlliedHealthPortfolio,andmorebroadlyaspartoftheNRHSN,withregardstoruralandremotehealthcare.DiscussionsfocussedonraisingawarenessofmanyNRHSNinitiatives,andcontinualcontactwithstudentstoensurethatthemembershipbaseoftheNRHSNiscontinuallyexpanding.MeetingswithRodWellington,CEOofSARRAH,andCraigDukes,CEOofIndigenousAlliedHealthAustralia,alsoprovedinvaluableopportunitiestodiscussplansandfutureinitiativesforthecomingyear.
TheAHPhasfocusedondevelopingouruseoftechnologywhichhasbeenslowlyimprovingwithCourtneyandIngridtakinganactiveroleinthePortfolio’spromotionandmembercommunication.TheAlliedHealthPortfolioFacebookpage(www.facebook.com/groups/190266497687529/)hascontinuedtogrowandcannowboastover200membersAustralia-wide.Wehopetocontinuewiththissuccessin2013.Chris,Courtney,KatherineandKristy
attendedtheNationalUndergraduateRuralHealthConference(NURHC)heldinCreswick,VictoriainearlyAugust.TheAHPmetwithseveralcurrentstakeholdersandconductedmeetingswithpossiblefuturestakeholderswiththeaimoffurtherdevelopinggreatpotentialrelationshipsbetweenthePortfolio,theNRHSNandtheirrespectiveorganisations.Courtney,IngridandKristyhadthe
opportunitytoattendtheSARRAHConferenceinLaunceston,TasmaniaduringSeptember.TheconferencecentredaroundCelebratingClientCenteredCare,ChronicConditionsandCoordinatedCare,CreatingCommunityCapacity,CultivatingChampions,ConfidentCompetentClinicians,andCuriousandCaptivatingConversations.AllAHPmembersattendingpresentedattheconferenceonbehalfoftheNRHSN.Havingjustlefttheveryengaging,
connectingandinspiringNURHCconference,theAlliedHealthPortfolioisinterestedinhearingfromyou.
AlliedHealthportfoliomembersKatherineHumphreys(l-r),KristyMcGregorandCourtneyChallinor
atNURHC.
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TheMedicalSchoolsOutcomesDatabaseandLongitudinalTracking(MSOD)ProjectwillbeseekingyourinputinthenextfewmonthswhenyouwillbeaskedtocompleteanExitQuestionnaire.Youmaybeaskingyourself‘whyshould
Ifilloutthisquestionnaire?’Ifyoufeltthattheoutcomesofthesurveymightleadtomoredoctorsinruralareas,wouldthatmakeyoumorekindlydisposedtowardscompletingit?Thedatacollectedthroughthe
MSODProjectisusedbytheAustralianGovernmenttoinformmedicaltrainingprograms,includingthoseaimedattherecruitmentandretentionofasustainableruralmedicalworkforce.(TheMSODProjectwasfundedbytheAustralianGovernmentDepartmentofHealthandAgeingfrom2005to2011andiscurrentlyfundedbyHealthWorkforceAustralia.)TheProject,whichistheworld’sfirst
nationallycoordinatedprojectfortracking
medicalstudentsthroughmedicalschoolandintoprevocationalandvocationaltraining,commencedin2005.ThroughMedicalDeans(thepeakbodyoftheDeansofallthemedicalschools),allAustralianandNewZealandmedicalschoolsareinvolvedbothasstakeholdersandparticipants.Anotherlong-termobjectiveofthe
MSODProjectistoprovideaninformationresourceforAustralianmedicaleducators,governmentandworkforceplanners.Questionslike,‘Doplacementsaffectcareerintentions?’and‘Isamedicalstudentfromaruralbackgroundmorelikelytoworkina
Did you know ...?AsofJune2012,theProjectistrackingmorethan20,000participantsincludingbonded,rural,Indigenousandinternationalstudents,JohnFlynnandRAMUSscholarshipholdersandstudentsundertakingRUSC,RCS,UDRHplacements.•18%ofcommencingand14%ofgraduatingmedicalstudentsindicatedthattheywouldliketopracticeinaregionalorrurallocation•Ofcommencingstudents,53%ofrespondentswhoidentifiedthemselvesofruralbackgroundindicatedtheywouldliketopracticeinaregionalorrurallocationcomparedwith9%ofrespondentswhoidentifiedthemselvesasnotbeingofruralbackground(and19%ofrespondentsidentifiedthemselvesascomingfromaruralbackground).•22%of2011ExitQuestionnairerespondentswhobelongedtoaRuralMedicalClubwhilestudyingindicatedtheywouldliketopractiseinaregionalorrurallocation,comparedwithonly11%whodidnotbelongtoaRuralMedicalClubwhilestudying.
ruralsettingaftergraduation?’havealreadybeeninvestigatedbyresearchersusingtheMSODdata.ThisyearforthefirsttimetheProject,
inconjunctionwiththeAustralianMedicalStudents’Association(AMSA),hasofferedgrantstostudentstodoresearchusingtheMSODdata.FormoreinformationabouttheMSOD
Projectvisitwww.medicaldeans.org.au,[email protected]. LookoutfortheMSODlogoonapaper
oronlinequestionnaireandaddtothisvaluabledataset.
Calling all final year medical students
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MedicalPortfolioMatt Irwin, Melinda Swan, John Clark and Madeleine Venablese:[email protected].
Higher. Stronger. Faster. TheOlympicswasawhirlwindofenthusiasm,passionandmind-bogglingfeats.YetitseemedthatthisyearinLondon,therewasonlysecondsbetweenthecauldronlightingandtheSpiceGirlsdrawingitalltoaclose.WhilsttheOlympicsbroughtusitsdisplaysofathleticismforjustovertwoweeksthemedicalportfoliocontinuestopushthelimitsinruralhealthwithasimilardetermination.Wehavecontinuedtobuildon
therelationshipswiththeNRHSNstakeholders.MatthasbeenperformingwondersinhisrolewiththeACRRM(AustralianCollegeofRuralandRemoteMedicine)BondedSupportPrograminadvocatingformoreequalopportunitiesforbondedmedicalstudentsupon
graduationandimprovedcommunicationtoprospectivebondedmedicalstudents.HehasalsobeenworkingwiththeNationalAdvisoryCommitteetotheDepartmentofHealthandAgeing,advocatingformorehighqualityclinicalplacementopportunitiesformedicalstudentsinruralsettings.MelindarecentlyspokeattheNationalRuralFacultyofRACGP’s20thAnniversaryDinnerandisassistingthefacultyinreachingouttomedicalstudentsduringtheirtimeatuniversity.MelalsodidawonderfuljobathostingthemedicalportfoliolunchatNURHCandhashopefullyencouragedsomeofyou,ourbrilliantmembersoftheNRHSNtoconsiderjoiningusontheportfolionextyear.MaddiehasbeenworkingwiththeACRRMandtheJohnFlynnPlacementProgram(JFPP).ItwasparticularlyhelpfultocollecttheideasoftheNRHSNCouncilinMarchregardingtheJFPPandMaddiehasfedthesebacktothecommittee.Lastbutnotleast,JohnisworkingonwaysthattheNRHSNcanbetterworkwithAMSA
(AustralianMedicalStudents’Association)asanimportantgroupwithsomesimilarviewsonanumberofissuesrelatingtoruralandremotehealth.Thiscomesataparticularlyimportanttimeasanumberofstudentswehavestudiedwithoveranumberofyearsarenotguaranteedinternpositionswhentheygraduatenextyear.Werelyonyou,ourmemberstofeed
backtheissuesthatconcernyouandwhatyouwouldlikeustofocusourattentionto.WewouldlovetohearfromyouandlookforwardtotheremainderoftheyearwithNRHSN.Itisaprivilegetoworkwithsuchwonderfullytalented,motivatedandintelligentpeople.
MedicalportfoliomembersMattIrwin(l-r),MelindaSwan,MadeleineVenablesandJohnClarke.
OutandaboutwiththeNRHSN
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1.FURHSQuornClinicalSkillsWeekendintheFlindersRanges,combinedwithhiking.2.RHINOGalaball3.HOPE4HEALTHmembersexperienceallthatKingaroyhastoofferonaruralskillsweekend4.SunnyKrishna,FURHS2ndyearmedicine,experiencedadaywiththeRoyalFlyingDoctorsService.5.FundingfromtheprogramConferencesofNationalSignificanceallowedNRHSNportfoliomemberstoattendtheSARRAHConferenceinLauncestonduringSeptember.6.RAHMS’Ramdebut
Date Discipline Conference24-27 Oct 2012 All,Nursing CRANAplus30thAnnualConference,PearlsofWisdom,Cairns,QLD25-27 Oct 2012 Medicine GP12GoldCoast,QLD26-28 Oct 2012 Medicine RuralMedicineAustralia2012,NationalConferenceofRDAA&ACRRM,AliceSprings,NT7-10 Nov 2012 Medicine AGPNNationalConference,Adelaide,SA16-18 Nov 2012 Medicine GPCEGeneralPractitionerConference&Exhibition,Melbourne,VIC22-23 Nov 2012 AlliedHealth IndigenousAlliedHealthAustralia2012ConferenceBrisbane,QLD7-10 April 2013 All NRHANationalRuralHealthConference,Adelaide,SA
Get your applications in for CoNS. Check out the website www.nrhsn.org.au.Applications close six weeks prior to each conference.
ConferencesofNationalSignificance
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ARMSAustralianNationalUniversity,ACTe:[email protected]
TheANURuralHealthClub(ARMS)haspackedtheyearwitheventstoraiseawarenessofruralhealthissuestoeducatecommunitymembersandstudents.ThisyearARMSorganiseditssecondannual‘ClosetheGap’daytorecognisetheactionsthathavebeentakenandraiseawarenessforallthatstillneedstohappenfortheIndigenouspeoplesofAustralia.Peoplecamefromallovertheneighbouringregions,includingstudentsfromotherRuralHealthClubs,toattendtheceremonyandfollowingARMSBushdanceatthehistoricYarralumlaWoolshed.ARMSmembershavebeenable
togooutintotheruralcommunitiesofCooma,Yass,Bega,BoorowaandGoulburntogivehealthchecksattheannualagricultureshows.Additionally,ARMSandtheCanberraRuralAlliedHealthandNursingCollective(CRANC)havepaireduptovisitruralhighschoolsinCrookwell,Goulburn,Cooma,Jindabyne,Yass,BoorowaandYoung
ARMSstudentsparticipatedinaClosetheGapeventinCanberra.
WiradjuriEchoesperformedattheARMSClosetheGapevent. RuralHighSchoolVisit,Young,NSW
toteachstudentsinyears10to12abouttheoptionsofpursuingcareersinmedicine,nursing,andalliedhealth.MorehighschoolvisitsareplannedforBatemansBay,Broulee,Moruya,
Narooma,andBegainthecomingmonths.TheKarabarHighSchoolmentoring
programhasalsoprovidedYear11studentswithlong-termmentoringbyARMSmembers.Inaddition,ARMShostedIndigenousstudentsfromlocalHighSchoolsattheANUtolearnabouttheoptionsavailableatUniversityandalsointroducethemtothesciences.InadditiontoparticipatinginDeadly
Days,andtheNURHCconferencethisyear,ARMShasplanstoattendRuralAppreciationWeekend(RAW),hostanAcademicSpeakerNightforstudentsinterestedinruralpractice,andtakeadayouttogouptothesnowfortheARMSSkiTripatPerisher.
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AURHAAdelaideUniversity,SAe:[email protected]
AWAIRHLaTrobeUniversity,Wodonga,VICe:[email protected]
Hopefully,muchlikeAURHA,youhaveallhadagreatyearthusfar.Ouryearstartedoffbusilyasalways,meetingupwiththeotherSouthAustralianRHCsandorganisingourO-weekactivities.Theclubpresentedatquiteafewintroductorylecturesforfirstyears.Thisisagreatopportunitytospreadtheruralhealthwordandexcitepeopleaboutourupcomingactivities.Wehadexcellentparticipationfrommuchof
thecommitteemanningourstall,andmanagedtosignupadecentnumberofnewmembers.Ourfirstrealeventfortheyearwas
ourwelcomeBBQ,whichisalwayswellreceived.StudentsseemtobealittleinundatedwithfreethingsaroundO-week,butstillloveafreefeed,especiallyonthebanksoftheRiverTorrensintheAdelaideCBDwithgreatcompany.
AWAIRHbegantheyearwithaWelcomeBBQinMarchandparticipationinFace2Face,andhasfinishedtheyearwithaRuralHighSchoolVisit.Clubmembersandbroaderhealth
studentsfromLaTrobeWodonga
DinnerUndertheStars
AURHAteam
Thisyearwemovedourprincipalevent–AURHADinnerUndertheStars–earlierintheyear.Abitofanorganisationalnightmare,butoureventsteamoutdidthemselves,organisingafantasticeventthisyear.DinnerUndertheStarsisheldatamysterylocationeachyear,andwedressupnicely,hopinabusandheadouttoasemi-rurallocation.HerewedineandnetworkwithallthreeSARuralHealthclubs.Thisyearweinvitedourpastpresident
LucyCrawfordtospeakaboutherrecentexperiencesworkinginAboriginalcommunitiesinremoteNT.OurfirstRHSVthisyearwastotheEyre
Peninsula.Thecrewallhadagoodtime,thankstosomelocalconnections.Fromallreportsthevisitswerewellreceived.AURHA’syearendswithexcitementto
theend,withanotherRHSV,Campfire–SA’sruralhealthforumandtheWakikirriFestivalinCeduna.
campusjoinedinasurveytofindoutwhatmemberswantfromtheirclubtohelpshapethefutureofruralhealth.Theclubiscurrentlylookingtofillpositionsintheircommittee.ThemostrecentactivityforAWAIRH
hasbeenaRuralHighSchoolVisit.TwoAWAIRHmembersRachael
ElliottandMonikaWilsonspentavaluableafternoonprovidinghealthandcareersinformationtolocalstudentsatWodongaSeniorSecondaryCollege.
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BREAATHHEUniversityofNewcastle,NSWe:[email protected]
WowBREAATHHE–whatayear.Ourmembershavebeenincrediblybusy.WekickedofftheyearwithourO’Weekstall,completewithhaybales,akubrasandanapplecorer,whichwasahugehit.ThiswasfollowedcloselybyourOldTexasRanchthemedWelcomeEvent,whichwasattendedbymorethan100members.InAprilwesentadelegationof9
studentsdowntoCanberratotheClosingtheGapCeremony,whichwasorganisedsuperblybyARMS.ThisCeremonywasaneyeopenerforallinvolvedandafantasticopportunitytominglewithstudentsfromotherruralhealthclubs.InMayweranourannual
InterdisciplinarySkillsNightwithskillsstationsanddemonstrationsfromoccupationaltherapy,physiotherapy,medicine,podiatryandtheNSWambulanceservice.Studentsenjoyedpracticingtheirsuturingskills,puttingplastercastsandchallengingoneanothertoourwheelchairobstacleraces.IntheRuralHighSchoolVisitinitiative
BREAATHHEsentsomemembersto
alocalHighSchoolsCareersExpoinMaitland,NSW.Thiswasabrilliantopportunitytospeaktoover500highschoolstudentsfromallovertheHunterregionandpromotethebenefitsofstudyingahealthcourseatuniversityandworkingrurallyinthefuture.
Asabenefittoourmembers,BREAATHHEranmultipleFirstAidCoursesatadiscountedrateoverSemester1.Thesewerewellreceivedbymembersandfilledupquickly.WehaverunaBondedMedical
StudentsmeetandgreetlunchaswellasaJohnFlynnRuralPlacementInfoNight.Wewerealsoveryproudtosendtwo
ofourstudentsontheNorthernTerritoryRuralHighSchoolVisit.Bothourmemberscamebackwithglowingreviewsandsomegreatfriendshipsandmemoriestoshare.Mostrecently,severalofourmembers
attendedtheNURCH2012inCreswick,Victoria.Themotivation,inspirationandenthusiasmthathascameoutofthisconferencehasalreadyhadprovenresultsforourclub,withmanynewideasandeventsalreadyinthepipelineforthenext6months.Wearegreatlyanticipatingthelaunch
ofournewandexcitinginteractiveBlackboardpage,whichshouldseeajumpinmembershipacrossallhealthdisciplinesandgreatereaseincommunicationwithourmembers.Allinall,ithasbeenalivelyyear,which
hasseenmanygettinginvolvedandbuildingenthusiasmwithintheclubthatissettocontinuetotheendof2012.
TexasRanchthemedWelcomeEvent.
BREAATHHEmembersatClosetheGapeventinCanberra.
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BUSHFIREBondUniversity,QLDe:[email protected]
BUSHFIRE(BondUniversitySocietyofHealthforIndigenousandRuralExperience)hasbeenverybusythislastsemesterwiththeelectionofanewExecutive.DevelopmentofnewportfolioswithintheCommitteehasreturnedasignificantincreaseingeneralmembership,makingme(AmaniSavy)excitedandhonouredtobethenewPresident.OurnewVicePresident,Angela
Vico,togetherwithourIndigenousRepresentative,AnaMarieCardon,havebeenbusyplanningsomeamazingevents.TheireffortsthissemesterhaduscelebratingNAIDOCweekwithourinauguralIndigenousNight,includingagreatguestspeakerandbushtuckerfordinner,includingcrocodileandkangaroo.MelissaPrang,ourresidentshutterbugandPublicationsOfficer,tookphotosofthenightwhichshepublishedonthewebsite,butnotbeforeshe’dredesignedit.Checkoutgobushfire.org.autowitnessMelissa’sskillwithacameraandacomputer.OurnewclinicalskillsofficerisShelly
Leeandshe’shelpedorganiseamuchappreciatedandwell-attendedCPRrefresherforourmedicalstudents.She
alsohelpedorganiseaverypopularsuturingnightforthefirstyearstudents.KudosmustgotoourTreasurer,EricMorrison,andSocialDirector,BrianNg,forgettingthecateringtogetherandhelpingensureallfirstyearstudentshadagreattime.
BUSHFIREmemberslearnhowtosuture.
BUSHFIREmembersatClinicalSkillsNight.
BUSHFIRE’smeetingshavedoubledinsizesincethenewCommitteehastakenover.TakingminutesisabigjobforYinLin,ournewsecretary,buttheyhavebeengreatingettingusorganisedsothatwecanrunmoreevents.BUSHFIREmembershavethusfar
attendedtheRuralDoctorsAssociationQueenslandConference,NURHCandtheQLDJRHCW(JointRuralHealthClubWeekend)inStanthorpe.DamanPasricha,ournewJRHCOrganiser,ishelpingtoplanthenextJRHCW,whichwillbeinEmerald.BUSHFIREhasalsosentstudents
offcampustootherruralawarenesseventsincludingflyingNorthtocatchupwithourRHINOfriendsattheirGalaBall.OthereventsincludeaRHSVtoStGeorgeandsurroundingareasinSouthWestQueenslandwithDebbieBassett,ourRHSVCo-ordinatorandsixstudents.It’sbeenaproductiveyearsofar
cappedoffwithaFace2Facemeeting.Wewillusethenew-foundknowledgefromnetworkingwithotherRHC’stomakeBUSHFIREamoresuccessfulclub.CatchyouinthenextCooee!
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CARAHCharlesDarwinUni,NTinassocwithFlindersUni,SAe:[email protected]
KRASHing through the STARRHs to see CARAH, 13-16th July 2012IrecentlyhadtheopportunitytovisitAliceSpringsforaruralhealthconferenceorganisedbyCARAHRuralHealthClubandRuralHealthWorkforce.IwouldneverhavebeenabletoexperiencetheNorthernTerritoryonmyownaccord;hencebeingchosentoattendthisconferencehasdefinitelymadeadreamcometrue.Therewereatotalof27delegatesfrom
universitiesalloverAustraliaofdifferenthealthcourses,comingtogetheratthecentreofAustralia.ItwassuchagreatopportunityformetomeetnewfriendswhosharethesamepassionandbeingabletoholdmeaningfulconversationsontheissuessurroundingruralandIndigenoushealth.Hearingfromstudentsfromadifferenthealthfocus(i.e.Nursing,AlliedHealth&Medicine)haswidenedmyperspectiveofhealthdeliveryandhasfurtherstrengthenedmyviewontheimportanceofamultidisciplinaryteamapproachinruralhealth.Wehadthepleasureofhearingfrom
professionalsinthefield,whoareveryexperiencedandenthusiasticintheirroleinAliceSpringsanditssurroundings.DrAmeetaPatel,DrClareJarvisandDrSamGoodwinwhoareGPs,andDrDebbieFearon,aconsultantpaediatricianofAliceSpringsHospital,generouslyofferedtheirtimetosharetheirexperiencesofpracticingmedicineinaruralandIndigenoushealthcontext.Itwasveryexcitingtobetoldofthebroadanddiverseaspectsofruralmedicine,andtheopportunitiesthatexistinruralhealth.Iwaspleasedtofindoutthatourdoctorswhoworktirelesslyintheseareasofworkforceshortagesareverywellsupportedandhaveexpressedtheirintentincontinuingtheirgreatworkintheseareas.WewerealsoveryfortunatetohearfromCollenNiland(chiefpharmacist),CarolTaylor(CEOofCRANAplus),KarenHarris(DirectorofRehabilitationandAlliedHealthAliceSpringsHospital,OccupationalTherapist)andDianaCarli-Seebohm(WorkforceProgramsOfficer,NTHealthWorkforce).Theiroverflowingzealandpassionforclosingthegapinhealthdisparitieshasdefinitelypassedondowntoallofus.Apartfromtheacademiccomponent
ofthisconference,atripwasorganisedtotheAliceSpringsCamelCupRaces.Wegottoseecamelsracingdownatrackorveeroffitcompletelytotheabsolutehorroroftheirhandlers.Itwasanafternoonfilledwithlaughterandprovideduswitharelaxedenvironmenttogettoknoweachother.Beingtheenthusiasticbunch,wegroupedfourteamstoparticipateintheirRickshawRaceandtwoofourteamscameinsecondintwoseparateleagues.OurbeautifulladiestookpartintheMsCamelCupcompetitionaswellbutalas,theylosttoa60-year-oldgrannydressedtokill.SimonReid(NRHSNCo-Chair)tookprideinbringinghomethetitleofMrCamelCup2012dressedwithacamelplushtoyaroundhiswaist.Itwassheergoodfun.WewerealsogiventheopportunitytovisittheDesertPark,andgainedmuchinsightonAboriginalArt,Indigenousplantsanddesertanimals,muchthankstoparkranger,Doug.Itwasaveryfruitfulandmemorable
tripforme,andIhavedefinitelylearntalotfromthespeakersandfromthedelegates.ThisopportunitywouldnothavebeenpossiblewithoutthegeneroussupportofRHW.AspecialthankyoutoLindaMcCaffrey,andRachelDrummondfromRHWandDianaCarli-SeebohmfromNTHealthWorkforce.ThiseventhasdefinitelyenrichedmyexperienceandpassionforruralandIndigenoushealth.By David Khoo, NOMAD
MembersfromRuralHealthClubsaroundAustraliavisitedAliceSpringsforaCARAHclubeventandthelocalCamelCup.Seeaboverightandbelow.
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CRANCUniversityofCanberra,ACTe:[email protected]
ThisyearhasbeenbyfaroneofthebestCRANChasseen!WiththepassionandenthusiasmofallcommittedexecutivemembersrubbingoffonthehealthstudentsattheUniversityofCanberrawehavehadahugeboostinmembershipnumbers.Westartedtheyearwithsome
casualbutverysuccessfulmeetandgreetevents,suchasourEasterEggHuntandMascotsnameday.WehavesincerunaRemoteEmergencyCourseandMaternityEmergencyCarecoursethroughCRANAplus;aMentalHealthFirstAidcourse;attendedVibeAliveinBendigo;ranastallattheCalvaryHospitalOpenDay,butthebestisyettocome.CRANCisalsoveryexcitedtobecollaboratingwithARMSinsomeeventsthisyearandinfutureyears.CRANCwasalsorepresentedatthe
NorthernTerritoryRuralHighSchoolVisitrunbyNTHealthWorkforce.
ThirdyearPsychologystudent,GemmaAltingerwasfacedwiththechallengeofturningPsychologyintoahandson,interactiveactivitytoengagestudentsfromruralandremoteNorthernTerritory.Thedamagingimpactofalcoholconsumptiononadevelopingbrainwasexploredwithplaydohmodelsofthebrain.Studentswerekeentolearnaboutthechangingbrainandgethandsonwiththeirmodelbrains.Withsuchasuccessfulyearsofar,
wewouldliketothankeveryonewhohashelpedmakeCRANCwhatitistoday.CongratulationstoGabrielleWeidnerandGemmaAltingerwhohavebothbeenofferedpositionsintheDepartmentofHealthandAgeingGraduateDevelopmentProgramfor2013;proofthatRuralHealthClubsofferexperiencewhichsetsyouapartfromothergraduates.
NickHughes,firstyearnursingstudentatCalvaryHospitalOpenDay.
KRASHUniversityofNotreDame,Broome,WAe:[email protected]
WehavefoundourselvesverybusyatKRASH.OurmembershavehadanumberofgreatopportunitiestogetinvolvedintheactivitiesoftheclubinourfantasticKimberleyregion.JulysawushostKatherineHumphreysandHamishWatkinsfromWAALHIIBEandAmyBennettfromSPINRPHEXalongwithsevenKRASHmembersforourinauguralEastKimberleyRuralHighSchoolVisitTrip.ThefourdaytripsawusconductRHSVsatbothFitzroyDistrictHighSchoolandHallsCreekHighSchool.BothschoolsserviceveryremoteareasoftheFitzroyValleyandEastKimberley.Thelaughteroftheschoolstudentsaboutthesoundof‘guts’andsomeinterestingplacementsofGus’sbodypartshadalltheteamswellingwithprideoveravery
EllenPiesse(lefttoright),JulesGalliers,HamishWatkins(WAALHIIBE),BrittanyDellaBoscaandRosieMilnetravelledtotheEastKimberleyforaRuralHigh
SchoolVisittrip.
successfulweekofRHSVs.ThesixhourdrivebackfromHallsCreektoBroomewasawholedifferentstory.AlongwiththiseventKRASHwas
luckyenoughtosendRosieMilneandLauraNeelingtothecombinedruralhealthclubeventinAliceSprings.Laurasaidtheeventwas‘aneyeopeningexperience’hearingfromlocalhealthprofessionalssuchasapharmacist,doctor,Aboriginalhealthcareworkersandaremoteareanurse.Itprovidedanopportunitytolearnaboutruralandremotehealthservices,balancingfamilylife,andtheindividualjourneyofhealthprofessionalsontheirpathtoworkinAliceSprings.WewrappedupbysendingMorika
West,DonMain,ByronManningandJulesGallierstoNURHC.
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FURHSFlindersUniversity,SAe:[email protected]
FURHShasmadeafantasticstartto2012anditbeganwithO-WeekcelebrationsinFebruary.Atourkick-offBBQ,over150studentsweretreatedtoagourmetBBQthathighlightedarangeofproducefromcountrySouthAustralia,includinggourmetsausages,freshcountrybakedbread,saladsandhomemadesconeswithfreshcreamandjam.Theyalsoreceivedgoodie-bagscontainingFURHSandNRHSNmerchandise.InadditiontotheBBQ,over1000studentsreceivedabriefpresentationaboutwhoFURHSare,whatwedoandwhyruralhealthissuchanexcitingcareerpath.Webegantheyearwith300membersandover80%weremedicalstudents.Atthepresentmomentwehaveover700membersandmorethan50%arealliedhealthstudents.Indigenous HealthInEarlyFebruary,FURHSfunded8studentstoattendweeklyPitjantjatjaralanguagecourses,whichwillrununtiltheendoftheyear.PitjantjatjaraisanAboriginallanguagefromCentralAustraliaandfeedbackfromstudentsattendingthesessionshasbeenverypositive.InApril,FURHSsenttwostudents
onthe‘BringingCulturesTogether’triptotheAPYlandsinnorthernSouthAustralia.ThisprovidedstudentswithanexcellentopportunitytoexperienceAboriginalculturefirsthand.Ontheweeklongtrip,attendeesvisitedAboriginalcommunities,participatedintraditionalculturalactivities,touredlocalhealthfacilitiesandcampedunderthestars.Tocoincidewithnational‘Close
theGapDay’inMarch,FURHSheldaseminarwithafternoonteafeaturingtwoinspirationalspeakerswhohadextensiveexperienceworkinginAboriginalandTorresStraitIslanderhealth.Over100studentsattendedaswellasacademicstaff,healthworkersfromtheAboriginalhealthclinicatFlindersMedicalCentreandvariousotherstakeholders.Itwasgreattobemotivatedbyhealthprofessionalswhohadapassionfor
improvingthehealthoutcomesofIndigenousAustralians.RFDSThroughourcloseassociationwiththeRDWA(RuralDoctorsWorkforceAgency),wewereabletoprovide9medicaland9nursingstudentswiththeopportunitytoexperienceadayflyingwiththeRoyalFlyingDoctorService(RFDS)betweenMarchandAugust.ThisisafantasticwaytowitnessfirsthandtheimportantrolethattheRFDSplayinruralandremotehealthcare.Wearecurrentlyintheprocessofselectinganother26studentsforthisamazingopportunity(Seepictureonpage19).Quorn TripInMay,FURHSsent11medicalstudentsontheannualRDWA‘QuornClinicalSkillsWeekend’intheFlindersRanges,alongwitheightmedicalstudentsfromAdelaideUniversity.Itwasafantasticeye-openerofhowexcitingandrewardingacareerinruralhealthcanbe.Thetwodayswerefullofclinicalskillsessions,four-wheeldriving,hikingandnetworkingwithlocaldoctorsandothermedicalstudents(Seepictureonpage19).Wilderness Health InMarch,FURHSheldtheirbiggesteventoftheyear,our‘WildernessHealthNight’,whichwasattendedby80members.Theeveningcomprisedofalivesnakedemonstrationfeaturingover15differentspeciesofsnakes,dinnerandawildernessfirstaidsession.Theaimofthenightwastoteachstudentsvitalskillsrequiredtosavealifeinemergencysituationswhenmedicalhelpmaynotalwaysbereadilyavailable.Rural High School VisitsInconjunctionwiththeNTHealthWorkforce,FURHSsenttwostudentsontheannualNTruralhighschoolvisits.ThefirsttripvisitedseveralschoolsaroundAliceSpringsandTennantCreek,whilethesecondtripfocusedonschoolsaroundDarwin,KatherineandNhulunbuy.InMay,weconductedourown
ruralhighschoolvisittoMannum.Wereceivedaverypositiveresponsefrombothstudentsandteachers,which
demonstratedhowbeneficialthevisitsare.OurnextruralhighschoolvisitwastothelowerFlindersRangesinSeptember,followedbysendingtwostudentsontheROUSTAHruralhighschoolvisittoCooperPedy,MarreeandRoxbyDowns.Beyond BordersInJulyallthemedicalstudentsocietiesatFlinderscametogethertofacilitatetheallday‘BeyondBorders’event.Theaimwastoexposethe120studentswhoattendedtotheexcitingmedicalcareerpathsavailableoutsideofmajormetropolitanareas.Wehadanumberofinspiringspeakersinthemorning,whosharedtheirexperiencesofworkinginruralAustraliaanddevelopingcountries.Theafternoonconsistedofanumberofclinicalskillsessionsincludingmoleexcision,radiology,publichealthmedicine,anemergencymedicinechallengeandglovingandgowning.Winter WarmerInJuly,FURHSheldtheir‘WinterWarmer’lunchtimeeventtohelpcelebrate2012beingthe‘AustralianYearoftheFarmer’.Foragold-coindonationover140studentsreceivedhomemadesoup,crustybreadrolls,teaandcoffee.Allproceedsweredonatedtothe‘AustralianYearoftheFarmerFederation’.New LogoInJuneFURHSwereveryexcitedtorevealournewlogo,whichwedesignedinconjunctionwithanartistfromSouthAustralia’sRiverlandregion.Wearecurrentlyintheprocessofpurchasingnewshirts,jumpersandothermerchandisewiththenewlogoonthem.Still to comeThisisjustpartofthefantastic
yearthatFURHShasexperienced.Westillhaveplentyofexcitingeventstocome.TheseincludeanotherroundofRFDSflights,theannualtri-club‘Campfire’weekendontheYorkePeninsulaandtheRDWAObstetricsweekendinMt.Gambier.
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HOPE4HEALTHGriffithUniversity,QLDe:[email protected]
2012hasbeenastellaryearfortheHOPE4HEALTH’sRuralandIndigenousPortfolios.Undertheguidanceofourcoordinatorswehavecontinuedtoexpandthenumberofopportunitiesandexperiencesofferedtoourmembers.Thisyearwehavetakenover120medicine,dentistryandalliedhealthstudentsawayfromthecomfortsofthecoasttoruralQueensland.WhilstmaintainingourbiannualGundy
MedandDentRuralSkillsweekends,weaddedtripstoKingaroyandRoma.TheKingaroyexpeditiontargeted2ndyearmedicalstudentsinspiringthemtopartakeintheRuralLongLookProgramwhilsttheRomavoyageensuredmedicalandnursingstudentsexperiencedthenaturalattributesofWesternQueenslandandthehealthcareersavailable.TheRuralHighSchoolVisitssawus
traveltoQueensland’scattlecountryaroundRockhamptonandCunnamulla.
TheIndigenousPortfolio,inconjunctionwithourdentalstudents,hascontinuedtomaintainastrongandvaluedpresencewithintheIndigenouscommunityofCherbourgviaourdentalclinicsandTeddyBearHospitalProgram.HOPE4HEALTHhascontinuedits
stronginterclubcollaborationwith350studentsattendingtheannualMidnightMusterwhilsttheJointRuralHealthClubWeekend,RuralMedicineGala,GORuralSkillsDayandtheRuralDoctorsAssociationofQueenslandConferenceensuredstrongrelationshipswereformedbetweenmembersoftheQueenslandclubs.Theportfoliosarestartingtowind
down,buttheremainderoftheyearisstilljampackedwiththeStanthorpeNetworkingattheRacesWeekend,DeadlyDaysFestivalandtheinauguralSoutheastQueenslandIndigenousConference.
Amassivethankyouandcongratulationsisinorderfor2012HOPE4HEALTHexecutive.Withouttheirhardworkanddedicationmanyoftheopportunitiesandexperiencesopentoourmemberswouldnothavebeenpossible.IwouldalsoliketothanktheNRHSNandtheHOPE4HEALTHfamilyfortheircontinuedsupportofourinitiativesaimedatimprovinghealthoutcomesinruralandremoteAustralia.
HOPE4HEALTHmembershikeinGirraweenNationalParkattheJointRuralHealthClubWeekend.
TakingabreatheronthewaytoaRuralHighSchoolsVisitinRockhampton.
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LARHCLaTrobeUniversity,Bendigo,VICe:[email protected]
2012hasbeenabusyyearforLARHC!Wekickedofftheyearwelcomingover100newmembersinO-Week,andcelebratedbyputtingonafreeBBQforourmembers.Allmemberswererewardedwithawelcomeshow-bagincludingLARHCmerchandise.Higher,faster,stronger!Ourfirstsocial
eventwasanOlympic-themedcocktailpartywhichwasafunnight.Winnersofthe‘BestDressed’competitionreceivedareplicaOlympicmedalandphotoshootonthepodiumfortheirefforts.TorecogniseNationalClosetheGapDay,
LARHCjoinedforceswiththepharmacystudentassociationtoraiseawarenessofthiscampaign.StudentswereabletosignthepetitiontoshowtheirsupportforthiscausewhilstenjoyingtheproduceofagoodAussieBBQ.LARHCisproudtohavefacilitated
afantasticeducationeventwherewewerethrilledtohostDrAshrafTakla,oneoftheRHW’s(RuralHealthWorkforce)RuralHealthChampions.Hegaveourmembersagreatinsightto
thebenefitsofruralpractice.WealsoranaRuralHighSchoolVisitatCrusoeCollege,Bendigoandweweregladtoclearupsome‘common’mythseghospitalityisnotahealthprofession.Asaclubwewereexcitedto
participateineventsrunbyotherRHC’s,includingARMS’‘ClosetheGap’weekendinCanberra,TopEndRHSVandWILDFIRE’sfundraisingtrivianight.Wehopetocontinuetoparticipateineventswithotherclubs,particularlythe‘TeddyBearHospital’programwithWILDFIRE.LARHC’sendofyearplansconsistof
moreRHSVs,VibeAlive,MentalHealthandLevel2FirstAidcoursesandmoreBBQ’s.Finally,congratulationstoourLARHC
memberKaraHazelmanforwinningoneoftwoinauguralGive Them Wings Scholarships. ThiswasajointinitiativebetweenRHWandRoyalFlyingDoctorsService. Thanksforallthesupportfrom
membersandourwonderfulcommittee.
TaniClarkeatClubsandSociety’sDaysigningupmembersduringO-week2012.
LARHCandBAPS(BendigoAssociationofPharmacyStudents)CommitteesatNationalCloseTheGapdayBBQinMarch,2012.
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MARHSCharlesSturtUniversity,Albury,NSWe:[email protected]
MIRAGEUniversityofSydney,NSWe:[email protected]
MARHShasbeenbusyandwe’renotfinishedyet.Afterrecruitingaround70newmembersduringO’Weekcelebrationsatthestartoftheyear,wewerestraightintospreadingtheruralmessagewithapresentationtoabout150highschoolstudentsaboutthebenefitsofchoosingahealthcareerandwhatlifeataregionaluniversityislike.MARHSmembershaveensuredwe
werewellrepresentedatinterclubeventswithdelegatesattendingtheMarchandSeptemberFace2Face,WARRIAHShighschoolfestival,ARMSCloseTheGapCeremonyandtheNorthernTerritory‘KrashingthroughtheStarrhstoseeCarah’event.
WehadonesuccessfulapplicanttotheNorthernTerritoryRHSVtoAliceSpringsandwereluckyenoughtosendfourrepresentativestotheTownsvilleVibeAliveIndigenousFestival.Ourclubparticipantsreturnedfromthiseventamazedattheenergyandenjoymentthekidshadinspired.NURHCwasaninspiringexperiencefor
twoluckymembers,bothattendingtheirfirstconference.Thehighlightofourcalendaris
ourannualClosetheGapCeremonyandauthenticBushBashBallheldinSeptember,withsomefantasticspeakers.WeaimtoincreaseawarenesssurroundingissuesofIndigenoushealth
andinspirepeopletobecomeinvolvedinanywaytheycan.Bigthankstothisyear’sclubexecutive
committeefortheirhardworkorganisingthesefabulousopportunitiestoencourageourmemberstogiveruralago.
MIRAGEhashadanexcellentyearsofar.WekickedoffwithabigWelcomeDrinksevent,wherestudentsfromavarietyofdisciplinesgatheredtomingleandfindoutwhatMIRAGEhastooffer.OurRuralScholarshipsNightfollowedshortlyafter,whichpromotedthemessageof‘goingrural’tomanyofournewrecruits.Wealsoco-hostedaClosetheGapBBQinMarch,whichgotmanystudentsinvolvedinthecampaignandprovidedachancetonetworkwithpeoplepassionateaboutmakingchangeinATSIhealth.TheannualMessageStickseventallowedstudentstosharetheirexperiencesfromplacementsinIndigenouscommunities,withtheaimofencouragingtheirpeerstoembarkonsimilarendeavoursoutsidetheircomfortzones.DuringReconciliationWeek,MIRAGEheld
afilmscreeningofOurGeneration.DrJeffMcMullen(AM),AssociateProducerofthedocumentary,madeapresentationafterthefilm.Heisdedicatedtoimprovingthehealth,educationandhumanrightsofIndigenousAustralians.DrMcMullenwasabletoshedlightonhowwecancontributetoachievingthisasfuturehealthprofessionals.
ContinuingonthequestofraisingtheprofileofIndigenousHealthatSydneyUniversity,MIRAGEpavedthewaywithourfirstCulturalAwarenessDay.SpeakersfortheprogramincludedtwoAboriginaleldersandaremoteareanurse,whosharedtheirknowledgeandexperiences.TheyprovidedvaluableinsightintotheStolenGenerationanditsongoingimpactsonmodernsocietyaswellasanunderstandingofAboriginalcultureandpracticaladviceforworkingwithIndigenouspatients.Thedayconcludedwithanexpertpanelandfinallyopen,frankdiscussionsessionwhichwasverystimulatingwithquestionsflyingfastandfurious.SomesaiditwasoneofthebestexperiencesinIndigenoushealththeyhadhadwhilststudying.WehopetocontinuethisnoveleventintheyearstocomeandmakeitaMIRAGEtradition.Mostrecently,MIRAGEheldtheannual
IndigenousHealthForumwhichattractedstudentsandprofessionalsfromvariousfieldsandevensomedistantlocations.OurkeynotespeakerwasDrTomCalma,ahighprofileAboriginalelderandformerATSISocialJusticeCommissionerandFounder
ofClosetheGapSteeringCommittee.Otherinspiringspeakersincluded:DrKelvinKong,AboriginalSurgeon;DrPaulTorzillo,MedicalDirectorofNganampaHealthCouncil;NoelButler,IndigenousElderandtraditionalcustodianoftheBudawangpeopleoftheYuinCountry;DrSandraMeihubers,DentalConsultantwithmanyyear’sexperienceinAboriginalcommunities;andJustinCain-Bloxsome,theNRHSN’sownIndigenousHealthPortfolioRepresentativeandIAHAStudentMember.Wehavebeenluckytohavesomevery
motivatedindividualsandagreatteamworkingtogethertoputonarangeofsuccessfuleventsforourgrowinggroupofinterestedstudents.Aboveisjustasnippetofourannualprogram.Totopitoff,wefinishtheyearwithourRuralHealthNight,theWauchopeDeadlyDaysFestivalandournextRHSVtoWilcannia.
AmyHoitink(l-r),JessShort,MelissaMcKinnonandCarolMudfordin
TownsvilleforVibeAlive
TeamMIRAGE
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NOMADDeakinUniversity,VICe:[email protected]
NERCHAUniversityofNewEngland,NSWe:[email protected]
Whatayear2012hasbeenforNERCHA.TheUniversityofNewEngland’sRuralHealthClubisextremelyproudofitsexecutivecommitteeandhundredsofmembers.Fullofexcitingeventsandedge-of-your-seatconferences,wehaveputourcompletetrustintothefutureprofessionalsthatwillbeinvolvedinruralhealth.Ouryearstartedoffwithafantastic
OweekstallwherewegarneredalotofinterestinNERCHAfromnewhealthstudents.Followingthis,weheldaverysuccessfulClosetheGapevent.Withpetitionsigning,cupcakedecoratingandabigbannercoveredinhandprintsofmemberstheyearwasofftoagreatstart.OurfirstRuralHighSchoolVisitforthe
yearwasinTamworth(NSW)atPeelHighSchool.WehadthebestgroupofpeopleconductingthevisitaswehadalmosteveryhealthdegreethatisavailableatUNEpresent–fromSocialWork,Nursing,Pharmacy,MedicineandPsychology.WewerealsofeaturedintheTamworthlocal
newspaperaswellasbeinginterviewedonABCradio.InAprilweheldourbiggesteventof
theyear–theinauguralNERCHARuralHealthEvening.Ahugeeffortwasputintoorganisingthisanditwasincrediblysuccessful.TheeveningfeaturedfiveprominenthealthprofessionalsfromtheArmidalecommunitywhospokeabouttheirexperiencesinruralareas.Wehadgreatresponsesfromstudents,theguestspeakersandfromUniversitystaffandhopetomakeitanannualeventinthefuture.InJuly,oneofourmemberswaschosen
toattendtheRuralHealthConferenceinAliceSpringswith28otherruralhealthclubmembersfromaroundAustralia.Initiallywonderingwhyonearthanyonewouldlivethere,shewasintriguedafterlisteningtotheguestspeakerswhospokeaboutalltheincredibleeventsthatoccurandopportunitiesavailabletohealthprofessionalsinremoteareas.Theyareendless.
ThiswasfollowedinAugustbytheannualandultimateruraleventinGunnedah,NSW.AgQuipisanannualeventwhichisfarmers’heaven.Fromtractorstoskinproducts,it’severythingandanythingyoucouldeverneedonafarm.ThisisaperfectopportunityforNERCHAtotacklesomeissuesthatmaybeaffectingruralpeople.Wehad15NERCHAmembersattendoverthethreedayevent.TheyearisnotoveryetforNERCHA,
we’reallfiredupformorehighschoolvisits,acollaborativeeventwithotherruralhealthclubs,ourAGMandanendofyearcelebration.Wecan’twaitfortherestoftheyear.
NOMADisenjoyinganactiveandfruitfulyear,focussingoneventswhichbringhealthstudentstogetherinlocationswhichhighlightthebeautyanddiversityoftheGeelongregionandSurfCoast.Weareenjoyingathrivingmembershipandoureventshavebeenverywellattendedandenjoyed.Ourvibrantsubcommitteeshavecontinued,asinpreviousyears,toorganiseTeddyBearHospitalsatlocalprimaryschools,andRuralHighSchoolVisitswhichencourageandprovideinformationtoprospectivehealthstudents.Thosewhohaveattendedsucheventshavefoundthemgreatfunandveryrewarding.Theyear’shighlightssofarhave
includedtheannualBarefootBowlsnightatTorquaytowelcomenewmembers,whichwasblessedwithlovelyautumnal
weatherandsomeexpertguidancefromdenizensoftheClub.WewerealsoexcitedtoholdourinauguralWineTourthroughtheBellarinePeninsula,whichwasagreatsuccessandanexcellentwaytouniteoursocialisingwithbroaderdiscussionsonruralhealthamidasplendidlandscape.InthiswewereluckytobejoinedbyDrPieterMourik,agreatexponentoftheopportunitiesandrewardsofpractisingmedicineinruralareas.OurothermajoroccasionistheDinner
DiscussionNightheldontheBarwonRiveratFyansford,inSeptember.Theeventprovidesaline-upofexcellentspeakers,presentingonavarietyoftopicsinruralhealth.Laterintheyear,weheadto
CamperdownforanObjectiveStructuredClinicalExaminationskills
weekend,forwhichwearegratefultothelocalMedicalClinicandstaffforaccommodatingus.NOMADmemberswillalsobeattendingarangeofconferencesandremoteplacementsinthecomingmonths,andwelookforwardtohearingtheirreports.Asalways,theclubisenrichedbyinsightsgainedbyourmembersfromsuchexperiences.Welookforwardtothestimulating
programcontinuingtotheendoftheyear.
NOMADstudentsexperiencedthebestoftheBellarineregionwithatourandspeakereventinApril.
TamworthRuralHighSchoolVisit
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OUTLOOKUniversityofMelbourne,VICe:[email protected]
RAHMSUniversityofNewSouthWales,NSWe:[email protected]
RAHMShailedtheNewYearwithasocialeventwherewesawanincreaseinthealliedhealthattendanceparticularlyfromoptometry.Thiswasagreatachievementforbothouralliedhealthvicepresidentandoptometryrepresentative.Inadditiontothis,webroadenedthefocusofourclinicalskillsnightstoincorporatealliedhealthcomponentssuchasanoptometrystation.Encouragingly,thiswasmetwithhugedemand.OurteamalsoranaclinicalskillsworkshopattheannualmedcampinadditiontohostingaBondedsupportprogram/JohnFlynnscholarshipinformationnight,whichprovidedanidealopportunityforstudentspeakerstosharetheirknowledgeandexperiences.Inanattempttoreconnectwith
studentsonruralplacement,weheldabarbequeforthosewhowereinSydneyforAnatomyweek.ThisalsocoincidedwiththeIndigenousWinterSchoolforhighschoolstudentshopingtopursuetertiarystudiesatUNSWthusallowingustogiveadvicetoanywishingtopursueacareerinahealthprofession.OurRuralHighSchoolVisithasalsoservedthesamepurposewithmembersfromoneofourruralcampusesgovisitvarioushighschoolsaroundtheLismorearea.Thisyearhasseenmanychanges
forRAHMSespeciallyintermsofcommunicatingeffectivelyandregularlytoourmembers.Wehavebeendiligentaboutproducingaregularfortnightlynewsletter,madeconsistentFacebookupdatesaswell
asupdatingthewebsite.Butbyfarthemostprofoundwasthewelcomingofourveryownrammascottotheteam.Thisisreflectedinourmembershipincreasefrom463inMarchto592!Ourplansforthefutureincludea
combinedruralsocialeventcollaboratingwithothersocietiesoncampus,wherewehopetoencourageotherstudentstobecomemembers.WearestillplanningournextRHSVandclinicalskillsnightaswellasRAW(RuralAppreciationWeekend)overtheOctoberlongweekend.
OUTLOOKmembersattendedaworkshopamongthehugevarietyof
eventsthroughouttheyear.
MostMelbourniteswouldbeaccustomedtospendingtheirFridayafternoonsandeveningssippingonglamorouscocktailsandexpertlypouredbeersattheirfavouritecityhotspot.IfyouaskedagroupofMelbournemedicalstudentswhatPleasantFridayAfternoon,frequentlyshortenedtoPFA,meanttothem,vaguememoriesofDJ-fuelleddancingandcrowdingaroundthebarwouldprobablycometomind.InMarch,theOUTLOOKgroupthought
itwastimetoshakethingsupalittleonceagainandpromoteourgroupwitharuralflaretothePFA.NotjustyouraveragepleasantFriday,thosegameenoughpooledontoabusthattookthemtodistantlandsunknown–thatistoahumbleKynetonfarm–tojoinfellowOUTLOOKmedicalandalliedhealthmembersinamemorablenightofgoodol’fashionedsnagsontheBBQ,home-madepunchandanimpressivebonfire.WhilemostpeoplelookuponaFridaynightandseethegrimyroofofabar,wewereabletolookupintothemoonandstars,nottaintedbythecitysmog.Itwastheseauthenticaspectsthat
madetheOUTLOOKPFAuniqueandonetorememberandintheprocessshowingpeoplewhatthecountryhastooffer,somethingthatisinvaluabletoushereatOUTLOOK.Totopofftheevent,allproceedsweredonatedtotheCountryFireAuthoritysothatourruralgroupcancontributewhatwecantoacausethathasworkedhardandgivensomuchtothepeopleofVictoria.ItwasawelcomebonusthatwecouldhaveamostdefinitePleasantFridayAfternoonintheprocess.Preparationsbeganearlyfortheclub.
Beforethenittygrittyoftheunisemesterstarted,OUTLOOKmemberswereoutandaboutamongstthehustleandbustleofO-WeektakingtheopportunitytoattendorientationeventsandBBQsandplanttheideaofjoiningOUTLOOKinthemindsofhealthstudentsasearlyaspossible.LateFebruarybroughtustheJohnFlynnInformationNightwhereby,togetherwithGPSNandthankstothehelpofACRRM,attendeeswereabletohearfromenlighteningspeakersanddiscusstheprosandconsoftheJohnFlynnprogramand
likemosteventsdrewinthestudentswithsomedeliciousfood.Thelatermonthssawarewarding
opportunityforOUTLOOKmemberstoengagewiththecommunityandmingleamongstdifferenthealthprofessionswiththeRuralHealthCareersdayinWangaratta,inthehopeofinspiringandencouraginglocalhighschoolstudentstoconsiderpursuinghealth-relatedcareers.It’salwaysrewardingtothinkthatyoumayinspireyoungschoolstudentsoratleastengagewiththeminapositiveway.WealsoprovidedtheopportunityforOUTLOOKmemberstoattendIndigenousandYouthMentalHealthFirstAidCourses.Venturingtowardstheendoftheyear,
thereisstillalothappeningfortheclub.
RAHMSmembersenjoytheanatomyweekBBQ.
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RHUUWSUniversityofWesternSydney,NSWe:[email protected]
RHINOJamesCookUniversity,QLDe:[email protected]
RuralHealthintheOutback(RHINO)istheRuralHealthClubatJamesCookUniversity,QLD.ClubRHINOhashadaveryexcitingandsuccessful2012.BothCairnsandTownsvillecommitteemembershaveworkedtirelesslytoensurethisyearwouldbeonetoremember.RHINOcommencedtheacademicyearbyorganisingO’Weekactivities,promotingruralhealthandencouragingstudentstoparticipateinfutureRHINOevents;andparticipatetheydid.Townsville’shugelysuccessfulMulti-DisciplinaryClinicalSkillsNightheldinMarchwasgreetedwithanoverwhelmingresponsefromstudents.Participantsrotatedbetweenmedical,speechpathology,physiotherapyandoccupationaltherapystations.Meanwhile,agroupoffivepassionateRHINOmemberstouredtheAthertonTablelandstoconductourSemesterOneRuralHighSchoolVisits.HighschoolsinFarNorthQueenslandprovidedfeedbackacknowledgingtheleadershipandenthusiasmofourRHINOrepresentatives.RHINOisalsoproudofitsinvolvementatthisyear’sVibeAliveFestivalinTownsville.Augustwasundoubtedlyourbusiest
andmostexcitingmonthof2012.Wewerethrilledtohaveninevisitors
representingallfourofSouthernQueensland’sruralhealthclubs.CollaborationandsharingofideaswasmadepossiblewhilsthavingmorningteaatHervey’sRangeHeritageTeaRooms.OurguestsweretheninvitedtoattendRHINO’sbiggestandmostextravaganteventoftheyear:ourAnnualRHINOGalaBall.All250guestshadaspectacularnightofsocialisinganddancingwhilston-boardaFantaseaCruiseBarge.ClubRHINOproudlydonated$1000ofthenight’sprofitstotheRoyalFlyingDoctorsService.WhileTownsvillewascelebratingthesuccessoftheGala,theCairnscommitteewashardatworkensuringitsinauguralClinicalSkillsNightranaccordingtoplan.AllfeedbackfromattendeesreassuredRHINOthatthenightwasasuccessandaveryworthwhileexperience.
ClubRHINOwasexcitedtoannouncetheInauguralCairnsClinicalCocktailEveningattheendofAugustwithprofitsalsodonatedtotheRoyalFlyingDoctorsService.PlanstoestablishClubRHINOattheJamesCookUniversityMackayCampusnextyearareeagerlyanticipated.WeareallthrilledwiththesuccessofClubRHINOduring2012,andlookforwardwithgreatanticipationandexcitementforwhat2013mayhold.
2012hasgoneoffwithabangforRHUUWS,startingwithabigwelcomefunctionfortheincomingfirstyearstudentsattheinauguralGardenParty.WemadesurethatstudentsgotexcitedaboutRHUUWSevenbeforeuniversitystarted,bysendingouta12pageintroductorybookletwiththeUWSWelcomePackthattheuniversitysendsouttonewstudents.Thisresultedin60oftheincomingmedicalstudents
signinguptoNRHSNbeforethey’devengottouniversity.Ithasbeeneasiertospreadtheruralhealthmessageasaresult.Ourflagshipachievementthisyear
hasbeentheestablishmentoftheRHUUWSTeddyBearHospital.IthasbeenfuntovisitschoolsandengagekidsinhealthylivinginitiativesanduseourTeddyBearsX-raymachine.Nowweareconcentratingongettingnursingand
RHINOPresidentSurabhiKhoslaandVice-PresidentJerryAbrahampresentingtheRoyalFlyingDoctors
Servicewithadonationof$1000fromtheprofitsoftheRHINOGalaBall.
alliedhealthstudentsengagedintheTeddyBearHospitalsoitwillbeatrulyinterdisciplinaryprogram.WesentfourstudentstotheNorthern
TerritoryfortheWakakirriFestivalatBarunga,withatourofandovernightcampingintheKatherineGorge.WearehugelygratefultotheNRHSNforthemagnificentopportunitieswegettohelpinspireustobecometheruralhealthworkforceofthefuture.
obituary The tragic death of Gabriel Debono has saddened RHINO club members, family and friends of the Townsville medical student. Gabriel grew up in Ingham, and was a popular and active member of the Rural Health Club. He was integral in organising RHINO club members to participate in a youth expo at Ingham, and participated in a Rural High School Visit to Mackay only a week prior to his passing. The club held a minute’s silence as a mark of respect during the Annual General Meeting. The NRHSN Council Face2Face meeting in September was dedicated to his memory.
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ROUNDSUniversityofNotreDame,Sydney,NSWe:[email protected]
ROUSTAHUniversityofSouthAustralia,SAe:[email protected]
AteamfromROUSTAHputtogetherastallattheUniversityofSouthAustraliacampusforthesixthannualClosetheGapDayinMarch.Therewerelotsoffungiveawaysandinformation,andachancetolearnaboutandsignthepledgetoendIndigenoushealthdisadvantage.Lotsoffreshfruitwasavailable,alongwithwattleseedshortbreadandKakaduplumchutney–agreatconversationstarterontheimpactofnutrition,andtheaccessibilityoffreshfoodinruralareas.CloseTheGapisaninitiativeto
encourageawarenessofIndigenousAustralians’disadvantage,andtoencouragethecommitmenttoachievehealthequalityforallAustralianswithinthenext25years.Sofar,over175,000Australianshavesignedthepledge,andROUSTAHwereproudtoaddtheirsignaturestothelist.
WorkingwithIndigenouspatientsandtheirfamiliesisacrucialelementofeverydisciplineinurban,andparticularlyruralAustralianclinicalsettings.Agreatdaywashadbyall,andimportantconversationscontinuedabouthowto
ROUSTAHmembersmadenutritionafocusoftheirClosetheGapevent.
eliminatethe(insomecases)20-yeargapbetweenIndigenousandnon-IndigenousAustralianlifeexpectance,andhighratesofinfantandmaternalmortality.Plansarealreadyafootforanevenbiggereventnextyear–sostaytuned.
ROUNDSmembershavehadtheopportunitytoparticipateinsomefun,worthwhileandinspiringruralhealtheventsthroughout2012.ROUNDSheldabushdanceinashearingshednearLithgowtocoincidewithactivitiesaroundtheannual‘RuralTraumaWeek’.StaffandstudentsoftheLithgowClinicalSchoolhadtheopportunitytosocialiseandformrelationshipswithpeoplefromtheLithgowcommunity.Anotherhighlightfortheyearwas
theRuralHealthLectureSerieswhichwasheldacrosstwonights.ThefirstlectureeventcoincidedwithClosetheGapactivitieswithspeakersMickGooda,ProfessorShaneHoustonandKerryWalker.Thiswasfollowedbyaninteractivesessionon‘BirthingintheBush’runbyDrsSmithandBaconwhichallowedstudentstoparticipateusingbirthmodelsfromthenursingdepartment.
Finally,ROUNDShostedanAboriginalandTossesStraitIslandermentalhealthfirstaidcoursewiththeassistanceoffundingprovidedbytheNRHSNthrough
theadditionalpooloffundingstream.ThecoursewasagreatsuccesswithparticipantsfromnotonlyROUNDS,butotherruralhealthclubs,includingMIRAGEandSHARP.
ROUNDSmembersjoinintheClosetheGapevent.
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RUSTICAUniversityofTasmania,TASe:[email protected]
SHARPUniversityofWollongong,NSWe:[email protected]
RUSTICAhasrunandbeeninvolvedinarangeofeventsthisyearfromclinicalskillsnightstoclimbingmountainsonFlindersIsland.Initiallywerantwoskillsnightsinfirstsemester,oneeachattheHobartandLauncestoncampuses.TheHobartnightwashugelypopularamongstmedical
studentswithagoodshowingfromnursingstudentsandparamedicstudents.Theskillsonofferwerevenepunctureandcannulation,catherisation,suturingandscopeusage(ophthalmoscopesandotoscopes).Eachofthestationsfilledwithinfifteenminutesofstarting.Overalltheskillsnightswereasuccess.RUSTICAhasalsobeenrunningRural
HighSchoolVisitsandthisyearwewereabletosendavarietyofstudentstoFlindersIslandtopromotehealthcareersatUTAS.OurstudentswereluckytobeinvolvedwithallthegradesattheschoolandalsohadtheopportunitytovisitthelocalmultipurposecentreaswellasthehealthcentrerunbythelocalIndigenouscommunity.RUSTICAhasrunmorehighschoolvisitsinthesecondhalfoftheyearatDoverHighSchoolandSheffieldHighSchool.
Therehasbeenalothappeningduring2012.SHARPstartedtheyearwithawelcomeBBQfornewmedicalstudents.Thiswasfollowedafewweekslaterbyapresentationandbrandedlanyard/USBgiveawaytoallnewNursingandAlliedHealthstudentsduringtheirOrientation.TheUSBscontainedinformationabouttheNRHSNandaweblinktojoinSHARP.SHARPiesgotinvolvedwithTri-The-
GongTriatholonFestivalinMarch,raisingmoneyforTheDisabilityTrustandKidsFundandacombinedvisittoNowraAnglicanHighSchoolwithourgoodfriendsfromCRANC.ThenextmonthSHARPiesheadedofftoCanberraforARMS’andCRANC’sClosetheGapevent.WehaveplanstoimproveourownClosetheGapeventinWollongongfollowingthisgreatexperience.Thank
youtoARMSandCRANC.ThefirstintheHillsHoistspeaker
serieswasheldinMaywithpresentationsfromLeeanneHeatonandDrDavidGarne.CongratulationstothewinnersoftheannualSHARPawards.RachaelZuzekwonRookieoftheYearandEmmaHarveywasawardedforLeadership.SHARPwasjoinedbyRHUUWS
membersforMentalHealthFirstAidandwewereexcitedtohavenursingstudentsfromourBegacampusattendtheaccreditedcourse.JulyarrivedandagainSHARPiesvolunteeredattheBandageBearevent,assistinginthesaleofraffletickets.SHARPiesthengotinvolvedinYear6EngagementDaysconductedoverfivedaysinWollongongandBatemansBaywithstudentscomingfromthefarsouthcoast.Thenthere
wereafewwellearneddaysoffbefore12SHARPiesattendedNURHC.Wewerefortunateenoughtorakeintheawards,includingRuralHealthClubEventoftheYearforCheckIt!,TeenaDowntonfortheRuralHealthWorkforceAwardforOutstandingContributiontoRuralLeadership,JustinCain-BloxsomefortheJanieDadeSmithAwardforhisContributiontoIndigenousHealthandNicholasCorrandKayKentfortheBestStudentPresentationAward(Group1)fortheirpresentationonCheckIt!.
RUSTICAmemberstookadvantageofanopportunitytoexplorethenaturalattractionsofFlindersIslandwhilevisitingforaRuralHighSchoolVisit.
RUSTICAmemberswithstudentsonaRuralHighSchoolVisit.
RUSTICAwasalsoabletobeinvolvedintherunningoftheelectivesnightearlyintheyear,whichwashostedbyTUMSS(localbranchofAMSA)andIMPACT(globalhealthsociety).Ourspeaker,JamesNolanwasabletoprovideinsightonhisexperiencesintheNorthernTerritoryasaGeneralPractitioner.Rusticahasmoreeventstocome.
RachelBeazley,GutsyGus,andNicholasCorrrecruitingnewSHARPmembersatClubsDay.
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SPINRPHEXUniversityofWesternAustralia,WAe:[email protected]
WemaybenamedafteratoughspikygrassbutSPINRPHEX’syearhasbeensmooth.Wehavehadanumberofsuccessfuleventswhichhaveengagedmembersinfunandinspiringruralhealthactivities.InMaywehadaweekendatNangabushcamp,fullofclinicalskills,adventureactivitiesandawholelotoffuninthebeautifulDwellingupforest.TheSaturdaynightsocialwasthemed‘rumbleinthejungle’andensuredmedical,nursinganddentalstudentsgottheiranimalinstinctsout.AnotherhighlightoftheyearwasaGP-obstetricsskillsworkshopwhichwasheldinconjunctionwithRACGPinearlyAugust.Thiswasaneweventforusandwasverypopularwithmemberswhorelishedtheopportunitytogetinvolvedwiththehands-onlearningexperience.Wehavehadagreatfocusthisyearonbringingtogetherstudentsfrommanyhealthdisciplinesandstagesoftheircourses.WehavehadacombinedcareersinformationeveningwithWAALHIIBE,soPerthhealthstudentscanallhaveagreaterunderstandingofwhatourmulti-disciplinaryteammembersdoandmakefriendsindifferentfields.OneofthehighlightsoftheyearisourannualjointconferencewithWAALHIIBE.ThisincludedProfessorHarveyCoatesAOspeakingtoourmembersandsomeinteractiveworkshopsonoralandearhealth,selfdefence,andselfcarewithyogaandzumba.WehopetocontinueinspiringSPINRPHEXmemberstobuildabrightfutureforthehealthworkforceofruralAustralia.
SophieToster,MollyKehoeandMargotMcGeochatevent“GetLegless–SharkAttackEmergencyScenarios”.
Learningtosutureatthe2012SPINRPHEXCamp.
SPINRPHEXstudentsattendedtheGoRuralCocktailfunctioninFebruary.
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StARRHCharlesDarwinUniversity,NTe:[email protected]
IthasbeenafantasticyearforStARRH.Notonlyhastherebeensomegreatactivitiesrun,butthefoundationssetbypastcommitteeshaveproducedfruitin2012.Committeepositionshavebeenfilledbyenthusiasticpeople.TheclubhaslifteditsprofilewithCharlesDarwinUniversityandFlindersUniversity’sNorthernTerritoryMedicalProgram(NTMP).TheyearkickedoffwithO’Weekat
FlindersUniversity’sNTMPandO’DayatCharlesDarwinUniversityCasuarinaCampus.Therewasafantasticsign-upratewithlotsofnewmedicalstudentsjoiningtheclubandmanyotherdisciplinesjoiningaswell.Achallengewasputtothecommittee
andinparticularthevarioushealthrepstorunatleastoneactivityasemesterfortheirdiscipline.Thishasmeantaveryfullcalendarwiththefollowingeventsbeingrun.MarchsawtheTiwiIslandFootball
GrandFinalandArtsFestivalheldwith10membersflyingovertoenjoythe
atmosphereforaday.InApril,MarleneIzod,TraumaPsychologistspoketomorethan20membersoverlunchandofferedallmembersafreeoneononesessionwithherworkingontechniquesto
managestressandstayin-controlduringtheirstudies.Maywasabigmonthwith
InternationalNursesDaycelebratedwithapancakelunchinthebreezewayandtwoguestspeakersdiscussing“ClosingtheGap:FromEvidencetoAction”.StARRHwasrepresentedbyfourclubmembersintheDarwinMothersDayClassicfunrun/walkwhichweavedthrough4kmofthebeautifulEastPointReserveinMay.GeorgiaranthefastesttimeoftheStARRHgroup,takingtheeverrisingheatandhumidityintoherstride.StARRHofferedtwoplacesinan
AboriginalMentalHealthFirstAidcourseto1stand2ndyearstudents.ClinicalSciencestudentVaneskaattendedovertwodaysduringthesemesterbreak.ThecoursewasnotonlyaimedatAboriginalmentalhealthbutaimedtoimprovetheemotionalandsocialwellbeingofthecommunityasawhole.VaneskareportedbacktotheclubthatthemostinspiringaspectsofthecourseincludedmeetingfirstlineworkersfromorganisationssuchasDarwinAboriginalandIslanderWomen’sShelter,whoarealsoeldersintheircommunities.
DebbieGillon(l-r)withlocalstudentandAnnetteBakeratTiwiIslandGrandFinalandArtsFestivalinMarch.
StARRHmemberscelebratedInternationalNursesDayinMay.
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TROHPIQUniversityofQueensland,QLDe:[email protected]
WARRIAHSCharlesSturtUniversity,NSWe:[email protected]
Atthedawnof2012,TROHPIQ’sseertrottedouthercrystalball.Shespottedanumberofthings:theshiny,happyfacesofnewmembers,theexpansionofoldprogrammesandtheintroductionofnewones,somelearning,somebrightlightsaswellastheoddravenortwo.Itturnsoutthatshewaslargelyonthe
money.TROHPIQ’smembershipexpandedagainthisyeartoencompassover1000members.Forthefirsttime,membershipincludedasignificantincreaseinrepresentationacrossalloftheprofessions.Withsomanyshowinganinterest,itbodeswellforthefutureoftheclubandthatofruralhealthmoregenerally.Skillsdayswerecontinued,tripsto
ruralsitesre-runandinvolvementinIndigenousactivitiesincreasedjusttonameafewofthegoingson.Indeed,ascholarshipprogramwasintroducedforthefirsttimetoencouragerural
electives.Aruralweekendawaywasorganisedspecificallyfornursingandalliedhealthmembers,afirstfortheclub.Ultimately,clubmembershadtheopportunitytoexperiencewhat’sactuallyoutthere,breakdownmisconceptionsandrealisethatit’sagreatgigtoworkinthecountry.
WARRIAHShashadaneventfulyearandourmembershipincreased.WARRIAHS’mainaimthisyearwastoincludemoreeducationaleventsaswellashostingnewsocialevents.Tostart2012withabigbang,WARRIAHSheldourannualcommencementdinnerwherememberswereabletomeetnewandpre-existingmembers,evenintherainyconditionswehadanabundantturnout.OuryearlyeventhostingtheannualWARRIAHS
healthexpowasagainextremelysuccessful.TheeventinviteshundredsofhighschoolstudentstoattendCSUtounderstandandlearnmoreaboutalliedhealthservicesandaboutstudyinginaruralenvironment.WARRIAHShashostedmultiple
successfulfirstaidcourses.Placesfillupquickly.Wegetgreatfeedbackfromthestudentsundertakingthesecourses.Weheldourannualball,whichwasthemed‘CasinoRoyale’.WARRIAHSofferedaroulettetableaswellaslargesilhouettes,whichwerepaintedbyoneofourcommitteemembersandwereahighlightforallthatattended,withmajorityofmemberstakingadvantageoftheamazingphotoopportunitiestheyprovided.Anotherimportanteventrunbytheclubwasan‘interprofessionalskillsnight’withthepharmacyclub,designed
toassiststudentswithresumewritingandmanyotheraspectsoflifetheymayexperiencewhenleavinguniversityandapplyingforjobs.WARRIAHSarealreadyworkingonplansfor2013withaCadavertriptoAlburyCharlesSturtUniversity.Withtheexecutivecommitteetaking
advantageofopportunitiesavailabletopromoteWARRIAHS,ithasbeinganamazinglysuccessfulyear.WARRIAHSisexcitedandreadytocontinuenextyearwithaWARRIAHFULbang.WARRIAHScommencementBBQ.
JannathananSriharan,(l-r)JagjeetSandhu,andNatashaSchultz
participatedinVibeAliveBendigo.
TROHPIQmembersenjoyedattendingtheRDAQConference,2012ontheGoldCoast.
Ofcourse,andperhapsmostimportantly,goodtimeswerehadthroughouttheyearwithTROHPIQmembersenjoyingeverythingfromthebrightlightsofconferencesinthecitytothedelightsofthewineriesandopenspacesofruralAustralia.Theravensdidnotmaterialise.
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WAALHIIBECombinedWAUniversities,WAe:[email protected]
2012 has been a busy and fun year for WAALHIIBE.OurfantasticteamwentonfiveRuralHighSchoolVisits,aclubrecord.WevisitedfivetownsintheWheatbeltregionofWAincludingKulin,
WonganHills,Merredin,KatanningandNarrogin.WealsohadthegreatopportunityfortwoWAALHIIBEmemberstotraveltotheEastKimberlywithKRASHtoattendtheirRHSVtoHallsCreekandFitzroyCrossing.ThroughtheVibeAlivefestivalinPortHeadland,theGeraldtonCareersExpoandourRuralHighSchoolVisits
WAALHIIBEmembersconquertheBigOrange.KatherineHumphreysbefriendsagoatinhertravels.
WAALHIIBEmembersgottoexploreSouthWestWAatRAWWildWest(RuralAppreciationWeekend),Harvey,WA.
wehavereachedouttomorethan600ruralhighschoolstudents,abigachievementbyallinvolved.AnotherfirstforWAALHIIBEwas
tohostitsownRuralAppreciationWeekend–RAWWildWest.WesentourveryenthusiasticfutureruralhealthprofessionalstothepicturesquetownofHarveyintheSouthWestofWAfromthe20thto22ndofApril.Weputonaneventthatwasnottobemissed.WehadhealthprofessionalscomeandtalktousfromHarveyandthesurroundingareas,aquiznight(withphysicalchallengesandprizesgalore),winetastingandclimbingtheBigOrange,cowmilkingdemonstrations,araftbuildingchallengeandbushsurvivalcourseatthelocaladventurecamp.Wehadsomegreatfeedbackfromthosewhoattendedandhavedevelopedplanstomakeitevenbiggerin2013.
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WILDFIREMonashUniversity,VICe:[email protected]
IthasbeenabusyfewmonthsforWILDFIREsincethelasteditionofourfavouriteruralhealthmagazine–Cooee.WILDFIRECouncilandourmanysub-committeeshavebeenbusilybeaveringaway,runningheapsoffantasticevents.MonashOpenDayprovidedan
opportunityforWILDFIREmemberstoturnoutandpromoteruralhealthcareers.TheywereenthusiasticandexcitedabouttheopportunitytotellfuturestudentsabouttheopportunitiesavailablethroughMonash,anddidafantasticjobmotivatingthenextgenerationofpotentialhealthprofessionals.
BendigoWILDFIREBendigosubcommitteehashadabusytime.TheyhaveheldseveralTeddyBearHospitalswiththelocalprimaryschools,whichareaimedatdemystifyingand‘de-scarifying’visitstothedoctororhospital.Thesewerehugelysuccessfulandmorearelinedup.Bendigosubcommitteeorganisedthe
BendigoBallonthe1stofSeptember.Itisalwaysabrilliantnight,wherestudents,clinicalschoolstaffanddoctorsalikeareabletolettheirhairdown.WILDFIREBendigogreatlyenjoyedtheBendigoVIBEALIVEFestival.
MilduraWILDFIRE’sMilduraSubcommitteehasalsobeenveryactive.TheyhaverunsuccessfulRuralHighSchoolVisits,andhavebegunaruralmentoringprogram,whereWILDFIREstudentsbasedinMilduramentorlocalhighschoolstudents.MildurahavealsorunaTriviaNight
FundraiserfortheRoyalFlyingDoctorService.Allstudents,clinicalschoolstaffandhospitalstaffwereinvited,andbyallaccountsthenightwasaroaringsuccess.Theyraisedamagnificent$1400fortheRFDS.
WILDFIRE CouncilWILDFIRECouncilalsoorganisedaSki
TriptoMtBuller.Studentspaidtheirownway,anddespiteanearly4amstart,everyonehadafantastic(andinjuryfree)dayofskiing.WILDFIREhasorganisedplentymore
eventsincludingMentalHealthFirstAid,IndigenousCulturalAwarenessTraining,RuralClinicalSkillsWeekendinBendigo,WILDFIREAnnualDinner,WILDFIREElectionsandthecombinedWILDFIRE,OUTLOOK,NOMADevent–RuralCareersExpoin2013.Thereislotsmoreexcitementyetto
come,staytunedaswewouldlovetoseeyouatanyorallofourevents.
WILDFIREmembersvisitedRedCliffsforaRuralHighSchoolVisit.
TheTeddyBearHospitaltripwasagreatsuccess.
LEAP into RURAL HEALTH
Rural Health Workforce
Level 5, 10 Queens RoadMelbourne Vic 3004 Australia
www.nrhsn.org.auTelephone 03 9860 4700Email: [email protected]
rural health workforce
JOIN THE
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NRHSN ALUMNI JOIN THE NRHSN ALUMNINetwork with medical, nursing and allied health members from across AustraliaShare your experiences with other rural health professionalsReceive and contribute to biannual newsletter Grab the opportunity to speak at eventsHost and mentor current NRHSN members on placements AND MORE …
Alumni Members register online:www.nrhsn.org.au/alumniEmail: [email protected]
www.rhwa.org.au
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