What’s happening?
Between 25 and 27 July 2025, 23 first-year students in medicine, nursing, midwifery, dentistry, paramedicine, and allied health will visit the North Queensland communities of Atherton, Yungaburra, and Mareeba. They are part of the second GROW Rural North Queensland (GROW Rural NQ) cohort organised by Health Workforce Queensland (HWQ) and supported by Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN). Over three days, students will explore local health services, gain hands-on clinical skills, and build connections with health professionals and community members. This immersive experience is designed to inspire them to return for placements and consider long-term careers in North Queensland’s regional and remote communities.
Why it matters?
GROW Rural NQ plays a vital role in addressing critical workforce shortages across regional, rural, Aboriginal, and Torres Strait Islander communities. By providing early exposure to rural health practice, the program encourages students to build meaningful connections with communities and consider careers in these areas.
HWQ Chief Executive Officer Chris Mitchell said, “GROW Rural NQ is a vitally important way of connecting students to employment opportunities within Northern Queensland communities as they progress through their education and early careers.”
NQPHN Chief Executive Officer Ben Tooth emphasised,
“Growing a strong and sustainable health workforce in regional, rural, and remote northern Queensland was essential to ensure a healthy future for all who call the region home.”
He added, “We know when students experience the impact of a rural practice firsthand, they’re more likely to return and build their careers and lives in these areas. Programs like GROW Rural NQ help showcase the value, diversity, and rewards of working in primary health care across our region.”
Local Impact
HWQ Future Workforce Team Leader Meredith Connor highlighted the positive local impact: “One of the rewards of working with the GROW Rural program is watching the positive effect of local communities participating in growing their future health workforce. This year, a local high school graduate who participated in GROW Rural skills sessions over the past two years has been inspired to take the next step — joining GROW Rural NQ as a first-year paramedic student.”
This whole-of-community model empowers local residents, health professionals, and organisations to actively contribute to shaping their future health workforce.
By the numbers:
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23 first-year students in medicine, nursing, midwifery, dentistry, paramedicine, and allied health are joining the second GROW Rural NQ cohort.
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Nine students from the first cohort have returned for university placements in North Queensland communities.
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Five additional students from the first cohort are planning to return for placements within the next 12 months.
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Two occupational therapy students who completed eight-week placements with The Whole Child paediatric practice in Atherton now work remotely as Therapy Assistants, maintaining their connection with the local service.
Zoom In
Throughout the weekend, students will:
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Join the Dots by exploring Atherton’s local health services through interactive clues that encourage learning and connection.
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Connect with health professionals during a clinical skill session on diabetes at Atherton Health Hub.
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Support regional suppliers by browsing the Yungaburra Markets.
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Participate in a “Suspicion to Stitch” workshop on skin cancer detection and suturing at The Doctor House.
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Hear career journeys from health professionals and community members during a talking circle at Mareeba Medical Clinic.
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Enjoy free time with billet families, experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the Mareeba community.
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Listen to Mareeba GP and certified life coach, Dr Sarah Smith, share her personal journey and advice she wishes she’d known as a health student.
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Wrap up the weekend with a creative ink art session hosted at Dr Smith’s property, reinforcing connection and reflection.
Zoom Out
The GROW Rural NQ program is part of HWQ’s broader mission to build a skilled, community-connected health workforce across Queensland’s remote and rural areas. Thanks to NQPHN’s funding and partnership, GROW Rural NQ continues to create opportunities for students to discover the personal and professional rewards of working in regional communities — ultimately strengthening the primary healthcare system in northern Queensland.
What to look for next?
Watch how many of this year’s 23 students return for placements or careers in North Queensland over the next year. HWQ and NQPHN will continue to expand programs like GROW Rural NQ to provide practical, long-term workforce solutions that secure access to quality healthcare for communities across the region.
