The Mayor of Murweh Shire, Shaun “Zoro” Radnedge, has commended a groundbreaking educational initiative that uniquely bridges the gap between university healthcare education and regional communities. He emphasised that this innovative approach is the future for regional communities aiming to retain a skilled workforce.
“Train them in the regions, and they will stay in the regions,” the Mayor said, underscoring the success of the University of Southern Queensland-led innovative program. This program has grown the pipeline of Southwest Queensland talent equipped for healthcare careers, effectively retaining these regional professionals.
The recent graduates, Bianca Bain (below), Phillipa Wallace, Em Hall, Shauna Mckinsley, Aly Fitzsimmons and Katie Lark, were the first students to complete the program and become registered nurses.
Launched in semester 1, 2022, and delivered in partnership between UniSQ, South West Hospital and Health Service and Southern Queensland Rural Health (SQRH), the program offers students the opportunity to study a Bachelor of Nursing at Charleville’s SQRH Clinical Training Facility. This unique setup allows students to connect with others in their cohort, fostering a supportive learning environment.
UniSQ nursing lecturer and Charleville coordinator Jessie Elliott said,
“Charleville has seen the impact this program has made in their community,
and we hope it will inspire many others to study as well.”
Bianca Bain, a recent graduate and registered nurse at Charleville Hospital, said the program was convenient and enjoyable. “Having a study space here at Charleville created a more convenient way to complete my studies and was an amazing help over my two years of study.”
“This program brings a university education to the bush,” said the Mayor. “It’s the way forward, and not just with healthcare. If we can train our youth train here, they’ll likely stay here, in regional areas, where we need skills.”
