Rural Health West

18/10/2025

Ben, David and Zoe are learning practical skills at ROAR 2025.

17/10/2025

Women of the Pilbara Forum 2025

Port Hedland | 15–16 October

Thanks to the Rural Health West BOLD Program (Be your best – Optimised Learning and Development), our Pilbara Health Professionals Network Coordinator, Alisha, was given the opportunity to attend this inspiring event celebrating women’s leadership, resilience and community across the Pilbara.

The BOLD Program was created to establish a strong in-house professional development culture within Rural Health West, aligned with our strategic priorities.

It aims to:
• Support personal and professional growth
• Strengthen leadership and career planning
• Build industry exposure and networks
• Encourage learning application through real opportunities

Through presentations from industry leaders, coaching, special projects and networking opportunities, the program helps our people grow and contribute meaningfully across rural health.

This inspiring forum brought together women from across the region to connect, empower and celebrate leadership, community and resilience.

A highlight of the two-day conference for Alisha was seeing panellists and local women leading the way in health and wellness including:

Brittany Heydenrych – Elevation Health
Lilly Cosmos – Kal Essence
Julie Rose – Emotional Etchings
Dr Adrian Houghton – Hedland Health Campus
Charina Townsend – Pharmacy 777

17/10/2025

Have you heard about the National Lung Cancer Screening Program?

This free screening program uses a low-dose CT scan to check for early signs of lung cancer before symptoms appear.

If you’re aged 50–70, currently smoke or have quit in the last 10 years, and have a significant smoking history, you may be eligible for a free scan covered by Medicare.

Talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner to see if you’re eligible, or call the Lung Cancer Screening Helpline on 1800 654 301.

For more information on the screening program visit the link below.

The National Lung Cancer Screening Program identifies signs of lung cancer before symptoms appear. Find out if you're elligible.

16/10/2025

This October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we acknowledge the incredible strength and resilience of women and families in our regional, rural, and remote communities who face the challenges of breast cancer, often far from specialist care and support networks.

At Rural Health West, we believe that distance should never stand in the way of quality healthcare. We’re proud to support rural health professionals and communities across Western Australia, helping ensure that everyone, no matter where they live, can access the care, compassion, and connection they deserve.

Did you know that 20% of West Australians diagnosed with breast cancer live in regional, rural or remote areas?

Distance should never be a barrier to care, yet many face extra challenges when accessing treatment and support. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re shining a light on the importance of making quality care available to all — no matter where you live. 💜

15/10/2025

Earlier this year, the EarTrain program by TAFE NSW was featured at the WA Ear and Hearing Health Forum. The session showcased how EarTrain is helping health professionals build the confidence and skills to manage hearing conditions such as otitis media.

This November and December, EarTrain will return to towns across Western Australia, giving local health professionals the opportunity to strengthen their ear and hearing health knowledge and improve outcomes within their communities.

Learn more or register here: https://lnkd.in/gp2qZp34

The WA Ear and Hearing Health Forum has been developed in collaboration with the WA Child Ear Health Strategy and the Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia (AHCWA)

15/10/2025

Today we celebrate the International Day of Rural Women!

Across rural and remote Western Australia, women are at the heart of healthy, thriving communities. From doctors, nurses, midwives and allied health professionals to Aboriginal health workers, administrators, and community leaders. Their dedication, compassion and resilience strengthen the fabric of rural health every day.

Rural Health West proudly acknowledges and thanks the incredible women who work tirelessly to improve the health and wellbeing of country communities. Your leadership, care and commitment inspire us all.

14/10/2025

Save the Date! WA Rural Health Conference 2026

Mark your calendars! The WA Rural Health Conference will take place on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 March 2026 at Crown Perth. Join colleagues from across rural and remote Western Australia for two days of learning, collaboration, and connection.

Want to be the first to hear when registrations open? Add your name to our EOI list here: https://ruralhealthwest.eventsair.com/warhc26/eoi/Site/Register

We look forward to welcoming you in March 2026!

14/10/2025

Tuesday, 14 October, is Allied Health Professions Day, a time to recognise and celebrate the incredible contribution of allied health professionals across rural and remote Western Australia.

This year’s theme, ‘Stronger Together,’ highlights the power of collaboration and the shared commitment of allied health professionals who work side by side to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal communities and people living in country WA.

Rural Health West proudly acknowledges the vital role these professionals play in strengthening access to care, supporting healthier communities, and shaping a stronger rural health workforce.

Tomorrow we celebrate Allied Health Professions Day 2025 🎉

This day is an opportunity to recognise the vital role of allied health professionals across Australia – a diverse and skilled workforce delivering evidence-based, person-centred care that strengthens every part of our health system.

As the peak body representing Australia’s allied health sector, we’re proud to celebrate the breadth, expertise, and impact of the allied health workforce.

Join us in marking – share your stories, celebrate your teams, and help shine a light on the difference allied health makes every day.

👉 Learn more and access AHPA’s digital toolkit: ahpa.com.au/allied-health-professions-day

12/10/2025

Rural Health West is delighted to announce the appointment of Gary Smith as our incoming Board Chair.

Gary brings more than 40 years of leadership and advisory experience to the role.

He is founding director of the Noongar Advisory Company ant spent much of his career in senior roles with professional services consultancy, KPMG.

Gary has also served as Chancellor of Murdoch University and Co-Chair of Reconciliation WA.

Gary’s commercial acumen and long-standing commitment to advancing Aboriginal leadership and equity strongly align with Rural Health West’s Strategic Plan 2025-2030, which places Aboriginal partnerships and sustainable rural workforce solutions at its heart.

We sincerely thank Hon. Terry ‘Tuck’ Waldron for his dedicated service and guidance as Chair over the past six years.

“Tuck is a true champion for country WA. His passion and generosity of spirit have been invaluable for the organisation during his time as Chair, and I have treasured his guidance since I commenced as CEO earlier this year,” said Rural Health West Chief Executive Officer, Professor Catherine Elliott.

“We look forward to working with Gary as we continue to strengthen health outcomes for rural and remote communities across Western Australia.”

Gary will commence his term at the Rural Health West Annual General Meeting on 28 October 2025.

10/10/2025

🌟 Goldfields health professionals - this one’s for you! 🌟

The ACHSM WA Regional Leadership Forum is coming to Kalgoorlie - bringing together health and community leaders from across the State for a one-day event focused on strengthening the delivery of health and social care through partnerships.

📅 Thursday 20 November 2025
📍 Curtin University Kalgoorlie Campus
☕ Start your day right at the Goldfields Health Professionals Network Breakfast from 7.00am before the program kicks off.

Hear from an impressive line-up including Peta Slocombe, our CEO Professor Catherine Elliott, Dr Neale Fong, Jeff Moffet, and Mayor Glenn Wilson, along with local Goldfields leaders sharing insights on regional collaboration and leadership.

Whether you’re an established health leader or just starting your leadership journey, this is a rare chance to connect, learn and lead - right here in the Goldfields.

🎟️ Register now: achsm.org.au/events/wa-regional-one-day-leadership-forum-20-nov-2025




Australasian College of Health Service Management - ACHSM | Goldfields University Department of Rural Health | Goldfields JMO Society

09/10/2025

The Live and Work Rural competition is now live. You have until December 4 to get in your video.

08/10/2025

We have our first GP Survey winner! 🎉

Big congratulations to Des from Broome, the first lucky recipient of a Haigh’s Chocolate Hamper! Clearly, good things do come to those who fill out surveys.

But don’t worry- your chance to win is far from over!

Paper versions of the GP Survey are on their way soon. Get your completed survey returned by 21 November and you are in the running to win your very own Haigh’s Chocolate Hamper worth $190.

That’s a lot of chocolate… and honestly, you deserve it.

So keep an eye on your mailbox, grab a pen, and get answering - because data is sweet, but chocolate is sweeter.