Bush Telegraph- Summer 2024

Summer 2024

PAVING OUR WAY TO 2026

Paving Our Way to 2026 (POW26) is a roadmap to improve health equity, access and outcomes in the bush to ensure that health reforms reach everyone, everywhere.

We’re paving our way towards improved health outcomes for all Western Queenslanders through a comprehensive, integrated primary health care system in collaboration with our stakeholders, partners and communities.

WELCOME TO 2024

Welcome to the revamped Bush Telegraph, proudly presented by Western Queensland Primary Health Network (WQPHN)

In this quarterly publication, we spotlight Queensland’s Western Corridor and the impactful work of WQPHN.

Read on to discover the stories, initiatives, and endeavours shaping Western Queensland's health landscape

SandyGillies

Chief Executive Officer, WQPHN

ACACIA COUNTRY PRACTICE OPENING

The recent establishment of Acacia Country Practice in Charleville marks a significant milestone for the local community and its surrounding areas. Led by Dr. Paul Chang and Dr. Katie Chang, this medical facility brings with it a wealth of experience and a deeprooted commitment to rural health.

With over 25 years of combined experience in the field of medicine, Dr. Paul and Dr. Katie Chang are not just practitioners but partners in the wellbeing of the community they serve

Their decision to establish Acacia Country Practice stems not only from their professional expertise but also from a genuine love for the rural lifestyle. Having called Charleville home for the past six years, they understand the unique needs and challenges faced by rural communities

WQPHN extend our warmest congratulations to Dr. Paul Chang, Dr. Katie Chang, and the entire team at Acacia Country Practice on their momentous occasion

HEALTHY OUTBACK COMMUNITIES

Members of our Healthy Outback Communities Project Team, Kathleen O’Hara and Tori Corner, hit the road recently to travel across the Barcoo Shire. Their adventure involved chatting with locals about the Healthy Outback Communities (HOC) wellbeing program, its upcoming launch, and the community day being held in Windorah.

Kathleen and Tori connected with local residents, CWHHS staff, school Principals, Council staff and the RFDS team holding clinics in the region Having open conversations provided the opportunity to gather local intel on personal and community priorities, and how HOC will work to meet these needs.

Visiting Windorah, Jundah and Stonehenge, Kathleen and Tori set up in roadhouses, primary health centres and information centres. Travelling into these communities and connecting with people is essential to the success of HOC

Barcoo Healthy Outback Community Day in Windorah on Saturday 27 April, will provide residents with the opportunity to learn more about the program and join the Healthy Outback Club

UNIVERSAL AFTER CARE CONSULTATION

In February, WQPHN staff members Deb Spanner and Sigrid Tagaloa embarked on a journey to Mount Isa, partnering with the North West Hospital & Health Service to host the Universal After Care Consultations at the Mount Isa Neighbourhood Centre.

Community members gathered to participate in discussions surrounding the establishment of a new service for individuals who have either attempted suicide or are at imminent risk of doing so.

This service, commonly referred to as Universal After Care, aimed to provide comprehensive support beyond the immediate crisis.

The consultation sessions served as inclusive platforms, where the voices of those with lived experiences of mental health challenges or suicide, as well as those of carers, loved ones, service providers, GPs, and other stakeholders interested in this pressing issue, were highly valued.

The diverse perspectives brought forth during these discussions enriched the dialogue and provided invaluable insights into the multifaceted needs of the community

Overall, the Mount Isa consultations served as a testament to the power of community engagement and collaboration in shaping initiatives aimed at improving mental health outcomes

TRAUMA INFORMED CARE TRAINING

In February, WQPHN facilitated ‘TraumaInformed Care’ training in Mount Isa and Roma, partnering with Orygen.

Led by industry experts Desiree Smith and Sophie Ratcliff, the workshop equipped youth service professionals with vital skills to address trauma's impacts on young people

Covering topics from understanding trauma to self-care, the well-informed session strengthened WQPHN's commitment to mental health support in regional communities.

“I would request that all our staff attend trauma informed care training as it is very relevant to our mental health and suicide prevention organisation.”

Attendee

RELEASE OF THE FIRST NATIONS WORKFORCE P

A culturally safe and productive workforce with the right skills, attitudes and behaviours is an essential building block for strong and effective heath systems and services.

In remote areas, the ability to attract and retain a skilled health workforce is both a significant challenge and an enduring feature of workforce dynamics It is demanding new innovative and collaborative approaches to find solutions.

The Nukal Murra Alliance, led collaborated with partners Ch Workforce Queensland and R Section) to prepare a regiona goals of the National and Que Frameworks.

This framework and impleme increase the rate of employm development and engagemen Nations Health Workforce in Western Queensland.

HOSPITAL AND HEALTH CARE MAGAZINE Summer Edition

In the latest issue of *Hospital and Healthcare*, WQPHN CEO, Sandy Gillies, shares her personal story of unwavering dedication to advancing health equity for rural and remote communities along with First Nations people.

Addressing the longstanding healthcare disparities, Sandy has been instrumental in implementing initiatives aimed at improving access to quality healthcare services and bridging the gap in health outcomes.

“I’m confident that our work with communities is putting us on the right path We are having conversations about how we can shift the dial from outputs to outcomes and it’s informed by the very people we serve. That’s the basis of the Healthy Outback Communities initiative we are currently trialling in remote Western Queensland ”

KarenTully MEET THE BOARD

How long have you lived in Charleville?

What do you love about small and regional communities?

living in the red dirt, big uth West Queensland I 1990 as a teacher to new Charleville School Before this, Charleville ool of the Air, with students receiving their m local teachers, which isbane based) ol papers which were ed at the Charleville ucation for 18 years, as a pal and Principal xposure to working with nts, as I had previously erant teacher based in Mt properties in the Gulf uth of Cloncurry and north a Itinerant teachers heir home schoolroom, oup field events such as s in various locations.I up in North West extremely fond ilies and students with

Rural and remote communities are quite simply, great places to live and it is the people that make these places special There is a distinctive magic bound up with a unique type of freedom, a sense of independence and a ‘make your own fun’ ethos that has seen me wanting to remain living in South West Queensland. There is nowhere else I would prefer to be – although I do like occasional visits to cities to sample the cultural, sporting, social and dining delights which abound in urban areas

What are your hobbies and interests?

In summer, I find that I do a lot of walking and swimming, whereas in winter, I am out and about on the bike more as well as walking the bush tracks.I also have a weekly fitness program with trainers that includes a variety of Yoga, HiiT, Boxercise, Weights and Pilates sessions.

In recent years, I have been dabbling in painting, with acrylics and mixed media being my favourite mediums. However, I am working hard to conquer and master watercolour painting... especially since on a whim late last year, I signed up to spend two weeks sketching and watercolour painting in the Dordogne and Provence regions in France!

In December, Kerry Osborne, Community Connector, visited communities in Karumba, Normanton, and Burketown distributing vital information and fostering strong connections in the region which proved timely, as not long after, widespread flooding resulted in the region being isolated for quite some time.

Kerry's proactive approach highlights the importance of pre-emptive engagement in enhancing community resilience, especially in the face of unforeseen challenges such as natural disasters.

In Mount Isa, Chris Doyle, the newly appointed Community Connector representative, has embarked on a positive journey of engaging with stakeholders in the Northwest region

Through the distribution of information and personal introductions, Chris has laid the groundwork for robust collaborations within the community

The success of these endeavours exemplifies the vital role played by Community Connectors in bridging gaps and facilitating access to mental health resources. By actively engaging with stakeholders and distributing valuable information, the Head to Health team continues to strengthen regional support networks and promote well-being across diverse communities.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT DrJosPouesi

Dr. Jos Pouesi's journey to becoming an Australian citizen and his contributions to the medical community in Mount Isa are commendable.

His insights into the advantages and challenges of working in Western Queensland, particularly in rural and remote areas, shed light on the unique opportunities and experiences available to healthcare professionals in such regions.

Dr. Pouesi highlights the advantages of rural and remote living, offering a rich learning environment provided by the diverse pathology and the many courses available to regional doctors, providing opportunity for ongoing professional development.

Furthermore, his emphasis on community engagement underscores the integral role doctors play beyond clinical practice

By actively participating in local charity groups and organisations, medical professionals like Dr. Pouesi contribute to the wellbeing of the community they serve In advising aspiring doctors considering a move to remote Western Queensland, Dr. Pouesi emphasises the importance of a genuine desire to be part of the community.

He suggests that while incentives may be attractive, they should not be the primary motivation for choosing rural practice. Instead,

Dr. Pouesi also notes the appeal of rural life for young families seeking a peaceful environment away from urban complexities

His dedication to serving the community and his commitment to professional growth serve as inspiration for healthcare professionals considering similar career paths and we congratulate him, and his son, on becoming an Australian Citizen

On his journey to Mount Isa

“I enjoyed working in rural areas in NZ and thought to try my luck in Rural Australia! I saw a job opportunity with Wuchopperen (now Gidgee) in November 2007, and applied and got a job in December 2007! Been here since!! So December 2023, been here for 16 years! 2024 is my 17th year!!”

Australian Government Disclaimer: While the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care has contributed to the funding of the PHN, the information in this document does not necessarily reflect the views of the Australian Government, and is not advice that is provided or information that is endorsed, by the Australian Government The Australian Government is not responsible in negligence or otherwise for any injury, loss or damage however arising from the use of or the reliance on the information provided in this document Copyright protects this material