Rural Health West

12/05/2026

We are recognising the incredible job our nurses do in rural Western Australia for International Nurses Day!

We spoke to Sahlee Papasin, a registered nurse from Bega Garnbirringu Health Service in Kalgoorlie.

What is the best thing about being a nurse in Kalgoorlie?
For me, the best thing about nursing in Kalgoorlie is the sense of connection with the community. You’re not just caring for patients in a single moment — you often see people over time and build real relationships, which makes the work feel more meaningful. I also really value the variety of care, which makes the role both rewarding and professionally fulfilling.

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone looking at being a rural nurse?
Be open to learning and adaptable. Rural nursing often requires you to step outside your comfort zone and take on diverse responsibilities, but it’s also an incredibly rewarding experience that helps you grow both personally and professionally.

Thanks for attending the Aboriginal Health Conference 2025, what is one thing you learned and have implemented in your work going forward?
One of the key things I took away from the conference was the importance of cultural safety and really taking time to listen. It reinforced how important it is to build trust and approach care in a way that respects each person's background and experiences. I've been more conscious of this in my day-to-day practice since attending.

Find out more about the Aboriginal Conference 2026:https://www.aboriginalhealthconference.com.au/

Thank you to all the regional and remote nurses for your commitment and dedication ❤️

12/05/2026

For Dr Pristina Goh, taking part in our Rural Adult Physician Training, Opportunities and Rotations (RAPTOR) program has been an invaluable opportunity to develop new skills and build resilience as a clinician.

Spending 2025 in Kalgoorlie, the program also offered an amazing opportunity to explore the beautiful landscapes and learn more about the local communities and languages across the Goldfields.

The 12-month professional development program prepares junior doctors to apply for Basic Physician Training with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

Interested? Applications open 23 March.

Read more: bit.ly/4tSRvc8

08/05/2026

Rural Health West is supporting a practice in Kununurra with an exciting Locum GP position from 20 May 2026 – 31 August 2026.

What will be involved?
- GP clinic sessions, five days a week
- Nursing home visits included
- No on call, hospital or home visits required

Work at a practice providing primary health care services in the Kimberley. While making a difference by working at an Aboriginal social enterprise where practice proceeds go back into the local community development.

Are you ready for a role that blends meaningful work in an unforgettable location - this could be your next adventure. Partial filling within the timeframe advertised will be considered.

Click here to find out more and apply: https://ruralhealthwest.com.au/vacancies/gp-locums/?id=2852

07/05/2026

Six junior doctors are discovering what makes the Pilbara special.

Our Junior Doctors Pilbara Immersion Program kicked off on 3 May, taking early-career doctors through Port Hedland and Karratha for a week of hands-on learning, community connection and cultural engagement.

They'll also experience our Rural and Remote Retrieval Weekend in Karijini National Park which is training in emergency response in a real remote environment alongside doctors, nurses and paramedics already working in rural and remote WA.

The team have really enjoyed their time so far in Karratha.

Exposure to rural practice changes careers. That's exactly the point. 💙

06/05/2026

It’s Heart Foundation Heart Week and here at Rural Health West we are recognising the important work our regional services team do with some heart-pumping statistics.

Our team works with organisations across Western Australia to provide cardiac medical services.

We thank them for all the vital heart health services they provide.

06/05/2026

Rural pharmacy excellence recognised at the 2026 PSA WA Pharmacist Awards!

Rural Health West congratulates all four incredible winners and we're especially proud that three of them represent rural and remote WA:

✅ Shaylee Mills MPS | Early Career Pharmacist of the Year - championing access to care in regional WA
✅ Emma Engelke MPS | Intern Pharmacist of the Year - delivering culturally safe care in remote East
✅ Amanda Bryce MPS | Pharmacist of the Year - strengthening pharmacy practice across the state
And congratulations to Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Celia Sansom MPS.

This is what rural healthcare excellence looks like. Congratulations to you all!

05/05/2026

💜 International Day of the Midwife 💜

Today we celebrate the incredible midwives supporting women and families across rural & remote WA.

From providing continuity of care and improving health outcomes in communities where access can be challenging, midwives are making a real difference where it matters most.

Find out about the amazing work of remote midwives Sarah Dawson, Kaitlyn Trindall and Megan Chidgey:https://ruralhealthwest.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Media-Release-International-Day-of-Midwives-2026.pdf

Thank you for your dedication, compassion and commitment to community ❤️

04/05/2026

Applications closing soon!

If you're a health professional looking to further your career in rural or remote WA, don't miss out on the Health Workforce Scholarship Program (HWSP).

📅 Applications close 24 May, so now's the time to get yours in.

The HWSP supports eligible health workers with funding for professional development, training, and education to strengthen our rural health workforce.

👉 Apply now:

The Health Workforce Scholarship Program (HWSP) aims to provide rural health professionals with opportunities to upskill and enhance the services they provide to the community.

01/05/2026

Calling all partners of rural WA health professionals!

Have you been considering taking the next steps in your own career, but need some additional support to make this happen?

Whether you are wanting to enhance your career and employment opportunities, or to study something completely new, the Rural Health West Partner Education Grant is here to help you.

Open to partners of currently practicing rural WA health professionals.

👉Find out more and apply now https://ruralhealthwest.com.au/.../partners-of-health.../

30/04/2026

For those in Perth, Albany, Bunbury and Karratha - don’t miss your chance to secure your tickets for this breakfast event.

For more information and to book a spot: https://events.humanitix.com/2026-npcw-sector-breakfast-perth-bunbury-albany-and-karratha

If you haven’t bought your ticket to our annual National Palliative Care Week Sector Breakfast on 12 May 2026 there’s still time – but be quick to avoid missing out!

To book your spot at Fraser’s Kings Park in Perth or via streaming at breakfasts in Albany, Bunbury and Karratha, please visit here: https://events.humanitix.com/2026-npcw-sector-breakfast-perth-bunbury-albany-and-karratha

Our theme this year is around grief and how the care we give shapes the grief that follows.

Guest speakers and panellists include:

🧡 Chris Hall, CEO of Grief Australia
🧡 Shelly Skinner, Founder and CEO of Lionheart Camp for Kids
🧡 Sharon Wood-Kenney, a systems change architect and innovation entrepreneur
🧡 Alison is a retired educator and mother of four who brings the courageous voice of lived experience.

We are very grateful that Richard Lockwood’s substantial support will allow us to take our messages to regional communities and enable those working in palliative care in Bunbury, Albany and Karratha to be part of this annual palliative care sector educational and networking event.

We are also extremely grateful for generous sponsorship from our wonderful colleagues at Parkinson's WA, Silverchain, Brightwater, Cares Communities, Bethesda Health Care, and PaSCE.

29/04/2026

Final call for early bird savings!

Early bird registrations for the Aboriginal Health Conference 2026 close next Sunday 10 May. This is your last chance to save between $50 to $100 on your ticket.

Join us on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August 2026 at the Pan Pacific Perth Boorloo, for a weekend of connection, collaboration and community.

We cannot wait to see you there.

Secure your early bird special now: www.aboriginalhealthconference.com.au