I n t h i s i s s u e• CheckouttheawardwinnersandhighlightsofNURHC

• FarewellNRHSNExecutive2012• Catchupwith29RuralHealthClubs• RuralplacementinBrokenHill

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COOEE!October2012

Coverphoto:Firstprize,CountryCaptureNURHCphotocompetition,‘TamarValleyCow’,byJeremyOng,OUTLOOK

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NRHSN Rural Health Clubs

1 ARMS

2 AURHA Adelaide University, SA

3 AWAIRH La Trobe University, VIC

4 BREAATHHE University of Newcastle, NSW

5 BUSHFIRE Bond University, QLD

6 CARAH Charles Darwin University with Flinders University), NT

7 CRANC University of Canberra, ACT

8 FURHS Flinders University, SA

9 HOPE4HEALTH

10 KRASH University of Notre Dame, WA

11 LARHC La Trobe University (Bendigo), VIC

12 MARHS Charles Sturt University, NSW

13 MIRAGE University of Sydney, NSW

14 NERCHA University of New England, NSW

15 NOMAD Deakin University, VIC

16 OUTLOOK University of Melbourne, VIC

17 RAHMS University of New South Wales, NSW

18 RHINO James Cook University, QLD

19 RHUUWS University of Western Sydney, NSW

20 ROUNDS Notre Dame University, NSW

21 ROUSTAH University of South Australia, SA

22 RUSTICA University of Tasmania, TAS

23 SHARP University of Wollongong, NSW

24 SPINRPHEX Combined Universities, WA

25 StARRH Charles Darwin University, NT

26 TROHPIQ University of Queensland, QLD

27 WAALHIIBE

28 WARRIAHS Charles Sturt University, NSW

29 WILDFIRE Monash University, VIC

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Combined Universitiesof Western Australia

contentsNRHSN Executive round up 3NRHSN policy takes shape 4RHW ceo 5nURHc 2012 6-9

regular features:Meet a member 10Indigenous Festivals 12 Rural placement 13 Rural High School Visits 14Portfolio reports 16-18Club Events 20-39

CatchuponNRHSNnewsinsideCooee

To find out more: visit the websitewww.nrhsn.org.au

Future Workforce team:Project Officers: Amanda Fisher (Cooee Editor), Linda McCaffrey, Rachel Drummond Team Manager Kerryn Eccleston and Director Helen Murray. Email: info@nrhsn.org.au, Tel: 03 9860 4700

Studentsaroundthenetworkarebusilypreparingforassignmentsandexams,asthe2012academicyeardrawstoaclose.Manyclubsareelectingexecutivemembersinpreparationfor2013andtheNRHSNexecutivechangeoverwilloccurinNovember.Seehowmembershavebeenbusyin2012promotingruralhealththroughruralplacements,attendingconferences,clubactivities,speakerevents,IndigenousFestivalsandRuralHighSchoolVisits.CheckouttheprofilesofWARRIAHS

memberKristyMcGregor,ARMSadministratorBronStuartandAlumnimemberStaceyPutland.The2012NRHSNexecutivemembers

SimonReid,JamesRothandBenjaminCroughwrapuptheiraction-packedyear,readytohandoverthereinsto

the2013teamKatherineHumphreys,DanFauxandJillianFerrell.Theachievementsof2012have

beendiverseandplentifulacrossthebreadthofthenetworkfromtheworkoftheportfoliorepresentativestoanexecutivevisittoCanberra,withahighlightoftheinspiringruralhealthconferenceNURHCinAugust.Asalways,thereismoretocome.

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NRHSN Rural Health Clubs

1 ARMS

2 AURHA Adelaide University, SA

3 AWAIRH La Trobe University, VIC

4 BREAATHHE University of Newcastle, NSW

5 BUSHFIRE Bond University, QLD

6 CARAH Charles Darwin University with Flinders University), NT

7 CRANC University of Canberra, ACT

8 FURHS Flinders University, SA

9 HOPE4HEALTH

10 KRASH University of Notre Dame, WA

11 LARHC La Trobe University (Bendigo), VIC

12 MARHS Charles Sturt University, NSW

13 MIRAGE University of Sydney, NSW

14 NERCHA University of New England, NSW

15 NOMAD Deakin University, VIC

16 OUTLOOK University of Melbourne, VIC

17 RAHMS University of New South Wales, NSW

18 RHINO James Cook University, QLD

19 RHUUWS University of Western Sydney, NSW

20 ROUNDS Notre Dame University, NSW

21 ROUSTAH University of South Australia, SA

22 RUSTICA University of Tasmania, TAS

23 SHARP University of Wollongong, NSW

24 SPINRPHEX Combined Universities, WA

25 StARRH Charles Darwin University, NT

26 TROHPIQ University of Queensland, QLD

27 WAALHIIBE

28 WARRIAHS Charles Sturt University, NSW

29 WILDFIRE Monash University, VIC

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Executivefarewell2012

What a phenomenal few months it has been for James, Ben and myself (Simon) in the NRHSN Executive camp. From meeting with politicians in Canberra, to being inspired by speakers and delegates alike at NURHC 2012, it is a fantastic time to be involved in rural health.JunesawtheNRHSNExecutivetravel

toCanberratopromotethegreatworkthatourmembersaredoingacrossthecountry,whilealsoendeavouringtocreatesomepositivechangeforrural

Students gathered from around Australia to celebrate the future of rural health at NURHC (National University Rural Health Conference), Creswick, Victoria during August.

healthstudents.MeetingswiththeDepartmentofHealthandAgeingandruralhealthprofessionalstakeholdersallowedustodiscusscurrentissuesforstudentsandconsiderfuturehealthworkforcepossibilities.WethenventureduptoParliamentHousetomeetwithpoliticiansandpresenttothemourNationalPrioritiesPaper.WehighlightedanumberofissuesthatwefeelcouldmakeasignificantimpacttoourstudentsandruralAustralia.Theseincludedincreasingthenumberofruraloriginstudentsin

allhealthdegrees,extendingtheHECSReimbursementSchemetoallhealthstudentsandprovidingplacementsupporttonursingandalliedhealthstudents.Wewereabletogainsometractionontheseissues,withtheworkoftheNRHSNdiscussedbytheMinisterforHealthTanyaPlibersekduringquestiontime.The2012NationalUniversityRural

HealthConference(NURHC)broughtmorethan160medical,nursingandalliedhealthstudentsfromuniversitiesaroundAustraliatopicturesqueCreswickinruralVictoria.Theaimoftheconferencewastoconnectstudentswiththeirpeers,engagethemwiththeopportunitiesavailableinruralhealthandinspirethemtotakethenextstepandbecomethenextgenerationofruralhealthchampions.Timehasflownbythisyearanditis

timetowelcomeinthenewExecfor2013.CongratulationsgotoKatherineHumphreys,3rdYearphysiotherapystudentatCurtinUniversity,PerthandWAALHIIBEmember,DanFaux,3rdyearmedicalstudentatGriffithUniversityandHOPE4HEALTHmemberandJillianFerrell,3rdyearMBBSstudentattheUniversityofQueenslandandTROHPIQmember.Seeyououtthere.Simon,JamesandBen

2012and2013NRHSNexecutiveatFace2FaceinSeptemberfrontrow(l-r);KatherineHumphreysandJillianFerrell,backrow(l-r);SimonReid,

JamesRoth,BenjaminCroughandDanFaux.

JamesRoth,(l-r)SimonReidandBenCrough Picture courtesy of The Canberra Times

NRHSNtakesprioritiestocapitalThe voice of NRHSN’s multi-disciplinary members was carried to Canberra, the bush capital, in June as the Executive delegation descended for the annual national round of stakeholder meetings. The2011-12NationalPrioritiesPaper,

endorsedbytheCouncilinlate2011,wasthecentrepieceofadvocacydiscussionsandinstrivingtosupportstudentsthetopthreeitemsfromtheNPPthatwerehighlightedwere:• expandingtheruraloriginstudent

intakethatexistsformedicineat25%to33%andexpandingacrossotherhealthcourses

• expandingplacementsupportforalliedhealthandnursingtoensureruralplacementexperiencesarewellsupportedandleaveapositiveprofessionalandpersonalimpressiononstudentstoencouragethemtoconsiderruralpracticeupongraduation

• expandingtheHECSreimbursementschemeacrossotherhealthprofessionsinreturnforworkinginruralareas.

ThetripbeganwitharoundofmeetingswiththeDepartmentofHealthandAgeing–HealthWorkforceDivisionwhichfundstheNRHSN.WethenmetwiththeNationalRuralHealthAlliance(NRHA)ChairProfLesleyBarclay,policyadvisorBethJohnsonandmanageroftheRuralAustraliaMedicalUndergraduateScholarshipScheme(RAMUS)SusanMagnay,RodWellingtonCEOofServicesforAustralianRuralandRemoteAlliedHealth(SARRAH),RuralDoctorsAssociationofAustraliaCEOJennyJohnsonandJanineRamsey,nationaldirectoroftheAustralianRuralHealthEducationNetwork(ARHEN)thepeakbodyofUniversityDepartmentsofRuralHealth(UDRH)andasdiariesdidnotconnectthedelegationheldaphonemeetingwithGeriMalone,whoisnationalco-ordinatorofCRANAplusshortlyafterthetrip.Afterthestakeholdermeetingsround

thedelegation,comprisingco-chairsJamesRothandSimonReid,secretaryBenCroughandNRHSNexecutiveofficerHelenMurray(directorof

futureworkforceprogramsforRuralHealthWorkforce),heldmeetingswithpoliticiansacrossthepoliticalspectrum• TheMinisterforIndigenousHealth

WarrenSnowdonwhoacceptedourinvitationtobeguestspeakerattheNURHCdinner;

• TheOfficeoftheMinisterforHealthand,subsequently,MinisterPlibersekaskedtheParliamentarySecretaryforHealth,CatherineKingtorepresentherandofficiallylaunchNURHC2012atCreswickinAugust;

• IndependentMPTonyWindsor’steam–whowereveryproactiveinencouragingthegovernmenttoconsidertheNRHSNpriorities;

• TheOfficeoftheShadowMinisterforHealth,PeterDutton;

• GreensSenatorRichardDiNatalewhowasanACRRMfellowpriortopolitics;and

• NationalsSenatorFionaNash,theShadowParliamentarySecretaryforRegionalEducation.ItwasanhonourforNRHSNthatthe

Exec–James,SimonandBenwereacknowledgedandnamedinpersonbyMinisterPlibersekduringQuestionTime;assherespondedtoaquestionfromTonyWindsoraboutruralhealthandNRHSNissues.MsPliberseksaidshesupportedtheMinisterforEducationlookingintotheNRHSNideaofexpandingtheexistingHECS

reimbursementthatisavailableformedicalgraduatesinreturnforruralserviceforalliedhealthgraduates(theNRHSNiscallingforthisfornursingandalliedhealth).The2012Canberratripwassuccessful

andencouragingbecausethefutureruralhealthworkforceisbeingtakenseriouslyasavaluedandthoughtfulvoicewithintheruralandremotehealthsector.WiththeNRHSNportfolioteamsrepresentingusrightacrosstheyearonvariousnationalstakeholderpanels,thisannualCanberravisitbytheExecutivetargetsthecommunicationofNRHSNprioritiesdirectintofederalpolicymakingchannels.Thevisitfurtherstrengthened

relationshipsthathavebuiltupovertheyears.InmostcasesthedelegationreceivedfavourableendorsementofitskeyissuesandtheNRHSNwillcontinuetoprosecutethenationalprioritiesintothe2012/13budgetroundandupcoming2013federalelectionarena(inanon-partisanspirit).TheadvocacyeffortwasroundedoffwithgoodmediacoverageincludinginterviewswithABCRadio,FairfaxAgriculturalPress,theCanberraTimesandotherprintandonlinemediathathelpedtoconveyandmagnifythemessage.MediacoverageandtheNRHSN

NationalPrioritiesPapercanbefoundontheNRHSNwebsitewww.nrhsn.org.au.

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PositiveprognosisforHealth

NSW Rural Doctors Network0249248000www.nswrdn.com.au

Rural Workforce Agency Victoria0393497800www.rwav.com.au

Health Workforce Queensland0731057800www.healthworkforce.com.au

Rural Doctors Workforce Agency (SA)0882348277www.ruraldoc.com.au

Rural Health West (WA)0863894500www.ruralhealthwest.com.au

NT Health Workforce0889821000www.gpnnt.org.au

Health Recruitment Plus – Tasmania0363342355www.healthrecruitmentplus.com.au

www.rhwa.org.au

Get to know the Rural Workforce Agencies

Rural Health Workforce

I’ve just experienced my first NURHC, and it well and truly exceeded its ambition of ‘Connecting, Engaging and Inspiring’. In short, it was a fantastic event.Thepassionandenergyondisplayat

Creswick,Victoria,leavesmeinnodoubtthatthefutureofruralhealthisingoodhands.Theconferenceofferedaninsightinto

thebreadthofactivitythatisoccurringatruralhealthclubsthroughoutAustralia–demonstratedbythevarietyofstudentpresentations.Congratulationstoallthepresenters

andtoeveryoneinvolvedinclubactivitiesfortheircommitmenttothecauseofruralhealth.Wefirmlybelievethatthepositive

ruralexperiencesprovidedbyyourclubsareagreatwayofengagingnotonlywithcountrylifebutwithenrichingprofessionalopportunities.Ourkeynotespeakers–featuring

severalseasonedpractitioners–showedwhatastrong,insightfulcommunitywehaveworkinginruralhealth.They,andthemanyotherswhoteach

andsuperviseinthecountry,aregreatpeopletolearnfrom.ItwasalsopleasingtoseeourRural

WorkforceAgencymemberssowell

representedatNURHC.Thesenot-for-profitagenciesareinthebusinessofattractingandrecruitingdoctors,nursesandalliedhealthprofessionalstoworkinruralandremoteAustralia.Theyhaveexcellentcontactsin

localcommunitiesandworkinunisonwithtrainingproviders,collegesanduniversities.Inshort,theyareaone-stop-shopforruralhealthcareersandcanguideyouthroughyourruraljourney.

Frontrow(l-r):BenCrough,JacintaO’Neill,CatherineRyanandFrancescaGarnett.Backrow:SimonReid,MPCatherineKing,GregSamandJamesRoth.

Greg Sam, RHW CEO

Finally,I’dliketothanktheDepartmentofHealthandAgeingforsupportingandinvestinginsuchasignificanteventaswellasourmajorsponsorsinACRRM,theRACGPandtheUniversityofNotreDame.Theybelongtoacommunityoforganisationsthathaveyourbestinterestsatheart.Together,wewillhelpyouachieve

yourcareergoalssothatruralcommunitiesgetthehealthcaretheydeserve.

rural health workforce

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2012

NURHC2012NationalUniversityRuralHealthConference

NRHSN Rural Health Club Event of the Year AwardTheawardforthebestRuralHealthClubEventwenttoSHARPfortheirinnovativemen’shealthprogram‘Checkit’.Theprogramledto1,000localmenreceivinghealthchecksatcommunitybasedeventslastyear.

Janie Dade Smith Award1st PrizewasawardedtoJustin Cain-Bloxsome,SHARP.AGamilaroiandYuinmanfromNewSouthWales,JustinistheIndigenousHealthportfolioholderfortheNRHSN.HeisalsoastrongadvocatefortheAustralianIndigenousMentoringExperience(AIME),whichpartnersuniversitystudentsandIndigenoushighschoolstudentswiththegoalofencouragingIndigenousstudentstocompletesecondaryeducationandgoontouniversity.

2nd PrizewasawardedtoMadeleine VenablesfromsPInRPHeX

3rd PrizewasawardedtoSasha BaileyfromKRASH

Morethan160healthstudentsfromacrossAustraliagrabbedtheopportunityto‘connect,engageandinspire’atNURHC.TheeventwasopenedbyBallaratMPCatherineKing,theFederalParliamentarySecretaryforHealthandAgeing.Theconferencefeaturedarangeofexpertspeakersandsessionsdesignedtoengageandinspirestudentdelegates.SpeakersincludedTimRowefromtheIndigenousMarathonProject,remoteareanurse,CRANAplusPresident,ChristopherCliffe,VictorianGPsDrClaireHepper(Creswick)andDrAshrafTakla(Boort);FayeMcMillan,PresidentofIndigenousAlliedHealthAustralia;AssociateProfessorDavidPierce,DirectorofRuralHealthattheUniversityofMelbourne;andProfessorJenneneGreenhill,DirectoroftheFlindersUniversityRuralClinicalSchool.Wewerealsoextremelyimpressedbytherangeofbrilliantstudentpresentations–congratulationstoallthepresentersonsharingsomeamazingstorieswithyourpeers.Besuretocheckoutmorephotosonfacebook.Congratulationstothedeservingand

inspiringwinnersofawardsatNURHC2012.

AwardsCountry Capture – Photo Competition

1st prize (front cover)Tamar Valley Cow

Jeremy Ong, oUtLooK2nd prize (right)Turner’s Vineyard,Orange,NSWAlice Fraser, RHUUWs3rd prize(inset) Kicking the Dust

Erin Duff, SHARP

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Rural Health Workforce AwardsRural Health Workforce presented five prestigious awards.

Outstanding Contribution to Indigenous Communities – a joint award with National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation

AwardedtoDavid Baker,HOPE4HEALTH.Dave(right)hasbeenadentalrepresentativeforHOPEHEALTHin2011and2012.Inthistime,hehascoordinatedavolunteerEmergencyDentalClinicProjectintheAboriginalcommunityofCherbourg.Thisclinicprovidesemergencydentalcareandpainrelieftothelocalcommunitywhootherwisedonothaveaccesstodentalcare.

Outstanding Contribution to Rural and Remote CommunitiesAwardedtoKatherine Humphreys,(right)WAALHIIBE.AphysiotherapystudentatCurtinUniversity,KatherineisaWACountryAmbulancevolunteerandspentarecentuniversitybreakinRoebourneassistingwithAboriginalpaediatricpneumococcusresearchfortheTelethonInstitute.ShehasalsotakenaleadingrolewithCurtinVolunteers,headinguptheirprograminLaverton.Inthisrole,sheestablishedrelationshipswiththeWAPolice,localminesandthelocalschoolandhospital.

Outstanding Contribution to Promotion of Rural HealthAwardedtoTim Hasted,ROUNDS.Tim(belowright)hasbeenhighlyactiveinthepromotionofruralhealthbothatanationallevelandatalocallevelthroughhisuniversityRuralHealthClub.Hehassomehowmanagedtobalancehisuniversitystudiesinmedicinewiththefollowingresponsibilities:NRHSNJuniorandSeniorMedicalPortfolioRepfor2011,StudentReponBondedSupportProgramNAC–2010and2011,StudentReponJohnFlynnPlacementProgramNAC–2011,ProjectOfficerresponsibleforrevisingJFPPApplications–2012,2011AMSANationalConventionAcademicCommitteeMember–2010-2011,RecentlyappointedastheACRRMrepresentativeontheJohnFlynnPlacementProgramNationalAdvisoryCommittee.

Outstanding Contribution in Rural LeadershipAwardedtoTeena Downton,SHARP.Teena(belowrightwithRHWboarddirectorBillHamill)hasbeenaleaderinruralhealthformanyyearsandduringthistimehasdemonstratedarealpassionandcommitmentthroughherongoinginvolvementwithTheStudentHealthAllianceforRuralPopulations(SHARP),theNationalRuralHealthStudentNetwork(NRHSN),herruralclinicalplacementsandruralhealthresearch.TeenaiscurrentlytheSeniorCommunityandAdvocacyPortfolioRepfortheNRHSNandtheNRHALiaison.SheisthedrivingforcebehindthePortfoliohavingco-ordinatednumerousprojectsandsubmissionssuchastheNRHSNNationalGuidelinesforOptimisingruralclinicalplacementexperiences(withChrisTimmsandteam)andupdatingtheNRHSNportfolioinductionkit.TeenahascappeditoffthisyearwithhercommunityactivitiesatBrokenHillwhileonplacement.

Best Student Presentation AwardsTherewerefiveseparatestudentpresentationsessions,eachwithsixpresenters.DelegatesattendingthesessionsvotedfortheirfavouritepresentersandthefivewinnerswereawardedTherapeuticGuidelines.

PresentationGroup1Nicholas CorrfromSHARP

PresentationGroup2Lisa WatersfromStARRH

PresentationGroup3Kristy McGregorfromWARRIAHS

PresentationGroup4Tara NaigefromNOMAD

PresentationGroup5Natalie KewandAlyce WilsonfromoUtLooK

2012 NRHSN Life MembersShannon Nott,RAHMS,NRHSNCo-Chair2008and2010

Amy Stephenson,FURHS,NRHSNCommunity&AdvocacyPortfolio2010-11

Daniel Mahony,WAALHIIBE,NRHSNAlliedHealthPortfolio2009-10

Outstanding Contribution to a Rural Health ClubAwardedtoMadeleine Venables,sPInRPHeX.Madeleinefeelsstronglyaboutpromotingruralcareeropportunitiesandencouragingfuturegenerationsoftheruralhealthworkforce,throughcoordinatingdynamicruralhealthclubandnationalevents.ThroughSPINRPHEX,Madeleinehasorganisedworkshops,bushcampsandnetworkingeventsthemedaroundruralhealthaswellasmentoringforcountryhighschoolstudents.ShehasalsobeenprominentinsupportingIndigenousHealththroughClosetheGapandisactiveatanationallevelonthemedicalportfoliooftheNRHSN.

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The colour and spirit of NURHC1: RWAVCEORodJackson(l-r)withJustinCain-Bloxsome,NRHSNIndigenousHealthPortfolio.2: HealthRecruitmentPluscompetitionentries.3: Paneldiscussion(l-r)DrAshrafTakler,FayeMcMillan,DrSuePageandDanielMahony.4:DebKay,HealthWorkforceQueensland,(l-r)JanieDadeSmith,BondUniversity,andBushfiremembersAmaniSavyandAngelaVicocelebratedattheformaldinner.5:AgroupofmedicalstudentsgatheredforanACRRMbondedsupportprogramnetworkingeventatNURHC.6:RuralWorkforceAgenciesandRHWstaffshowcasedthediversityofprogramsandservicesonoffer.7: SHARPstudentscelebratedtheclub’sawardfortheevent‘Checkit’8: DianaMcCluskeyJFPPCoordinator,ACRRM(l-r)withNOMADmemberLucyDobson,whoreceivedthePresident’sprizeforherinspiringvideo.

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Have you studied/had other careers in the past?Iamcurrentlyworkingasagoverness(that’sateacherforkidswhodoschooloftheair)andlivingonalargecattlestationinfarwesternQueensland.If you weren’t studying your current course, what would you be doing?Travellingtheworldorjustlivinghere,intheoutback,surroundedbyreddustandclearblueskies.

What attracted you to join your Rural Health Club?Theopportunitytoexperience‘rural’Australia.

Best rural placement experience?Yettohavearuralplacement–althoughonecouldsaythisisapermanent,longtermplacementlivingonastation.Best NRHSN experience?NodoubtbothNURHC’sIhavebeentoinAliceandmostrecentlyCreswick–alwaysinspiringandempowering.Best RHC experience?TheopportunitytotravelacrossAustraliameetingpeoplewhoarereallymakingadifferenceinruralcommunitiesandvisitingtheremoteNTontheNTHealthWorkforceRuralHighSchoolVisitsProgram.

KristyMcGregorOur Member

What is your 5 year plan?‘Plan’–Idon’treallyhaveaplan.Beingouthere,whereonebitofrainthrowsyourroutineallout,hastaughtmetogowiththeflow.Theopportunitiesareendless;youneverknowwhatisgoingtocomeyourway.

What keeps you occupied in your spare time?Lifeisneverboringonastation.WhenIamnotworkingfulltimeteachingthekids–fourboysaged11,9,7and3–orrushingtofinishauniassignment,Icanbefoundcookingfor20plusblokes,fillingAvgasdrums,scrubbingtoiletblocks,sortingmail,changingnappies....thetermgovernessisn’tsoundingsoposhisit?IfIhavesparetimeIliketogoforawalkuptheairstripandappreciatethebeautyofthewideopenspacesouthere.

What’s the one thing you want the world to know about you?EventhoughIliveontheedgeofthedesert,Istillappreciategoodcoffee.

The thing you don’t want the world know?Ihaven’tusedconditionerfor18monthsbecauseitgoesfunnyinthecreekwater.

What are you studying? BachelorSocialWork,3rdyear,DistanceEducationthroughCharlesSturtUniversityinWaggaWagga,NSW.

Where are you from originally?Camden–onceacountrytown,nowpartofthesprawlingsuburbiaofSydney.

What is my favourite ARMS memory?IamproudofthepassionARMSmembersputintoalltheiractivitieswhethertheybeacademic,communitybasedorsocial,andthecamaraderieandsupporttheyshowtoeachother.MyfavouriterecentmemoryistheirperformanceintheGoldenWindmillsatNURHC2012.

What do you do at Australian National University/ARMS? What does your job involve?ANUstudentsarerequiredtohaveeightweeksruralexperiencethroughoutthecourseoftheirdegree,undertakeninYears1–3withtheoptionofdoingYear4selectivesrurally.AsRuralPlacementsOfficer,myjobentailsorganisingandcoordinatingtheseplacementsincludingaruralstreamwhere25%ofthedomesticcohortliveandstudyinruralareasfortheentiretyoftheirthirdyear–andbeingadministratorforARMS.Theruralstreamispopular,andentryiscompetitive,andhasbeenproventobeverysuccessfuleducationallywith

manystudentswinninguniversityprizes.MyroleincludesinterviewingandselectingstudentsforRuralStreamandNorthernTerritoryplacementsandsix

weekruralplacementsundertakenbytherestofyear3.TherolealsoincludesorganisinginformationsessionsandbriefingsforthestudentsforalltheseactivitiesandapplicationsforRuralStreamscholarships.TheClinicalSchoolprovidesadministrativeassistanceandtransporttoassiststudentstoattendevents.

What keeps you occupied in your spare time?MyfamilyisimportanttomeandIenjoysharingtheirlives.Ialsolikeswimming,walking,gardeningandcreativepursuitslikedressmakinganddesign,freemachineembroidery,fabricdyeingandscreen-printing.

What’s the one thing you want the world to know about you?

Ihavelotsofinventiveideasaroundmycreativepursuits.

The thing you don’t want the world to know?

Ilovethemandolinandliketheideaofplayingitwell–itisoneofthosethingsthatneedsalotmoreattention.

BronStuartOur Administrator

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Words of wisdom for others thinking about a rural career?Goforit.Theopportunitiesareamazing.Thesenseofcommunityisunbelievable.Livingintheoutbackyoumeetthemostdowntoearthcharacters,andlearnsomuchaboutyourselfonalltheadventuresyouwillhave.Flyinginsmallplanes,weekendsatcampdrafteventsandrodeos;whenyoulive250kmfromthenearesttown–youmakeyourownfun.Evenifthatfunisdancingonthecoffeetableandflickingthelightswitch–wellthereisn’tanightclubhere.

An NRHSN/RHC experience that didn’t go quite right?Iamfortunatetohavelovedthemall.Evenifittakessixflights–includingonesquashedintoalittleshuttleplane,andtwobustrips,togettoNURHC.

Anything else at all?Onlineshoppingmeansmaildayisthehighlightoftheweek.Taketheopportunitytogetoutbush.

Kristy is a National Student Representative for SARRAH (Services for Australian Rural and Remote Allied Health) and Co- Senior Allied Health Portfolio Holder

How long have you been involved?IhavebeenworkingwiththeANURuralClinicalSchoolfornearlyfiveyearsandhavebeeninvolvedwithARMSforfouryears.ARMSisaveryproactivegroup,organisingandactivelyparticipatinginahugeamountofactivitiestopromoteruralhealthincludingruralshows,Men’sHealthPitstops,HighSchoolvisitsandmentoringschoolstudents,AcademicSpeakernights,andIndigenousHealthprogramsaswellassocialactivitiesformemberslikebushdancesandskitrips.ARMSmembersareusuallythestudentsinterestedinruralhealthandtheonesthatapplyforRuralStreaminYear3.TheclubrunsautonomouslywithmoreexperiencedmembersmentoringnewerstudentsastheycomethroughandhandoverthereinsinYear4,whentheyarepreparingtoembarkontheircareers.ARMSiswellsupportedbytheANURuralRuralClinicalSchoolthroughstaffat-tendingeventsandprovisionofadmin-istrativeassistanceandtransporttoattendeventsthemselves.

Which Club were you a member of?ROUSTAHattheUniversityofSouthAustraliainAdelaide,graduated2011.

Where are you from originally?SunnyStrathalbyn,ontheFleurieuPeninsula,SouthAustralia.Where are you now?Mildura,farnorthwesternVictoria–boastingtobethemost-liveable,people-friendlycommunityinAustralia.

What do you do there? (Career, spare time etc)IworkasanInternPharmacistattheMilduraBaseHospital.WhenI’mnotworkingweekendsorstudyingIenjoyahorseridealongthebillabong,abikeridetoourinlandbeachorakayakalongtheriverwhentheweather’sright.Milduraisfabulous.What is the best thing about your town/job?Thepeople.Everyonehereissofriendly.You’reawellsupportedandrespectedmemberoftheteamandthereisalwayssomethingtodoandsomeonetodoitwith.Whetherit’sdining,localtheatreorwateraerobics.

Words of wisdom?

Makethemostofanyopportunityyougettogorural.It’sthepeoplethatmaketheseplacesgreat,introduceyourselfandacceptallinvitations.Networkstakeyouplaces–it’snevertooearlyortoolatetostart.

Best NRHSN experience?NURHCinAliceSprings,theconferenceinspiredmetocommitmoreandmoretimeandenergytoourRuralHealthClub.Itwasgreattofeelpartofthebiggerpicture.

If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?Probablyteachingpianoanddancetochildren.

Best rural placement experience?ThedrivethroughstunningcountrysidetoandfromthehospitaleverydaywhileonplacementinMoruya,NSW.

Best RHC experience?EatingoversizedoystersinCedunawithagreatteamofgirlsafterfourdaysofRHSVsacrosstheEyrePeninsula.

What’s the one thing you want the world to know about you?Ilovegoingtoworkeveryday.

The thing you don’t want the world know?Ican’tstandanythingtoocomplicated–surelyeverythingcanbesimple.

Anything else at all?I’msogratefulfortheopportunitiesI’vehadbeingapartofROUSTAHandtheNRHSN.WhenIfirstjoinedasPharmacyRepIdidn’tfeelIhadmuchsparetimetogive,thenthepresidenttoldmenottoworry,butI’donlygetoutwhatIputin.Threeyearslater,afterbeingpresident,I’dtellnewmembersthesamething.IgotbacksomuchmorethanIcouldhaveeverimagined.

StaceyPutlandOur Alumni

Pictured at Trentham Estate Winery, overlooking the Murray River.

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C o o e e ! O c t o b e r 2 0 1 2

Colourful activities from making plaster casts to painting murals and piecing together ‘Gusty Gus’ were among some of the most popular sessions held with primary and secondary students from across Australia attending Indigenous Festivals.CongratulationstoallNRHSN

participantsinthe2012IndigenousFestivalseason.RuralHealthClubmembersvisitedfestivalsinWesternAustralia,SouthAustralia,NorthernTerritory,NewSouthWalesandVictoria.FestivalswereheldatVibePort

HedlandWA,VibeTownsvilleQLD,VibeBendigoVIC,WakakirriBarungaNT,DeadlyDaysWauchopeNSW,DeadlyDaysBallinaNSW,WakakirriHallsCreekWAandWakakirriCedunaSA.ThesuccessofNRHSNparticipationat

IndigenousFestivalsisaresultofhoursofplanningforeacheventbyRuralHealthClubs,thetwointernalofficersAmberRuane(ARMS)andNatalieKew

(OUTLOOK)andaRuralHealthWorkforceprojectofficer.Formoreinformation,emailfestivals@nrhsn.org.au.

IndigenousFestivals

LARHCPresidentLeticiaKeadywithastudentatVibeAlive,Bendigo,Victoria.

IndigenousFestivalofficerandOUTLOOKmemberNatalieKewpromotinghealthfoodoptions.

MARHSstudentstakepartintheTownsvilleVibeAlivefestival.

NRHSNstudentsgrabamomenttosee

reddogatDampier,WesternAustralia,ontheirwaytoafestival.

Database1. Visitwww.nrhsn.org.au

2. FindyourRuralHealthClub

3. Click‘JoinNow’andcompletethemembershipinformation

4. Startinteractingwithyournewnetworkoflike-mindedpeopleinterestedinruralhealth.

Join your Rural Health Club. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3, 4…

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TeenaDowntonRural PlacementSHARPRuralHealthClub,University of Wollongong

I spent 40 weeks of my medical school training undertaking a longitudinal clinical placement in Broken Hill during the 3rd and 4th years of my degree. Broken Hill is a rural mining town in Far West NSW with a population of approximately 20,000 people. A 14-hour drive from Sydney and a 6-hour drive from Adelaide, it is surrounded by the spectacularly beautiful Australian outback and home to some of the most welcoming and down-to-earth people I have ever met.Iwasextremelyexcitedtohavebeen

offeredtheplacementforacoupleofreasons.IhaddevelopedastronginterestinruralpracticeduringmyundergraduatedegreethroughmyinvolvementwithmyRuralHealthClub,andIthoughtthatBrokenHillwouldprovidemewiththeperfectopportunitytogoasfarruralasIcouldwhilestillastudenttoroad-testhowI’dgolivingand“working”inaruralcommunity.Iwasalsodrawntotheopportunity

toexperiencesomethingdifferentandgetawayfromtheNSWCoastwhereI’dgrownupallmylife.TheroadtripouttoBrokenHillwasalittledaunting.ForthefirsttimeinmylifeI’dbeenconfrontedwith360degreesofthehorizon,flatnessandroadsstretchingoutendlesslyintothedistance.Itisasignificantcontrasttothehigh-risecityscapesofthecoast.Icontemplatedonthedriveout

whetherIhadmadetherightdecision.However,Ihadsuchafantasticexperience,manyaspectsofwhichIdon’tthinkIwouldhavebeenabletobeapartofifIchoseaplacementclosertohome.

ExperiencingtheoutbackinBrokenHill

ManyhealthstudentsfromotheruniversitiesanddisciplinesundertakeplacementsinBrokenHillmakingitquiteahubforprovidingruralandclinicalexperiencestothenextgenerationofhealthprofessionals.Thisofcourse,meantthatforstudentslikeme,BrokenHillwasfullofopportunitiesfornetworkingandmakingnewfriends.Ithoughtitwasgreattoseenursing

studentsdoingtheirplacementsalongsidemeattheBrokenHillBaseHospitalEmergencyDepartmentasitreallygavemeasenseofwhatitwillbelikewhenweareallworkinginourrespectiverolesinthefuture.I’vekeptincontactwithmanyofthe

studentsImetduringmyplacementandI’dliketothinkwe’dmakebrilliantteamsofhealthprofessionalsworkingoutbushandsupportingeachotherinthefuture.Clinically,Iwaswelcomedbythe

localhealthcommunityandhadgreatexposuretowhatattractsmetoruralandremotefuturepractice–afairamountofhands-onintheEmergencyDepartment,opportunitiestobeinvolvedinthemanagementofawiderangeofclinicalpresentations,experienceworkingalongsidehighlyskilledstaff,andgettingthefeelingthatIwasreallyappreciatedbythecommunity.ThepatientsIcameacrossdisplayeda

greatsenseofhumour.Itwasinterestingexperiencingwhatlifemustbeliketobeahealthprofessionalinaruralcommunity,suchasmeetingmembersofthecommunityinbothclinicalandnon-clinicalsettings.Duringmyplacement,Iwaslucky

enoughtojointhelocalBrokenHillRoyalFlyingDoctorServiceBaseteams

onacoupleofflightstoWhiteCliffs,TibooburraandHungerfordtorunGPclinicsfortheresidentsoftheseremotecommunities.Itopenedmyeyestotheessential

andimportantworkthattheRoyalFlyingDoctorServiceprovides,andhowremotenesscanimpactonaccesstohealthcare.Attimeswewouldhavetofactor

remotenessintoourdecisionsonpatientmanagementwhenthenearesthospitalwasseveralhundredkilometresaway.Myplacementwaswell-supportedby

thestaffattheBrokenHillUniversityDepartmentofRuralHealthwhoIfoundtobegenuinelyinterestedinassistingallstudentstohaveapositiveexperienceinthecommunity.Thestudentaccommodationwasexcellent,anystudentfeedbackwastakenonboard,andwehadinter-professionalafternoonsessionsonceaweekwherewecametogetherwithstudentsfromotherhealthdisciplines.Thiswasbalancedbylotsofsporting,

andsocialactivities.Itwasn’tlongbeforeIfoundmyselfdevelopingaloveformassiveboulders,sandycreekbedsandreddirt.MyBrokenHillplacementnotonly

providedmewithagreatclinicalexperience,butabroaderlifeexperienceindiscoveringwhatitislikebecomingpartofaruralcommunity.AlthoughIwas1,200kmsawayfrom

home,Ididn’tfeelisolated.IintendonreturningtoBrokenHillinthefuturetovisitfriendsandmaintainprofessionalconnections.Theexperiencehasmademelook

forwardtoseeingmoreofruralAustraliaduringmymedicaltrainingandpractice.

RuralHighSchoolVisitFor an original RHSV, the NRHSN and NT Health Workforce conducted a School of the Air Visit in Alice Springs. Students from across 40 stations had a great surprise when they dialled in for their weekly assembly to have us present activities and health promotion over the air waves. Like most RHSVs the usual activities were done like blood pressure cuffing, swallowing sounds, arm strength tests and healthy teeth brushing. The difference was that the students were not in the room. Wepresentedtoacamera.DuringtheRHSVwehadanumberofoccasionswhereweaskedquestionsandtheresponsefromthesestationkidswasunbelievable,onejokedthatbecausehissisterwentandsawaspeechpathologistthatshenowneverstopstalking.TheydefinitelyhaveagreatsenseofhumourwhichisanassettothetechnologyofSchooloftheAirandtheStationGovernesses.Allofthekidsoutlinedadesiretostay

ruralandmostlyontheirproperties.Whenaskedwhattheywouldliketodo–fromthedisciplineswehadmentioned–therewasnotonethatdidn’treceivemorethan20‘handsraised’thusindicatingastronginterestinhealthcareers.ItwasdefinitelyaspecialRHSVduetoitsnatureandthefactthatmanyofthesekidshaveneverheardorseenwhatsomeoftheprofessionsdo.Presentingtoanemptyroom,doingtheactivity,lookingatafixedcamerawhilst

C o o e e ! O c t o b e r 2 0 1 2

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checkingyourimageontheTVscreenwasafairjugglebutonetheCentralAustraliaRHSVteamenjoyed.WehadagoodlookatthestationclassroomswhentwostudentsfromtwoseparatestationsjumpupanddemonstratedtheirinterpretationoftheAmyHoitink’sSpeechactivityagainshowinggreatenthusiasmforsucharareevent.ThisRHSVhighlightedthedifference

inlivinginaremotelocation.Itwasupliftingtobeabletogetthesestationkidsenthusiasticabouthealthandtokeepgoinghardatschool.The team had Amy Hoitink - Speech Pathology, Stephen Langley - Physiotherapy, Rob Short-Burchell - Medicine, Rebecca Gaston - Nursing, Neeraj Vyas - Dentistry and Ben Crough - Pharmacy.

Check out some of the Rural High School Visits across Australia.

NRHSNmemberswithSchooloftheAirdeputyprincipalBillNewmaninAliceSpringsduringJune2012.

ThirdyearpsychologystudentGemmaAltingeratNorthernTerritoryRuralHighSchoolVisit.Photo courtesy NT Medicare Local.

ARMSmembersvisitaschoolinYoung,NSW.StARRHmemberswithstudentsfromEssington,Darwin,NT.

byBenCrough

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TherearesomegreatresourcesavailabletoyouasaRuralHealthClubmember,sowhynotcheckthemout.

Rural High School Visit (RHSV) Informati on SheetFindouthowtorunasuccessfulRuralHighSchoolVisit.www.nrhsn.org.au/rhsvkit

Indigenous Festi vals Informati on SheetFindouthowtogetthemostoutofanIndigenousFestival.www.nrhsn.org.au/indigenousfesti valkit

RHSV and Indigenous Festi val Acti vity BookletYour‘onestopshop’forgreatideasforfunfilledactivitiestoengagewithprimaryandhighschoolstudents.www.nrhsn.org.au/acti vitybooklet

Rural Placements GuideTohelpyouhaveagreatruralorremoteplacementexperience!www.nrhsn.org.au/ruralplacementsguide

When the Cowpat Hits the WindmillAguideforyouandyourfellowRuralHealthClubsmembersonhowtostaymentallyhealthyinthebush.www.nrhsn.org.au/mhg

Wide Horizons: Health Students Get Out of Town (DVD)Threehealthstudentssharetheirexperiencesofruralandremoteplacements.www.nrhsn.org.au/widehorizons

Go Rural (DVD)Needsomethingtohelpenticepotentialmembers?

The NRHSN on FacebookLinkinwithmembersfromallacrossAustraliafromallhealthdisciplines.Sharephotos,videosandlinks.www.facebook.com/nrhsn

Nati onal Events CalendarSeewhattheall29RuralHealthClubsareuptoandshowwhatgreateventsyourClubhasplanned.www.nrhsn.org.au/upcomingevents

Scholarships FindoutwhatscholarshipsareonofferthatyouorfellowRuralHealthClubmemberscouldtakeadvantageof.CanbeagreatwaytoattractmemberstoyouClub!www.nrhsn.org.au/scholarships

NRHSN Inducti on KitWonderinghowyourClubfitsintotheNetwork?Theanswersarehere.www.nrhsn.org.au/inducti onkit

How to Run a Rural Health Club GuideFilledwithtemplatesandsamplesofotherClubsconstitutions,executiveandcommitteeroledescriptions,eventplans,sponsorshipproposalsandmanymoretipsandtricksonhowtorunaTHRIVINGRuralHealthClub.www.nrhsn.org.au/rhcguide

IfyouwouldlikeanycopiesoftheaboveresourcessenttoyouoryourClubpleasecontactinfo@nrhsn.org.auorcall0398604700.

NRHSNresourcesatyourfingertips

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C o o e e ! O c t o b e r 2 0 1 2

NRHSNportfolioupdatesfor2012PortfoliosP16-19

IndigenousHealthPortfolioJustin Cain-Bloxsomee:indigenous_health@nrhsn.org.au

It’sneartheendofanotherNRHSNyearandwe’vehadourupsanddownslikealways.Firstly,NURHC2012,itwasgreatcatchingupwithsomanyoldfriends,butalsomakingsomenewonesandnetworkingwithhealthprofessionalsfromalloverthecountry.I’mproudtosaythattwoofthemajorawardsatNURHCthisyear,werewonbyIndigenousstudentswithDavidBakerfromHOPE4HEALTHtakingouttheRHWAandNACCHOawardforhiscontributiontoIndigenouscommunitieswithafantasticdentistryoutreachprogramtoCherbourginQLD.TheotherawardwastheJanieDade-Smithaward,whichI’mtheproudrecipientofthisyear.NURHC2012hadsomeamazingIndigenoushealthpresentationsbyFayeMcMillan,presidentofIndigenousAlliedHealthAssociation(IAHA)andfirstAboriginalpharmacist,Associate

ProfBradMurphy,anAboriginaldoctorandlecturerinIndigenoushealthatBondUniversity.Butwecan’tgopasttheamazingpresentationsbyournon-Indigenouscolleaguesworkinginthissector,particularlyMichaelO’HalloranwhohasbeendoingsomeamazingworkinKatherineintheNTandTimRoweandtheinspirationalworkbeingdoneattheIndigenousMarathonproject.TheIndigenousHealthportfolioislookingforwardtoattendingtheIndigenousAlliedHealthAustraliainauguralconferenceinBrisbanethiscomingNovember,butalsoseeingtheoutcomesofsomeotherfantasticeventssuchasCATSINandSARRAHconferences.Finally,IwouldliketothankDameyonBonsonforhiscontributiontotheIndigenousHealthportfoliothisyear.WeareeagerforNRHSNmemberstoapplytobeapartoftheportfoliofornextyear,ifyouhave

anyquestionsfortheIndigenousHealthportfolio,pleasedon’thesitatetocontactusontheportfolioemail.Goodlucktoyouallfortherestoftheyear.

IndigenousHealthportfoliomemberJustinCain-BloxsomereceivedtheJanieDadeSmithawardatNURHC

fromtheaward’snamesake.

CommunityandAdvocacyPortfolioChris Timms, Teena Downton, Francesca Garnett and Mitch Milanovice:advocacy@nrhsn.org.au

withkeystakeholdersfortheNRHSNandthroughourefforts,wehavebeenincreasingtheprofileofthestudentvoiceinthebroaderruralhealtharena.TeenaandMitchhavecontinuedtoprovidevaluedrepresentationonbehalfoftheNRHSNontheNationalRuralHealthAlliance(NRHA)Council,andFrankiehasbeeninvolvedin

anumberofmeetingswiththeAustralianRuralHealthEducationNetwork(ARHEN).Timeisflyingbeforethe12thNational

RuralHealthConferenceinApril,andMitchhasbeenworkingcloselywithAmyStephenson(NRHSNAlumniandGraduateDietician)ontheConferenceAdvisoryCommitteetoensurestudentsarewellrepresentedatwhatpromisestobeoneofthebiggestruralhealtheventsin2013.Aspromised,ourteamisstrivingtomake

ourselvesmoreaccessibletoyou.WearesteppinguptheopportunitiesforyoutobecomedirectlyinvolvedinhelpingtheNRHSNadvocateforthestudentvoiceonruralhealthissues.WehavebeenworkingbehindthesceneswiththeExecutiveoninitiativestoincreaseawarenessoftheRuralHealthClubsandtheNRHSNamongparliamentarians,andencourageyoutocheckouttheNRHSNStudentServicesandAmenitiesFee(SSAF)PositionStatement–whichcanbeusedtodoyourownadvocacyathome.WearealsoworkingonadocumentprovidingtipsonhowtoapproachyourlocalMP.Contactusifyou’dlikemoreinformationongettingstarted.We are now on Facebook and Twitter, so like us, follow

us and above all, get involved.

Our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/cap.portfolio

Our Twitter profile: http://twitter.com/NRHSN_CAP

CommunityandAdvocacyportfoliomembersMitchellMilanovic(l-r),FrancescaGarnett,TeenaDowntonandChrisTimms.

TheyearhasflownbyandonceagainithasbeenanexcitingtimefortheNRHSNCommunityandAdvocacyPortfolio(CAP).OurteamhasthoroughlyenjoyedworkingtogetheroninitiativestosupportandprovideastrongvoiceforallNRHSNmembersontheissuesthatmatter.Wehavemaintainedstrongrelationships

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NursingportfoliomemberCatherineRyan.

AbighowdytoNRHSNmembersacrossthecountryfromyourNursingPortfolio.Hereisanupdateofouractivitysofarthisyear…WehaveprovidedyouwithrepresentationontheCRANAplusstudentsandnew-graduatessub-committeewherewetooktheopportunitytoexaminethecommittee’stermsofreference,futuredirectionsandmarketing.Wearecurrentlyworkingonapositionpaperforstudentsundertakingremoteplacements.TheNursingPortfoliochairedthemost

recentinter-portfolioteleconference,whichoccurtwiceeachyear.WeexploredareasofcollaborationandPortfolioinvolvementatNationalUniversityRuralHealthConference.WewerealsojoinedbytheNRHSNExecutiveandhadtheopportunitytomakesuggestionsforissuestoberaisedastheyheadedtoCanberratomeetwith

NursingandMidwiferyPortfolioCatherine Ryane:nursing@nrhsn.org.au.

theDepartmentofHealthandAgeing,stakeholdersandpoliticians.TheworkoftheNursingPortfolioincludes

respondingtoenquiriesfromourmemberRuralHealthClubs.TheyhavebeenapproachingustodiscusswaysofengagingNursingstudentswiththeirRuralHealthClubs.WehavebeenencouragingClubstoholdnursing-specificevents,targetnursinglectures,recruitnaturalleaderswithineachyearofnursingandtoprovideincentivesfornursingmembership.Ialsoregretthatmyco-portfolioholder,

AlyceJackson,hasresignedtopursueopportunitiesthathavestemmedfromworkattheBrokenHillHospital.IwishherallthebestwithhernewendeavourandthankherforhercommitmenttotheNursingPortfolio.Wewerepleasedtohavethearticle,

PassionforNursinginthebush,writtenbyAlyceJacksontheJuniorNursingPortfolioholderrecentlypublishedbyRoyalCollegeofNursingAustralia.TheNursingPortfoliolooksforward

tomaintainingastrongrelationshipwithCRANAplusandaimstoincreasecommunicationwiththenewAustralianCollegeofNursing.PositionsfortheNursingPortfolio

JuniorandSeniorpositionswillbeopeninglaterthisyear,staytuned.

AlliedHealthPortfolioLindsay Dundon, Courtney Challinor, Kristy McGregor, Katherine Humphreyse:alliedhealth@nrhsn.org.au

TheAlliedHealthPortfoliohassuccessfullyspent2012developinggoalsandstrengtheninganddevelopingbothnewandcurrentrelationshipswithstakeholders.Inlate2011,theAlliedHealthPortfolio

conductedtheAlliedHealthStudentSurveyasajointinitiativebetweentheNRHSNandServicesforAustralianRuralandRemoteHealth(SARRAH).ThisprojectwasdesignedtoincreasetheunderstandingoftheNetwork’salliedhealthstudentbaseexperienceswithruralclinicalplacementsaswellasthescholarshipsupporttheyreceived.TheAHPworkedhardtocollateresultswiththereportnowfinalised.Thesurveyidentifiedanumberofkeyfindingsincluding;lowstudentmembershipofruralandremotealliedhealthprofessionalbodies(signifyingtheneedandpotentialtoengagemorestudents)andtheneedforbettersupportofalliedhealthstudentswhowishtoundertakearuralorremoteplacement.Interestingly,acurrenttrendshowedstudentsbelievethebiggestissueinruralworkforceretentionistheisolationandlackofprofessionaldevelopmentopportunitiesavailable.Katherine,KristyandLindsayattended

theAlliedHealthProfessionsConference(AHPA)earlierthisyear.Thisprovideda

fantasticplatformtopromotetheroleandworkoftheAlliedHealthPortfolio,andmorebroadlyaspartoftheNRHSN,withregardstoruralandremotehealthcare.DiscussionsfocussedonraisingawarenessofmanyNRHSNinitiatives,andcontinualcontactwithstudentstoensurethatthemembershipbaseoftheNRHSNiscontinuallyexpanding.MeetingswithRodWellington,CEOofSARRAH,andCraigDukes,CEOofIndigenousAlliedHealthAustralia,alsoprovedinvaluableopportunitiestodiscussplansandfutureinitiativesforthecomingyear.

TheAHPhasfocusedondevelopingouruseoftechnologywhichhasbeenslowlyimprovingwithCourtneyandIngridtakinganactiveroleinthePortfolio’spromotionandmembercommunication.TheAlliedHealthPortfolioFacebookpage(www.facebook.com/groups/190266497687529/)hascontinuedtogrowandcannowboastover200membersAustralia-wide.Wehopetocontinuewiththissuccessin2013.Chris,Courtney,KatherineandKristy

attendedtheNationalUndergraduateRuralHealthConference(NURHC)heldinCreswick,VictoriainearlyAugust.TheAHPmetwithseveralcurrentstakeholdersandconductedmeetingswithpossiblefuturestakeholderswiththeaimoffurtherdevelopinggreatpotentialrelationshipsbetweenthePortfolio,theNRHSNandtheirrespectiveorganisations.Courtney,IngridandKristyhadthe

opportunitytoattendtheSARRAHConferenceinLaunceston,TasmaniaduringSeptember.TheconferencecentredaroundCelebratingClientCenteredCare,ChronicConditionsandCoordinatedCare,CreatingCommunityCapacity,CultivatingChampions,ConfidentCompetentClinicians,andCuriousandCaptivatingConversations.AllAHPmembersattendingpresentedattheconferenceonbehalfoftheNRHSN.Havingjustlefttheveryengaging,

connectingandinspiringNURHCconference,theAlliedHealthPortfolioisinterestedinhearingfromyou.

AlliedHealthportfoliomembersKatherineHumphreys(l-r),KristyMcGregorandCourtneyChallinor

atNURHC.

C o o e e ! O c t o b e r 2 0 1 2

TheMedicalSchoolsOutcomesDatabaseandLongitudinalTracking(MSOD)ProjectwillbeseekingyourinputinthenextfewmonthswhenyouwillbeaskedtocompleteanExitQuestionnaire.Youmaybeaskingyourself‘whyshould

Ifilloutthisquestionnaire?’Ifyoufeltthattheoutcomesofthesurveymightleadtomoredoctorsinruralareas,wouldthatmakeyoumorekindlydisposedtowardscompletingit?Thedatacollectedthroughthe

MSODProjectisusedbytheAustralianGovernmenttoinformmedicaltrainingprograms,includingthoseaimedattherecruitmentandretentionofasustainableruralmedicalworkforce.(TheMSODProjectwasfundedbytheAustralianGovernmentDepartmentofHealthandAgeingfrom2005to2011andiscurrentlyfundedbyHealthWorkforceAustralia.)TheProject,whichistheworld’sfirst

nationallycoordinatedprojectfortracking

medicalstudentsthroughmedicalschoolandintoprevocationalandvocationaltraining,commencedin2005.ThroughMedicalDeans(thepeakbodyoftheDeansofallthemedicalschools),allAustralianandNewZealandmedicalschoolsareinvolvedbothasstakeholdersandparticipants.Anotherlong-termobjectiveofthe

MSODProjectistoprovideaninformationresourceforAustralianmedicaleducators,governmentandworkforceplanners.Questionslike,‘Doplacementsaffectcareerintentions?’and‘Isamedicalstudentfromaruralbackgroundmorelikelytoworkina

Did you know ...?AsofJune2012,theProjectistrackingmorethan20,000participantsincludingbonded,rural,Indigenousandinternationalstudents,JohnFlynnandRAMUSscholarshipholdersandstudentsundertakingRUSC,RCS,UDRHplacements.•18%ofcommencingand14%ofgraduatingmedicalstudentsindicatedthattheywouldliketopracticeinaregionalorrurallocation•Ofcommencingstudents,53%ofrespondentswhoidentifiedthemselvesofruralbackgroundindicatedtheywouldliketopracticeinaregionalorrurallocationcomparedwith9%ofrespondentswhoidentifiedthemselvesasnotbeingofruralbackground(and19%ofrespondentsidentifiedthemselvesascomingfromaruralbackground).•22%of2011ExitQuestionnairerespondentswhobelongedtoaRuralMedicalClubwhilestudyingindicatedtheywouldliketopractiseinaregionalorrurallocation,comparedwithonly11%whodidnotbelongtoaRuralMedicalClubwhilestudying.

ruralsettingaftergraduation?’havealreadybeeninvestigatedbyresearchersusingtheMSODdata.ThisyearforthefirsttimetheProject,

inconjunctionwiththeAustralianMedicalStudents’Association(AMSA),hasofferedgrantstostudentstodoresearchusingtheMSODdata.FormoreinformationabouttheMSOD

Projectvisitwww.medicaldeans.org.au,oremailmsodadmin@medicaldeans.org.au. LookoutfortheMSODlogoonapaper

oronlinequestionnaireandaddtothisvaluabledataset.

Calling all final year medical students

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MedicalPortfolioMatt Irwin, Melinda Swan, John Clark and Madeleine Venablese:medical@nrhsn.org.au.

Higher. Stronger. Faster. TheOlympicswasawhirlwindofenthusiasm,passionandmind-bogglingfeats.YetitseemedthatthisyearinLondon,therewasonlysecondsbetweenthecauldronlightingandtheSpiceGirlsdrawingitalltoaclose.WhilsttheOlympicsbroughtusitsdisplaysofathleticismforjustovertwoweeksthemedicalportfoliocontinuestopushthelimitsinruralhealthwithasimilardetermination.Wehavecontinuedtobuildon

therelationshipswiththeNRHSNstakeholders.MatthasbeenperformingwondersinhisrolewiththeACRRM(AustralianCollegeofRuralandRemoteMedicine)BondedSupportPrograminadvocatingformoreequalopportunitiesforbondedmedicalstudentsupon

graduationandimprovedcommunicationtoprospectivebondedmedicalstudents.HehasalsobeenworkingwiththeNationalAdvisoryCommitteetotheDepartmentofHealthandAgeing,advocatingformorehighqualityclinicalplacementopportunitiesformedicalstudentsinruralsettings.MelindarecentlyspokeattheNationalRuralFacultyofRACGP’s20thAnniversaryDinnerandisassistingthefacultyinreachingouttomedicalstudentsduringtheirtimeatuniversity.MelalsodidawonderfuljobathostingthemedicalportfoliolunchatNURHCandhashopefullyencouragedsomeofyou,ourbrilliantmembersoftheNRHSNtoconsiderjoiningusontheportfolionextyear.MaddiehasbeenworkingwiththeACRRMandtheJohnFlynnPlacementProgram(JFPP).ItwasparticularlyhelpfultocollecttheideasoftheNRHSNCouncilinMarchregardingtheJFPPandMaddiehasfedthesebacktothecommittee.Lastbutnotleast,JohnisworkingonwaysthattheNRHSNcanbetterworkwithAMSA

(AustralianMedicalStudents’Association)asanimportantgroupwithsomesimilarviewsonanumberofissuesrelatingtoruralandremotehealth.Thiscomesataparticularlyimportanttimeasanumberofstudentswehavestudiedwithoveranumberofyearsarenotguaranteedinternpositionswhentheygraduatenextyear.Werelyonyou,ourmemberstofeed

backtheissuesthatconcernyouandwhatyouwouldlikeustofocusourattentionto.WewouldlovetohearfromyouandlookforwardtotheremainderoftheyearwithNRHSN.Itisaprivilegetoworkwithsuchwonderfullytalented,motivatedandintelligentpeople.

MedicalportfoliomembersMattIrwin(l-r),MelindaSwan,MadeleineVenablesandJohnClarke.

OutandaboutwiththeNRHSN

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1.FURHSQuornClinicalSkillsWeekendintheFlindersRanges,combinedwithhiking.2.RHINOGalaball3.HOPE4HEALTHmembersexperienceallthatKingaroyhastoofferonaruralskillsweekend4.SunnyKrishna,FURHS2ndyearmedicine,experiencedadaywiththeRoyalFlyingDoctorsService.5.FundingfromtheprogramConferencesofNationalSignificanceallowedNRHSNportfoliomemberstoattendtheSARRAHConferenceinLauncestonduringSeptember.6.RAHMS’Ramdebut

Date Discipline Conference24-27 Oct 2012 All,Nursing CRANAplus30thAnnualConference,PearlsofWisdom,Cairns,QLD25-27 Oct 2012 Medicine GP12GoldCoast,QLD26-28 Oct 2012 Medicine RuralMedicineAustralia2012,NationalConferenceofRDAA&ACRRM,AliceSprings,NT7-10 Nov 2012 Medicine AGPNNationalConference,Adelaide,SA16-18 Nov 2012 Medicine GPCEGeneralPractitionerConference&Exhibition,Melbourne,VIC22-23 Nov 2012 AlliedHealth IndigenousAlliedHealthAustralia2012ConferenceBrisbane,QLD7-10 April 2013 All NRHANationalRuralHealthConference,Adelaide,SA

Get your applications in for CoNS. Check out the website www.nrhsn.org.au.Applications close six weeks prior to each conference.

ConferencesofNationalSignificance

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C o o e e ! O c t o b e r 2 0 1 2

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ARMSAustralianNationalUniversity,ACTe:arms@nrhsn.org.au

TheANURuralHealthClub(ARMS)haspackedtheyearwitheventstoraiseawarenessofruralhealthissuestoeducatecommunitymembersandstudents.ThisyearARMSorganiseditssecondannual‘ClosetheGap’daytorecognisetheactionsthathavebeentakenandraiseawarenessforallthatstillneedstohappenfortheIndigenouspeoplesofAustralia.Peoplecamefromallovertheneighbouringregions,includingstudentsfromotherRuralHealthClubs,toattendtheceremonyandfollowingARMSBushdanceatthehistoricYarralumlaWoolshed.ARMSmembershavebeenable

togooutintotheruralcommunitiesofCooma,Yass,Bega,BoorowaandGoulburntogivehealthchecksattheannualagricultureshows.Additionally,ARMSandtheCanberraRuralAlliedHealthandNursingCollective(CRANC)havepaireduptovisitruralhighschoolsinCrookwell,Goulburn,Cooma,Jindabyne,Yass,BoorowaandYoung

ARMSstudentsparticipatedinaClosetheGapeventinCanberra.

WiradjuriEchoesperformedattheARMSClosetheGapevent. RuralHighSchoolVisit,Young,NSW

toteachstudentsinyears10to12abouttheoptionsofpursuingcareersinmedicine,nursing,andalliedhealth.MorehighschoolvisitsareplannedforBatemansBay,Broulee,Moruya,

Narooma,andBegainthecomingmonths.TheKarabarHighSchoolmentoring

programhasalsoprovidedYear11studentswithlong-termmentoringbyARMSmembers.Inaddition,ARMShostedIndigenousstudentsfromlocalHighSchoolsattheANUtolearnabouttheoptionsavailableatUniversityandalsointroducethemtothesciences.InadditiontoparticipatinginDeadly

Days,andtheNURHCconferencethisyear,ARMShasplanstoattendRuralAppreciationWeekend(RAW),hostanAcademicSpeakerNightforstudentsinterestedinruralpractice,andtakeadayouttogouptothesnowfortheARMSSkiTripatPerisher.

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AURHAAdelaideUniversity,SAe:aurha@nrhsn.org.au

AWAIRHLaTrobeUniversity,Wodonga,VICe:awairh@nrhsn.org.au

Hopefully,muchlikeAURHA,youhaveallhadagreatyearthusfar.Ouryearstartedoffbusilyasalways,meetingupwiththeotherSouthAustralianRHCsandorganisingourO-weekactivities.Theclubpresentedatquiteafewintroductorylecturesforfirstyears.Thisisagreatopportunitytospreadtheruralhealthwordandexcitepeopleaboutourupcomingactivities.Wehadexcellentparticipationfrommuchof

thecommitteemanningourstall,andmanagedtosignupadecentnumberofnewmembers.Ourfirstrealeventfortheyearwas

ourwelcomeBBQ,whichisalwayswellreceived.StudentsseemtobealittleinundatedwithfreethingsaroundO-week,butstillloveafreefeed,especiallyonthebanksoftheRiverTorrensintheAdelaideCBDwithgreatcompany.

AWAIRHbegantheyearwithaWelcomeBBQinMarchandparticipationinFace2Face,andhasfinishedtheyearwithaRuralHighSchoolVisit.Clubmembersandbroaderhealth

studentsfromLaTrobeWodonga

DinnerUndertheStars

AURHAteam

Thisyearwemovedourprincipalevent–AURHADinnerUndertheStars–earlierintheyear.Abitofanorganisationalnightmare,butoureventsteamoutdidthemselves,organisingafantasticeventthisyear.DinnerUndertheStarsisheldatamysterylocationeachyear,andwedressupnicely,hopinabusandheadouttoasemi-rurallocation.HerewedineandnetworkwithallthreeSARuralHealthclubs.Thisyearweinvitedourpastpresident

LucyCrawfordtospeakaboutherrecentexperiencesworkinginAboriginalcommunitiesinremoteNT.OurfirstRHSVthisyearwastotheEyre

Peninsula.Thecrewallhadagoodtime,thankstosomelocalconnections.Fromallreportsthevisitswerewellreceived.AURHA’syearendswithexcitementto

theend,withanotherRHSV,Campfire–SA’sruralhealthforumandtheWakikirriFestivalinCeduna.

campusjoinedinasurveytofindoutwhatmemberswantfromtheirclubtohelpshapethefutureofruralhealth.Theclubiscurrentlylookingtofillpositionsintheircommittee.ThemostrecentactivityforAWAIRH

hasbeenaRuralHighSchoolVisit.TwoAWAIRHmembersRachael

ElliottandMonikaWilsonspentavaluableafternoonprovidinghealthandcareersinformationtolocalstudentsatWodongaSeniorSecondaryCollege.

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BREAATHHEUniversityofNewcastle,NSWe:breaathhe@nrhsn.org.au

WowBREAATHHE–whatayear.Ourmembershavebeenincrediblybusy.WekickedofftheyearwithourO’Weekstall,completewithhaybales,akubrasandanapplecorer,whichwasahugehit.ThiswasfollowedcloselybyourOldTexasRanchthemedWelcomeEvent,whichwasattendedbymorethan100members.InAprilwesentadelegationof9

studentsdowntoCanberratotheClosingtheGapCeremony,whichwasorganisedsuperblybyARMS.ThisCeremonywasaneyeopenerforallinvolvedandafantasticopportunitytominglewithstudentsfromotherruralhealthclubs.InMayweranourannual

InterdisciplinarySkillsNightwithskillsstationsanddemonstrationsfromoccupationaltherapy,physiotherapy,medicine,podiatryandtheNSWambulanceservice.Studentsenjoyedpracticingtheirsuturingskills,puttingplastercastsandchallengingoneanothertoourwheelchairobstacleraces.IntheRuralHighSchoolVisitinitiative

BREAATHHEsentsomemembersto

alocalHighSchoolsCareersExpoinMaitland,NSW.Thiswasabrilliantopportunitytospeaktoover500highschoolstudentsfromallovertheHunterregionandpromotethebenefitsofstudyingahealthcourseatuniversityandworkingrurallyinthefuture.

Asabenefittoourmembers,BREAATHHEranmultipleFirstAidCoursesatadiscountedrateoverSemester1.Thesewerewellreceivedbymembersandfilledupquickly.WehaverunaBondedMedical

StudentsmeetandgreetlunchaswellasaJohnFlynnRuralPlacementInfoNight.Wewerealsoveryproudtosendtwo

ofourstudentsontheNorthernTerritoryRuralHighSchoolVisit.Bothourmemberscamebackwithglowingreviewsandsomegreatfriendshipsandmemoriestoshare.Mostrecently,severalofourmembers

attendedtheNURCH2012inCreswick,Victoria.Themotivation,inspirationandenthusiasmthathascameoutofthisconferencehasalreadyhadprovenresultsforourclub,withmanynewideasandeventsalreadyinthepipelineforthenext6months.Wearegreatlyanticipatingthelaunch

ofournewandexcitinginteractiveBlackboardpage,whichshouldseeajumpinmembershipacrossallhealthdisciplinesandgreatereaseincommunicationwithourmembers.Allinall,ithasbeenalivelyyear,which

hasseenmanygettinginvolvedandbuildingenthusiasmwithintheclubthatissettocontinuetotheendof2012.

TexasRanchthemedWelcomeEvent.

BREAATHHEmembersatClosetheGapeventinCanberra.

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BUSHFIREBondUniversity,QLDe:bushfire@nrhsn.org.au

BUSHFIRE(BondUniversitySocietyofHealthforIndigenousandRuralExperience)hasbeenverybusythislastsemesterwiththeelectionofanewExecutive.DevelopmentofnewportfolioswithintheCommitteehasreturnedasignificantincreaseingeneralmembership,makingme(AmaniSavy)excitedandhonouredtobethenewPresident.OurnewVicePresident,Angela

Vico,togetherwithourIndigenousRepresentative,AnaMarieCardon,havebeenbusyplanningsomeamazingevents.TheireffortsthissemesterhaduscelebratingNAIDOCweekwithourinauguralIndigenousNight,includingagreatguestspeakerandbushtuckerfordinner,includingcrocodileandkangaroo.MelissaPrang,ourresidentshutterbugandPublicationsOfficer,tookphotosofthenightwhichshepublishedonthewebsite,butnotbeforeshe’dredesignedit.Checkoutgobushfire.org.autowitnessMelissa’sskillwithacameraandacomputer.OurnewclinicalskillsofficerisShelly

Leeandshe’shelpedorganiseamuchappreciatedandwell-attendedCPRrefresherforourmedicalstudents.She

alsohelpedorganiseaverypopularsuturingnightforthefirstyearstudents.KudosmustgotoourTreasurer,EricMorrison,andSocialDirector,BrianNg,forgettingthecateringtogetherandhelpingensureallfirstyearstudentshadagreattime.

BUSHFIREmemberslearnhowtosuture.

BUSHFIREmembersatClinicalSkillsNight.

BUSHFIRE’smeetingshavedoubledinsizesincethenewCommitteehastakenover.TakingminutesisabigjobforYinLin,ournewsecretary,buttheyhavebeengreatingettingusorganisedsothatwecanrunmoreevents.BUSHFIREmembershavethusfar

attendedtheRuralDoctorsAssociationQueenslandConference,NURHCandtheQLDJRHCW(JointRuralHealthClubWeekend)inStanthorpe.DamanPasricha,ournewJRHCOrganiser,ishelpingtoplanthenextJRHCW,whichwillbeinEmerald.BUSHFIREhasalsosentstudents

offcampustootherruralawarenesseventsincludingflyingNorthtocatchupwithourRHINOfriendsattheirGalaBall.OthereventsincludeaRHSVtoStGeorgeandsurroundingareasinSouthWestQueenslandwithDebbieBassett,ourRHSVCo-ordinatorandsixstudents.It’sbeenaproductiveyearsofar

cappedoffwithaFace2Facemeeting.Wewillusethenew-foundknowledgefromnetworkingwithotherRHC’stomakeBUSHFIREamoresuccessfulclub.CatchyouinthenextCooee!

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CARAHCharlesDarwinUni,NTinassocwithFlindersUni,SAe:carah@nrhsn.org.au

KRASHing through the STARRHs to see CARAH, 13-16th July 2012IrecentlyhadtheopportunitytovisitAliceSpringsforaruralhealthconferenceorganisedbyCARAHRuralHealthClubandRuralHealthWorkforce.IwouldneverhavebeenabletoexperiencetheNorthernTerritoryonmyownaccord;hencebeingchosentoattendthisconferencehasdefinitelymadeadreamcometrue.Therewereatotalof27delegatesfrom

universitiesalloverAustraliaofdifferenthealthcourses,comingtogetheratthecentreofAustralia.ItwassuchagreatopportunityformetomeetnewfriendswhosharethesamepassionandbeingabletoholdmeaningfulconversationsontheissuessurroundingruralandIndigenoushealth.Hearingfromstudentsfromadifferenthealthfocus(i.e.Nursing,AlliedHealth&Medicine)haswidenedmyperspectiveofhealthdeliveryandhasfurtherstrengthenedmyviewontheimportanceofamultidisciplinaryteamapproachinruralhealth.Wehadthepleasureofhearingfrom

professionalsinthefield,whoareveryexperiencedandenthusiasticintheirroleinAliceSpringsanditssurroundings.DrAmeetaPatel,DrClareJarvisandDrSamGoodwinwhoareGPs,andDrDebbieFearon,aconsultantpaediatricianofAliceSpringsHospital,generouslyofferedtheirtimetosharetheirexperiencesofpracticingmedicineinaruralandIndigenoushealthcontext.Itwasveryexcitingtobetoldofthebroadanddiverseaspectsofruralmedicine,andtheopportunitiesthatexistinruralhealth.Iwaspleasedtofindoutthatourdoctorswhoworktirelesslyintheseareasofworkforceshortagesareverywellsupportedandhaveexpressedtheirintentincontinuingtheirgreatworkintheseareas.WewerealsoveryfortunatetohearfromCollenNiland(chiefpharmacist),CarolTaylor(CEOofCRANAplus),KarenHarris(DirectorofRehabilitationandAlliedHealthAliceSpringsHospital,OccupationalTherapist)andDianaCarli-Seebohm(WorkforceProgramsOfficer,NTHealthWorkforce).Theiroverflowingzealandpassionforclosingthegapinhealthdisparitieshasdefinitelypassedondowntoallofus.Apartfromtheacademiccomponent

ofthisconference,atripwasorganisedtotheAliceSpringsCamelCupRaces.Wegottoseecamelsracingdownatrackorveeroffitcompletelytotheabsolutehorroroftheirhandlers.Itwasanafternoonfilledwithlaughterandprovideduswitharelaxedenvironmenttogettoknoweachother.Beingtheenthusiasticbunch,wegroupedfourteamstoparticipateintheirRickshawRaceandtwoofourteamscameinsecondintwoseparateleagues.OurbeautifulladiestookpartintheMsCamelCupcompetitionaswellbutalas,theylosttoa60-year-oldgrannydressedtokill.SimonReid(NRHSNCo-Chair)tookprideinbringinghomethetitleofMrCamelCup2012dressedwithacamelplushtoyaroundhiswaist.Itwassheergoodfun.WewerealsogiventheopportunitytovisittheDesertPark,andgainedmuchinsightonAboriginalArt,Indigenousplantsanddesertanimals,muchthankstoparkranger,Doug.Itwasaveryfruitfulandmemorable

tripforme,andIhavedefinitelylearntalotfromthespeakersandfromthedelegates.ThisopportunitywouldnothavebeenpossiblewithoutthegeneroussupportofRHW.AspecialthankyoutoLindaMcCaffrey,andRachelDrummondfromRHWandDianaCarli-SeebohmfromNTHealthWorkforce.ThiseventhasdefinitelyenrichedmyexperienceandpassionforruralandIndigenoushealth.By David Khoo, NOMAD

MembersfromRuralHealthClubsaroundAustraliavisitedAliceSpringsforaCARAHclubeventandthelocalCamelCup.Seeaboverightandbelow.

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CRANCUniversityofCanberra,ACTe:cranc@nrhsn.org.au

ThisyearhasbeenbyfaroneofthebestCRANChasseen!WiththepassionandenthusiasmofallcommittedexecutivemembersrubbingoffonthehealthstudentsattheUniversityofCanberrawehavehadahugeboostinmembershipnumbers.Westartedtheyearwithsome

casualbutverysuccessfulmeetandgreetevents,suchasourEasterEggHuntandMascotsnameday.WehavesincerunaRemoteEmergencyCourseandMaternityEmergencyCarecoursethroughCRANAplus;aMentalHealthFirstAidcourse;attendedVibeAliveinBendigo;ranastallattheCalvaryHospitalOpenDay,butthebestisyettocome.CRANCisalsoveryexcitedtobecollaboratingwithARMSinsomeeventsthisyearandinfutureyears.CRANCwasalsorepresentedatthe

NorthernTerritoryRuralHighSchoolVisitrunbyNTHealthWorkforce.

ThirdyearPsychologystudent,GemmaAltingerwasfacedwiththechallengeofturningPsychologyintoahandson,interactiveactivitytoengagestudentsfromruralandremoteNorthernTerritory.Thedamagingimpactofalcoholconsumptiononadevelopingbrainwasexploredwithplaydohmodelsofthebrain.Studentswerekeentolearnaboutthechangingbrainandgethandsonwiththeirmodelbrains.Withsuchasuccessfulyearsofar,

wewouldliketothankeveryonewhohashelpedmakeCRANCwhatitistoday.CongratulationstoGabrielleWeidnerandGemmaAltingerwhohavebothbeenofferedpositionsintheDepartmentofHealthandAgeingGraduateDevelopmentProgramfor2013;proofthatRuralHealthClubsofferexperiencewhichsetsyouapartfromothergraduates.

NickHughes,firstyearnursingstudentatCalvaryHospitalOpenDay.

KRASHUniversityofNotreDame,Broome,WAe:krash@nrhsn.org.au

WehavefoundourselvesverybusyatKRASH.OurmembershavehadanumberofgreatopportunitiestogetinvolvedintheactivitiesoftheclubinourfantasticKimberleyregion.JulysawushostKatherineHumphreysandHamishWatkinsfromWAALHIIBEandAmyBennettfromSPINRPHEXalongwithsevenKRASHmembersforourinauguralEastKimberleyRuralHighSchoolVisitTrip.ThefourdaytripsawusconductRHSVsatbothFitzroyDistrictHighSchoolandHallsCreekHighSchool.BothschoolsserviceveryremoteareasoftheFitzroyValleyandEastKimberley.Thelaughteroftheschoolstudentsaboutthesoundof‘guts’andsomeinterestingplacementsofGus’sbodypartshadalltheteamswellingwithprideoveravery

EllenPiesse(lefttoright),JulesGalliers,HamishWatkins(WAALHIIBE),BrittanyDellaBoscaandRosieMilnetravelledtotheEastKimberleyforaRuralHigh

SchoolVisittrip.

successfulweekofRHSVs.ThesixhourdrivebackfromHallsCreektoBroomewasawholedifferentstory.AlongwiththiseventKRASHwas

luckyenoughtosendRosieMilneandLauraNeelingtothecombinedruralhealthclubeventinAliceSprings.Laurasaidtheeventwas‘aneyeopeningexperience’hearingfromlocalhealthprofessionalssuchasapharmacist,doctor,Aboriginalhealthcareworkersandaremoteareanurse.Itprovidedanopportunitytolearnaboutruralandremotehealthservices,balancingfamilylife,andtheindividualjourneyofhealthprofessionalsontheirpathtoworkinAliceSprings.WewrappedupbysendingMorika

West,DonMain,ByronManningandJulesGallierstoNURHC.

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FURHSFlindersUniversity,SAe:furhs@nrhsn.org.au

FURHShasmadeafantasticstartto2012anditbeganwithO-WeekcelebrationsinFebruary.Atourkick-offBBQ,over150studentsweretreatedtoagourmetBBQthathighlightedarangeofproducefromcountrySouthAustralia,includinggourmetsausages,freshcountrybakedbread,saladsandhomemadesconeswithfreshcreamandjam.Theyalsoreceivedgoodie-bagscontainingFURHSandNRHSNmerchandise.InadditiontotheBBQ,over1000studentsreceivedabriefpresentationaboutwhoFURHSare,whatwedoandwhyruralhealthissuchanexcitingcareerpath.Webegantheyearwith300membersandover80%weremedicalstudents.Atthepresentmomentwehaveover700membersandmorethan50%arealliedhealthstudents.Indigenous HealthInEarlyFebruary,FURHSfunded8studentstoattendweeklyPitjantjatjaralanguagecourses,whichwillrununtiltheendoftheyear.PitjantjatjaraisanAboriginallanguagefromCentralAustraliaandfeedbackfromstudentsattendingthesessionshasbeenverypositive.InApril,FURHSsenttwostudents

onthe‘BringingCulturesTogether’triptotheAPYlandsinnorthernSouthAustralia.ThisprovidedstudentswithanexcellentopportunitytoexperienceAboriginalculturefirsthand.Ontheweeklongtrip,attendeesvisitedAboriginalcommunities,participatedintraditionalculturalactivities,touredlocalhealthfacilitiesandcampedunderthestars.Tocoincidewithnational‘Close

theGapDay’inMarch,FURHSheldaseminarwithafternoonteafeaturingtwoinspirationalspeakerswhohadextensiveexperienceworkinginAboriginalandTorresStraitIslanderhealth.Over100studentsattendedaswellasacademicstaff,healthworkersfromtheAboriginalhealthclinicatFlindersMedicalCentreandvariousotherstakeholders.Itwasgreattobemotivatedbyhealthprofessionalswhohadapassionfor

improvingthehealthoutcomesofIndigenousAustralians.RFDSThroughourcloseassociationwiththeRDWA(RuralDoctorsWorkforceAgency),wewereabletoprovide9medicaland9nursingstudentswiththeopportunitytoexperienceadayflyingwiththeRoyalFlyingDoctorService(RFDS)betweenMarchandAugust.ThisisafantasticwaytowitnessfirsthandtheimportantrolethattheRFDSplayinruralandremotehealthcare.Wearecurrentlyintheprocessofselectinganother26studentsforthisamazingopportunity(Seepictureonpage19).Quorn TripInMay,FURHSsent11medicalstudentsontheannualRDWA‘QuornClinicalSkillsWeekend’intheFlindersRanges,alongwitheightmedicalstudentsfromAdelaideUniversity.Itwasafantasticeye-openerofhowexcitingandrewardingacareerinruralhealthcanbe.Thetwodayswerefullofclinicalskillsessions,four-wheeldriving,hikingandnetworkingwithlocaldoctorsandothermedicalstudents(Seepictureonpage19).Wilderness Health InMarch,FURHSheldtheirbiggesteventoftheyear,our‘WildernessHealthNight’,whichwasattendedby80members.Theeveningcomprisedofalivesnakedemonstrationfeaturingover15differentspeciesofsnakes,dinnerandawildernessfirstaidsession.Theaimofthenightwastoteachstudentsvitalskillsrequiredtosavealifeinemergencysituationswhenmedicalhelpmaynotalwaysbereadilyavailable.Rural High School VisitsInconjunctionwiththeNTHealthWorkforce,FURHSsenttwostudentsontheannualNTruralhighschoolvisits.ThefirsttripvisitedseveralschoolsaroundAliceSpringsandTennantCreek,whilethesecondtripfocusedonschoolsaroundDarwin,KatherineandNhulunbuy.InMay,weconductedourown

ruralhighschoolvisittoMannum.Wereceivedaverypositiveresponsefrombothstudentsandteachers,which

demonstratedhowbeneficialthevisitsare.OurnextruralhighschoolvisitwastothelowerFlindersRangesinSeptember,followedbysendingtwostudentsontheROUSTAHruralhighschoolvisittoCooperPedy,MarreeandRoxbyDowns.Beyond BordersInJulyallthemedicalstudentsocietiesatFlinderscametogethertofacilitatetheallday‘BeyondBorders’event.Theaimwastoexposethe120studentswhoattendedtotheexcitingmedicalcareerpathsavailableoutsideofmajormetropolitanareas.Wehadanumberofinspiringspeakersinthemorning,whosharedtheirexperiencesofworkinginruralAustraliaanddevelopingcountries.Theafternoonconsistedofanumberofclinicalskillsessionsincludingmoleexcision,radiology,publichealthmedicine,anemergencymedicinechallengeandglovingandgowning.Winter WarmerInJuly,FURHSheldtheir‘WinterWarmer’lunchtimeeventtohelpcelebrate2012beingthe‘AustralianYearoftheFarmer’.Foragold-coindonationover140studentsreceivedhomemadesoup,crustybreadrolls,teaandcoffee.Allproceedsweredonatedtothe‘AustralianYearoftheFarmerFederation’.New LogoInJuneFURHSwereveryexcitedtorevealournewlogo,whichwedesignedinconjunctionwithanartistfromSouthAustralia’sRiverlandregion.Wearecurrentlyintheprocessofpurchasingnewshirts,jumpersandothermerchandisewiththenewlogoonthem.Still to comeThisisjustpartofthefantastic

yearthatFURHShasexperienced.Westillhaveplentyofexcitingeventstocome.TheseincludeanotherroundofRFDSflights,theannualtri-club‘Campfire’weekendontheYorkePeninsulaandtheRDWAObstetricsweekendinMt.Gambier.

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HOPE4HEALTHGriffithUniversity,QLDe:hope4health@nrhsn.org.au

2012hasbeenastellaryearfortheHOPE4HEALTH’sRuralandIndigenousPortfolios.Undertheguidanceofourcoordinatorswehavecontinuedtoexpandthenumberofopportunitiesandexperiencesofferedtoourmembers.Thisyearwehavetakenover120medicine,dentistryandalliedhealthstudentsawayfromthecomfortsofthecoasttoruralQueensland.WhilstmaintainingourbiannualGundy

MedandDentRuralSkillsweekends,weaddedtripstoKingaroyandRoma.TheKingaroyexpeditiontargeted2ndyearmedicalstudentsinspiringthemtopartakeintheRuralLongLookProgramwhilsttheRomavoyageensuredmedicalandnursingstudentsexperiencedthenaturalattributesofWesternQueenslandandthehealthcareersavailable.TheRuralHighSchoolVisitssawus

traveltoQueensland’scattlecountryaroundRockhamptonandCunnamulla.

TheIndigenousPortfolio,inconjunctionwithourdentalstudents,hascontinuedtomaintainastrongandvaluedpresencewithintheIndigenouscommunityofCherbourgviaourdentalclinicsandTeddyBearHospitalProgram.HOPE4HEALTHhascontinuedits

stronginterclubcollaborationwith350studentsattendingtheannualMidnightMusterwhilsttheJointRuralHealthClubWeekend,RuralMedicineGala,GORuralSkillsDayandtheRuralDoctorsAssociationofQueenslandConferenceensuredstrongrelationshipswereformedbetweenmembersoftheQueenslandclubs.Theportfoliosarestartingtowind

down,buttheremainderoftheyearisstilljampackedwiththeStanthorpeNetworkingattheRacesWeekend,DeadlyDaysFestivalandtheinauguralSoutheastQueenslandIndigenousConference.

Amassivethankyouandcongratulationsisinorderfor2012HOPE4HEALTHexecutive.Withouttheirhardworkanddedicationmanyoftheopportunitiesandexperiencesopentoourmemberswouldnothavebeenpossible.IwouldalsoliketothanktheNRHSNandtheHOPE4HEALTHfamilyfortheircontinuedsupportofourinitiativesaimedatimprovinghealthoutcomesinruralandremoteAustralia.

HOPE4HEALTHmembershikeinGirraweenNationalParkattheJointRuralHealthClubWeekend.

TakingabreatheronthewaytoaRuralHighSchoolsVisitinRockhampton.

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LARHCLaTrobeUniversity,Bendigo,VICe:larhc@nrhsn.org.au

2012hasbeenabusyyearforLARHC!Wekickedofftheyearwelcomingover100newmembersinO-Week,andcelebratedbyputtingonafreeBBQforourmembers.Allmemberswererewardedwithawelcomeshow-bagincludingLARHCmerchandise.Higher,faster,stronger!Ourfirstsocial

eventwasanOlympic-themedcocktailpartywhichwasafunnight.Winnersofthe‘BestDressed’competitionreceivedareplicaOlympicmedalandphotoshootonthepodiumfortheirefforts.TorecogniseNationalClosetheGapDay,

LARHCjoinedforceswiththepharmacystudentassociationtoraiseawarenessofthiscampaign.StudentswereabletosignthepetitiontoshowtheirsupportforthiscausewhilstenjoyingtheproduceofagoodAussieBBQ.LARHCisproudtohavefacilitated

afantasticeducationeventwherewewerethrilledtohostDrAshrafTakla,oneoftheRHW’s(RuralHealthWorkforce)RuralHealthChampions.Hegaveourmembersagreatinsightto

thebenefitsofruralpractice.WealsoranaRuralHighSchoolVisitatCrusoeCollege,Bendigoandweweregladtoclearupsome‘common’mythseghospitalityisnotahealthprofession.Asaclubwewereexcitedto

participateineventsrunbyotherRHC’s,includingARMS’‘ClosetheGap’weekendinCanberra,TopEndRHSVandWILDFIRE’sfundraisingtrivianight.Wehopetocontinuetoparticipateineventswithotherclubs,particularlythe‘TeddyBearHospital’programwithWILDFIRE.LARHC’sendofyearplansconsistof

moreRHSVs,VibeAlive,MentalHealthandLevel2FirstAidcoursesandmoreBBQ’s.Finally,congratulationstoourLARHC

memberKaraHazelmanforwinningoneoftwoinauguralGive Them Wings Scholarships. ThiswasajointinitiativebetweenRHWandRoyalFlyingDoctorsService. Thanksforallthesupportfrom

membersandourwonderfulcommittee.

TaniClarkeatClubsandSociety’sDaysigningupmembersduringO-week2012.

LARHCandBAPS(BendigoAssociationofPharmacyStudents)CommitteesatNationalCloseTheGapdayBBQinMarch,2012.

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MARHSCharlesSturtUniversity,Albury,NSWe:marhs@nrhsn.org.au

MIRAGEUniversityofSydney,NSWe:mirage@nrhsn.org.au

MARHShasbeenbusyandwe’renotfinishedyet.Afterrecruitingaround70newmembersduringO’Weekcelebrationsatthestartoftheyear,wewerestraightintospreadingtheruralmessagewithapresentationtoabout150highschoolstudentsaboutthebenefitsofchoosingahealthcareerandwhatlifeataregionaluniversityislike.MARHSmembershaveensuredwe

werewellrepresentedatinterclubeventswithdelegatesattendingtheMarchandSeptemberFace2Face,WARRIAHShighschoolfestival,ARMSCloseTheGapCeremonyandtheNorthernTerritory‘KrashingthroughtheStarrhstoseeCarah’event.

WehadonesuccessfulapplicanttotheNorthernTerritoryRHSVtoAliceSpringsandwereluckyenoughtosendfourrepresentativestotheTownsvilleVibeAliveIndigenousFestival.Ourclubparticipantsreturnedfromthiseventamazedattheenergyandenjoymentthekidshadinspired.NURHCwasaninspiringexperiencefor

twoluckymembers,bothattendingtheirfirstconference.Thehighlightofourcalendaris

ourannualClosetheGapCeremonyandauthenticBushBashBallheldinSeptember,withsomefantasticspeakers.WeaimtoincreaseawarenesssurroundingissuesofIndigenoushealth

andinspirepeopletobecomeinvolvedinanywaytheycan.Bigthankstothisyear’sclubexecutive

committeefortheirhardworkorganisingthesefabulousopportunitiestoencourageourmemberstogiveruralago.

MIRAGEhashadanexcellentyearsofar.WekickedoffwithabigWelcomeDrinksevent,wherestudentsfromavarietyofdisciplinesgatheredtomingleandfindoutwhatMIRAGEhastooffer.OurRuralScholarshipsNightfollowedshortlyafter,whichpromotedthemessageof‘goingrural’tomanyofournewrecruits.Wealsoco-hostedaClosetheGapBBQinMarch,whichgotmanystudentsinvolvedinthecampaignandprovidedachancetonetworkwithpeoplepassionateaboutmakingchangeinATSIhealth.TheannualMessageStickseventallowedstudentstosharetheirexperiencesfromplacementsinIndigenouscommunities,withtheaimofencouragingtheirpeerstoembarkonsimilarendeavoursoutsidetheircomfortzones.DuringReconciliationWeek,MIRAGEheld

afilmscreeningofOurGeneration.DrJeffMcMullen(AM),AssociateProducerofthedocumentary,madeapresentationafterthefilm.Heisdedicatedtoimprovingthehealth,educationandhumanrightsofIndigenousAustralians.DrMcMullenwasabletoshedlightonhowwecancontributetoachievingthisasfuturehealthprofessionals.

ContinuingonthequestofraisingtheprofileofIndigenousHealthatSydneyUniversity,MIRAGEpavedthewaywithourfirstCulturalAwarenessDay.SpeakersfortheprogramincludedtwoAboriginaleldersandaremoteareanurse,whosharedtheirknowledgeandexperiences.TheyprovidedvaluableinsightintotheStolenGenerationanditsongoingimpactsonmodernsocietyaswellasanunderstandingofAboriginalcultureandpracticaladviceforworkingwithIndigenouspatients.Thedayconcludedwithanexpertpanelandfinallyopen,frankdiscussionsessionwhichwasverystimulatingwithquestionsflyingfastandfurious.SomesaiditwasoneofthebestexperiencesinIndigenoushealththeyhadhadwhilststudying.WehopetocontinuethisnoveleventintheyearstocomeandmakeitaMIRAGEtradition.Mostrecently,MIRAGEheldtheannual

IndigenousHealthForumwhichattractedstudentsandprofessionalsfromvariousfieldsandevensomedistantlocations.OurkeynotespeakerwasDrTomCalma,ahighprofileAboriginalelderandformerATSISocialJusticeCommissionerandFounder

ofClosetheGapSteeringCommittee.Otherinspiringspeakersincluded:DrKelvinKong,AboriginalSurgeon;DrPaulTorzillo,MedicalDirectorofNganampaHealthCouncil;NoelButler,IndigenousElderandtraditionalcustodianoftheBudawangpeopleoftheYuinCountry;DrSandraMeihubers,DentalConsultantwithmanyyear’sexperienceinAboriginalcommunities;andJustinCain-Bloxsome,theNRHSN’sownIndigenousHealthPortfolioRepresentativeandIAHAStudentMember.Wehavebeenluckytohavesomevery

motivatedindividualsandagreatteamworkingtogethertoputonarangeofsuccessfuleventsforourgrowinggroupofinterestedstudents.Aboveisjustasnippetofourannualprogram.Totopitoff,wefinishtheyearwithourRuralHealthNight,theWauchopeDeadlyDaysFestivalandournextRHSVtoWilcannia.

AmyHoitink(l-r),JessShort,MelissaMcKinnonandCarolMudfordin

TownsvilleforVibeAlive

TeamMIRAGE

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NOMADDeakinUniversity,VICe:nomad@nrhsn.org.au

NERCHAUniversityofNewEngland,NSWe:nercha@nrhsn.org.au

Whatayear2012hasbeenforNERCHA.TheUniversityofNewEngland’sRuralHealthClubisextremelyproudofitsexecutivecommitteeandhundredsofmembers.Fullofexcitingeventsandedge-of-your-seatconferences,wehaveputourcompletetrustintothefutureprofessionalsthatwillbeinvolvedinruralhealth.Ouryearstartedoffwithafantastic

OweekstallwherewegarneredalotofinterestinNERCHAfromnewhealthstudents.Followingthis,weheldaverysuccessfulClosetheGapevent.Withpetitionsigning,cupcakedecoratingandabigbannercoveredinhandprintsofmemberstheyearwasofftoagreatstart.OurfirstRuralHighSchoolVisitforthe

yearwasinTamworth(NSW)atPeelHighSchool.WehadthebestgroupofpeopleconductingthevisitaswehadalmosteveryhealthdegreethatisavailableatUNEpresent–fromSocialWork,Nursing,Pharmacy,MedicineandPsychology.WewerealsofeaturedintheTamworthlocal

newspaperaswellasbeinginterviewedonABCradio.InAprilweheldourbiggesteventof

theyear–theinauguralNERCHARuralHealthEvening.Ahugeeffortwasputintoorganisingthisanditwasincrediblysuccessful.TheeveningfeaturedfiveprominenthealthprofessionalsfromtheArmidalecommunitywhospokeabouttheirexperiencesinruralareas.Wehadgreatresponsesfromstudents,theguestspeakersandfromUniversitystaffandhopetomakeitanannualeventinthefuture.InJuly,oneofourmemberswaschosen

toattendtheRuralHealthConferenceinAliceSpringswith28otherruralhealthclubmembersfromaroundAustralia.Initiallywonderingwhyonearthanyonewouldlivethere,shewasintriguedafterlisteningtotheguestspeakerswhospokeaboutalltheincredibleeventsthatoccurandopportunitiesavailabletohealthprofessionalsinremoteareas.Theyareendless.

ThiswasfollowedinAugustbytheannualandultimateruraleventinGunnedah,NSW.AgQuipisanannualeventwhichisfarmers’heaven.Fromtractorstoskinproducts,it’severythingandanythingyoucouldeverneedonafarm.ThisisaperfectopportunityforNERCHAtotacklesomeissuesthatmaybeaffectingruralpeople.Wehad15NERCHAmembersattendoverthethreedayevent.TheyearisnotoveryetforNERCHA,

we’reallfiredupformorehighschoolvisits,acollaborativeeventwithotherruralhealthclubs,ourAGMandanendofyearcelebration.Wecan’twaitfortherestoftheyear.

NOMADisenjoyinganactiveandfruitfulyear,focussingoneventswhichbringhealthstudentstogetherinlocationswhichhighlightthebeautyanddiversityoftheGeelongregionandSurfCoast.Weareenjoyingathrivingmembershipandoureventshavebeenverywellattendedandenjoyed.Ourvibrantsubcommitteeshavecontinued,asinpreviousyears,toorganiseTeddyBearHospitalsatlocalprimaryschools,andRuralHighSchoolVisitswhichencourageandprovideinformationtoprospectivehealthstudents.Thosewhohaveattendedsucheventshavefoundthemgreatfunandveryrewarding.Theyear’shighlightssofarhave

includedtheannualBarefootBowlsnightatTorquaytowelcomenewmembers,whichwasblessedwithlovelyautumnal

weatherandsomeexpertguidancefromdenizensoftheClub.WewerealsoexcitedtoholdourinauguralWineTourthroughtheBellarinePeninsula,whichwasagreatsuccessandanexcellentwaytouniteoursocialisingwithbroaderdiscussionsonruralhealthamidasplendidlandscape.InthiswewereluckytobejoinedbyDrPieterMourik,agreatexponentoftheopportunitiesandrewardsofpractisingmedicineinruralareas.OurothermajoroccasionistheDinner

DiscussionNightheldontheBarwonRiveratFyansford,inSeptember.Theeventprovidesaline-upofexcellentspeakers,presentingonavarietyoftopicsinruralhealth.Laterintheyear,weheadto

CamperdownforanObjectiveStructuredClinicalExaminationskills

weekend,forwhichwearegratefultothelocalMedicalClinicandstaffforaccommodatingus.NOMADmemberswillalsobeattendingarangeofconferencesandremoteplacementsinthecomingmonths,andwelookforwardtohearingtheirreports.Asalways,theclubisenrichedbyinsightsgainedbyourmembersfromsuchexperiences.Welookforwardtothestimulating

programcontinuingtotheendoftheyear.

NOMADstudentsexperiencedthebestoftheBellarineregionwithatourandspeakereventinApril.

TamworthRuralHighSchoolVisit

3 1

OUTLOOKUniversityofMelbourne,VICe:outlook@nrhsn.org.au

RAHMSUniversityofNewSouthWales,NSWe:rahms@nrhsn.org.au

RAHMShailedtheNewYearwithasocialeventwherewesawanincreaseinthealliedhealthattendanceparticularlyfromoptometry.Thiswasagreatachievementforbothouralliedhealthvicepresidentandoptometryrepresentative.Inadditiontothis,webroadenedthefocusofourclinicalskillsnightstoincorporatealliedhealthcomponentssuchasanoptometrystation.Encouragingly,thiswasmetwithhugedemand.OurteamalsoranaclinicalskillsworkshopattheannualmedcampinadditiontohostingaBondedsupportprogram/JohnFlynnscholarshipinformationnight,whichprovidedanidealopportunityforstudentspeakerstosharetheirknowledgeandexperiences.Inanattempttoreconnectwith

studentsonruralplacement,weheldabarbequeforthosewhowereinSydneyforAnatomyweek.ThisalsocoincidedwiththeIndigenousWinterSchoolforhighschoolstudentshopingtopursuetertiarystudiesatUNSWthusallowingustogiveadvicetoanywishingtopursueacareerinahealthprofession.OurRuralHighSchoolVisithasalsoservedthesamepurposewithmembersfromoneofourruralcampusesgovisitvarioushighschoolsaroundtheLismorearea.Thisyearhasseenmanychanges

forRAHMSespeciallyintermsofcommunicatingeffectivelyandregularlytoourmembers.Wehavebeendiligentaboutproducingaregularfortnightlynewsletter,madeconsistentFacebookupdatesaswell

asupdatingthewebsite.Butbyfarthemostprofoundwasthewelcomingofourveryownrammascottotheteam.Thisisreflectedinourmembershipincreasefrom463inMarchto592!Ourplansforthefutureincludea

combinedruralsocialeventcollaboratingwithothersocietiesoncampus,wherewehopetoencourageotherstudentstobecomemembers.WearestillplanningournextRHSVandclinicalskillsnightaswellasRAW(RuralAppreciationWeekend)overtheOctoberlongweekend.

OUTLOOKmembersattendedaworkshopamongthehugevarietyof

eventsthroughouttheyear.

MostMelbourniteswouldbeaccustomedtospendingtheirFridayafternoonsandeveningssippingonglamorouscocktailsandexpertlypouredbeersattheirfavouritecityhotspot.IfyouaskedagroupofMelbournemedicalstudentswhatPleasantFridayAfternoon,frequentlyshortenedtoPFA,meanttothem,vaguememoriesofDJ-fuelleddancingandcrowdingaroundthebarwouldprobablycometomind.InMarch,theOUTLOOKgroupthought

itwastimetoshakethingsupalittleonceagainandpromoteourgroupwitharuralflaretothePFA.NotjustyouraveragepleasantFriday,thosegameenoughpooledontoabusthattookthemtodistantlandsunknown–thatistoahumbleKynetonfarm–tojoinfellowOUTLOOKmedicalandalliedhealthmembersinamemorablenightofgoodol’fashionedsnagsontheBBQ,home-madepunchandanimpressivebonfire.WhilemostpeoplelookuponaFridaynightandseethegrimyroofofabar,wewereabletolookupintothemoonandstars,nottaintedbythecitysmog.Itwastheseauthenticaspectsthat

madetheOUTLOOKPFAuniqueandonetorememberandintheprocessshowingpeoplewhatthecountryhastooffer,somethingthatisinvaluabletoushereatOUTLOOK.Totopofftheevent,allproceedsweredonatedtotheCountryFireAuthoritysothatourruralgroupcancontributewhatwecantoacausethathasworkedhardandgivensomuchtothepeopleofVictoria.ItwasawelcomebonusthatwecouldhaveamostdefinitePleasantFridayAfternoonintheprocess.Preparationsbeganearlyfortheclub.

Beforethenittygrittyoftheunisemesterstarted,OUTLOOKmemberswereoutandaboutamongstthehustleandbustleofO-WeektakingtheopportunitytoattendorientationeventsandBBQsandplanttheideaofjoiningOUTLOOKinthemindsofhealthstudentsasearlyaspossible.LateFebruarybroughtustheJohnFlynnInformationNightwhereby,togetherwithGPSNandthankstothehelpofACRRM,attendeeswereabletohearfromenlighteningspeakersanddiscusstheprosandconsoftheJohnFlynnprogramand

likemosteventsdrewinthestudentswithsomedeliciousfood.Thelatermonthssawarewarding

opportunityforOUTLOOKmemberstoengagewiththecommunityandmingleamongstdifferenthealthprofessionswiththeRuralHealthCareersdayinWangaratta,inthehopeofinspiringandencouraginglocalhighschoolstudentstoconsiderpursuinghealth-relatedcareers.It’salwaysrewardingtothinkthatyoumayinspireyoungschoolstudentsoratleastengagewiththeminapositiveway.WealsoprovidedtheopportunityforOUTLOOKmemberstoattendIndigenousandYouthMentalHealthFirstAidCourses.Venturingtowardstheendoftheyear,

thereisstillalothappeningfortheclub.

RAHMSmembersenjoytheanatomyweekBBQ.

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RHUUWSUniversityofWesternSydney,NSWe:rhuuws@nrhsn.org.au

RHINOJamesCookUniversity,QLDe:rhino@nrhsn.org.au

RuralHealthintheOutback(RHINO)istheRuralHealthClubatJamesCookUniversity,QLD.ClubRHINOhashadaveryexcitingandsuccessful2012.BothCairnsandTownsvillecommitteemembershaveworkedtirelesslytoensurethisyearwouldbeonetoremember.RHINOcommencedtheacademicyearbyorganisingO’Weekactivities,promotingruralhealthandencouragingstudentstoparticipateinfutureRHINOevents;andparticipatetheydid.Townsville’shugelysuccessfulMulti-DisciplinaryClinicalSkillsNightheldinMarchwasgreetedwithanoverwhelmingresponsefromstudents.Participantsrotatedbetweenmedical,speechpathology,physiotherapyandoccupationaltherapystations.Meanwhile,agroupoffivepassionateRHINOmemberstouredtheAthertonTablelandstoconductourSemesterOneRuralHighSchoolVisits.HighschoolsinFarNorthQueenslandprovidedfeedbackacknowledgingtheleadershipandenthusiasmofourRHINOrepresentatives.RHINOisalsoproudofitsinvolvementatthisyear’sVibeAliveFestivalinTownsville.Augustwasundoubtedlyourbusiest

andmostexcitingmonthof2012.Wewerethrilledtohaveninevisitors

representingallfourofSouthernQueensland’sruralhealthclubs.CollaborationandsharingofideaswasmadepossiblewhilsthavingmorningteaatHervey’sRangeHeritageTeaRooms.OurguestsweretheninvitedtoattendRHINO’sbiggestandmostextravaganteventoftheyear:ourAnnualRHINOGalaBall.All250guestshadaspectacularnightofsocialisinganddancingwhilston-boardaFantaseaCruiseBarge.ClubRHINOproudlydonated$1000ofthenight’sprofitstotheRoyalFlyingDoctorsService.WhileTownsvillewascelebratingthesuccessoftheGala,theCairnscommitteewashardatworkensuringitsinauguralClinicalSkillsNightranaccordingtoplan.AllfeedbackfromattendeesreassuredRHINOthatthenightwasasuccessandaveryworthwhileexperience.

ClubRHINOwasexcitedtoannouncetheInauguralCairnsClinicalCocktailEveningattheendofAugustwithprofitsalsodonatedtotheRoyalFlyingDoctorsService.PlanstoestablishClubRHINOattheJamesCookUniversityMackayCampusnextyearareeagerlyanticipated.WeareallthrilledwiththesuccessofClubRHINOduring2012,andlookforwardwithgreatanticipationandexcitementforwhat2013mayhold.

2012hasgoneoffwithabangforRHUUWS,startingwithabigwelcomefunctionfortheincomingfirstyearstudentsattheinauguralGardenParty.WemadesurethatstudentsgotexcitedaboutRHUUWSevenbeforeuniversitystarted,bysendingouta12pageintroductorybookletwiththeUWSWelcomePackthattheuniversitysendsouttonewstudents.Thisresultedin60oftheincomingmedicalstudents

signinguptoNRHSNbeforethey’devengottouniversity.Ithasbeeneasiertospreadtheruralhealthmessageasaresult.Ourflagshipachievementthisyear

hasbeentheestablishmentoftheRHUUWSTeddyBearHospital.IthasbeenfuntovisitschoolsandengagekidsinhealthylivinginitiativesanduseourTeddyBearsX-raymachine.Nowweareconcentratingongettingnursingand

RHINOPresidentSurabhiKhoslaandVice-PresidentJerryAbrahampresentingtheRoyalFlyingDoctors

Servicewithadonationof$1000fromtheprofitsoftheRHINOGalaBall.

alliedhealthstudentsengagedintheTeddyBearHospitalsoitwillbeatrulyinterdisciplinaryprogram.WesentfourstudentstotheNorthern

TerritoryfortheWakakirriFestivalatBarunga,withatourofandovernightcampingintheKatherineGorge.WearehugelygratefultotheNRHSNforthemagnificentopportunitieswegettohelpinspireustobecometheruralhealthworkforceofthefuture.

obituary The tragic death of Gabriel Debono has saddened RHINO club members, family and friends of the Townsville medical student. Gabriel grew up in Ingham, and was a popular and active member of the Rural Health Club. He was integral in organising RHINO club members to participate in a youth expo at Ingham, and participated in a Rural High School Visit to Mackay only a week prior to his passing. The club held a minute’s silence as a mark of respect during the Annual General Meeting. The NRHSN Council Face2Face meeting in September was dedicated to his memory.

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ROUNDSUniversityofNotreDame,Sydney,NSWe:rounds@nrhsn.org.au

ROUSTAHUniversityofSouthAustralia,SAe:roustah@nrhsn.org.au

AteamfromROUSTAHputtogetherastallattheUniversityofSouthAustraliacampusforthesixthannualClosetheGapDayinMarch.Therewerelotsoffungiveawaysandinformation,andachancetolearnaboutandsignthepledgetoendIndigenoushealthdisadvantage.Lotsoffreshfruitwasavailable,alongwithwattleseedshortbreadandKakaduplumchutney–agreatconversationstarterontheimpactofnutrition,andtheaccessibilityoffreshfoodinruralareas.CloseTheGapisaninitiativeto

encourageawarenessofIndigenousAustralians’disadvantage,andtoencouragethecommitmenttoachievehealthequalityforallAustralianswithinthenext25years.Sofar,over175,000Australianshavesignedthepledge,andROUSTAHwereproudtoaddtheirsignaturestothelist.

WorkingwithIndigenouspatientsandtheirfamiliesisacrucialelementofeverydisciplineinurban,andparticularlyruralAustralianclinicalsettings.Agreatdaywashadbyall,andimportantconversationscontinuedabouthowto

ROUSTAHmembersmadenutritionafocusoftheirClosetheGapevent.

eliminatethe(insomecases)20-yeargapbetweenIndigenousandnon-IndigenousAustralianlifeexpectance,andhighratesofinfantandmaternalmortality.Plansarealreadyafootforanevenbiggereventnextyear–sostaytuned.

ROUNDSmembershavehadtheopportunitytoparticipateinsomefun,worthwhileandinspiringruralhealtheventsthroughout2012.ROUNDSheldabushdanceinashearingshednearLithgowtocoincidewithactivitiesaroundtheannual‘RuralTraumaWeek’.StaffandstudentsoftheLithgowClinicalSchoolhadtheopportunitytosocialiseandformrelationshipswithpeoplefromtheLithgowcommunity.Anotherhighlightfortheyearwas

theRuralHealthLectureSerieswhichwasheldacrosstwonights.ThefirstlectureeventcoincidedwithClosetheGapactivitieswithspeakersMickGooda,ProfessorShaneHoustonandKerryWalker.Thiswasfollowedbyaninteractivesessionon‘BirthingintheBush’runbyDrsSmithandBaconwhichallowedstudentstoparticipateusingbirthmodelsfromthenursingdepartment.

Finally,ROUNDShostedanAboriginalandTossesStraitIslandermentalhealthfirstaidcoursewiththeassistanceoffundingprovidedbytheNRHSNthrough

theadditionalpooloffundingstream.ThecoursewasagreatsuccesswithparticipantsfromnotonlyROUNDS,butotherruralhealthclubs,includingMIRAGEandSHARP.

ROUNDSmembersjoinintheClosetheGapevent.

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RUSTICAUniversityofTasmania,TASe:rustica@nrhsn.org.au

SHARPUniversityofWollongong,NSWe:sharp@nrhsn.org.au

RUSTICAhasrunandbeeninvolvedinarangeofeventsthisyearfromclinicalskillsnightstoclimbingmountainsonFlindersIsland.Initiallywerantwoskillsnightsinfirstsemester,oneeachattheHobartandLauncestoncampuses.TheHobartnightwashugelypopularamongstmedical

studentswithagoodshowingfromnursingstudentsandparamedicstudents.Theskillsonofferwerevenepunctureandcannulation,catherisation,suturingandscopeusage(ophthalmoscopesandotoscopes).Eachofthestationsfilledwithinfifteenminutesofstarting.Overalltheskillsnightswereasuccess.RUSTICAhasalsobeenrunningRural

HighSchoolVisitsandthisyearwewereabletosendavarietyofstudentstoFlindersIslandtopromotehealthcareersatUTAS.OurstudentswereluckytobeinvolvedwithallthegradesattheschoolandalsohadtheopportunitytovisitthelocalmultipurposecentreaswellasthehealthcentrerunbythelocalIndigenouscommunity.RUSTICAhasrunmorehighschoolvisitsinthesecondhalfoftheyearatDoverHighSchoolandSheffieldHighSchool.

Therehasbeenalothappeningduring2012.SHARPstartedtheyearwithawelcomeBBQfornewmedicalstudents.Thiswasfollowedafewweekslaterbyapresentationandbrandedlanyard/USBgiveawaytoallnewNursingandAlliedHealthstudentsduringtheirOrientation.TheUSBscontainedinformationabouttheNRHSNandaweblinktojoinSHARP.SHARPiesgotinvolvedwithTri-The-

GongTriatholonFestivalinMarch,raisingmoneyforTheDisabilityTrustandKidsFundandacombinedvisittoNowraAnglicanHighSchoolwithourgoodfriendsfromCRANC.ThenextmonthSHARPiesheadedofftoCanberraforARMS’andCRANC’sClosetheGapevent.WehaveplanstoimproveourownClosetheGapeventinWollongongfollowingthisgreatexperience.Thank

youtoARMSandCRANC.ThefirstintheHillsHoistspeaker

serieswasheldinMaywithpresentationsfromLeeanneHeatonandDrDavidGarne.CongratulationstothewinnersoftheannualSHARPawards.RachaelZuzekwonRookieoftheYearandEmmaHarveywasawardedforLeadership.SHARPwasjoinedbyRHUUWS

membersforMentalHealthFirstAidandwewereexcitedtohavenursingstudentsfromourBegacampusattendtheaccreditedcourse.JulyarrivedandagainSHARPiesvolunteeredattheBandageBearevent,assistinginthesaleofraffletickets.SHARPiesthengotinvolvedinYear6EngagementDaysconductedoverfivedaysinWollongongandBatemansBaywithstudentscomingfromthefarsouthcoast.Thenthere

wereafewwellearneddaysoffbefore12SHARPiesattendedNURHC.Wewerefortunateenoughtorakeintheawards,includingRuralHealthClubEventoftheYearforCheckIt!,TeenaDowntonfortheRuralHealthWorkforceAwardforOutstandingContributiontoRuralLeadership,JustinCain-BloxsomefortheJanieDadeSmithAwardforhisContributiontoIndigenousHealthandNicholasCorrandKayKentfortheBestStudentPresentationAward(Group1)fortheirpresentationonCheckIt!.

RUSTICAmemberstookadvantageofanopportunitytoexplorethenaturalattractionsofFlindersIslandwhilevisitingforaRuralHighSchoolVisit.

RUSTICAmemberswithstudentsonaRuralHighSchoolVisit.

RUSTICAwasalsoabletobeinvolvedintherunningoftheelectivesnightearlyintheyear,whichwashostedbyTUMSS(localbranchofAMSA)andIMPACT(globalhealthsociety).Ourspeaker,JamesNolanwasabletoprovideinsightonhisexperiencesintheNorthernTerritoryasaGeneralPractitioner.Rusticahasmoreeventstocome.

RachelBeazley,GutsyGus,andNicholasCorrrecruitingnewSHARPmembersatClubsDay.

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SPINRPHEXUniversityofWesternAustralia,WAe:spinrphex@nrhsn.org.au

WemaybenamedafteratoughspikygrassbutSPINRPHEX’syearhasbeensmooth.Wehavehadanumberofsuccessfuleventswhichhaveengagedmembersinfunandinspiringruralhealthactivities.InMaywehadaweekendatNangabushcamp,fullofclinicalskills,adventureactivitiesandawholelotoffuninthebeautifulDwellingupforest.TheSaturdaynightsocialwasthemed‘rumbleinthejungle’andensuredmedical,nursinganddentalstudentsgottheiranimalinstinctsout.AnotherhighlightoftheyearwasaGP-obstetricsskillsworkshopwhichwasheldinconjunctionwithRACGPinearlyAugust.Thiswasaneweventforusandwasverypopularwithmemberswhorelishedtheopportunitytogetinvolvedwiththehands-onlearningexperience.Wehavehadagreatfocusthisyearonbringingtogetherstudentsfrommanyhealthdisciplinesandstagesoftheircourses.WehavehadacombinedcareersinformationeveningwithWAALHIIBE,soPerthhealthstudentscanallhaveagreaterunderstandingofwhatourmulti-disciplinaryteammembersdoandmakefriendsindifferentfields.OneofthehighlightsoftheyearisourannualjointconferencewithWAALHIIBE.ThisincludedProfessorHarveyCoatesAOspeakingtoourmembersandsomeinteractiveworkshopsonoralandearhealth,selfdefence,andselfcarewithyogaandzumba.WehopetocontinueinspiringSPINRPHEXmemberstobuildabrightfutureforthehealthworkforceofruralAustralia.

SophieToster,MollyKehoeandMargotMcGeochatevent“GetLegless–SharkAttackEmergencyScenarios”.

Learningtosutureatthe2012SPINRPHEXCamp.

SPINRPHEXstudentsattendedtheGoRuralCocktailfunctioninFebruary.

C o o e e ! O c t o b e r 2 0 1 2

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StARRHCharlesDarwinUniversity,NTe:starrh@nrhsn.org.au

IthasbeenafantasticyearforStARRH.Notonlyhastherebeensomegreatactivitiesrun,butthefoundationssetbypastcommitteeshaveproducedfruitin2012.Committeepositionshavebeenfilledbyenthusiasticpeople.TheclubhaslifteditsprofilewithCharlesDarwinUniversityandFlindersUniversity’sNorthernTerritoryMedicalProgram(NTMP).TheyearkickedoffwithO’Weekat

FlindersUniversity’sNTMPandO’DayatCharlesDarwinUniversityCasuarinaCampus.Therewasafantasticsign-upratewithlotsofnewmedicalstudentsjoiningtheclubandmanyotherdisciplinesjoiningaswell.Achallengewasputtothecommittee

andinparticularthevarioushealthrepstorunatleastoneactivityasemesterfortheirdiscipline.Thishasmeantaveryfullcalendarwiththefollowingeventsbeingrun.MarchsawtheTiwiIslandFootball

GrandFinalandArtsFestivalheldwith10membersflyingovertoenjoythe

atmosphereforaday.InApril,MarleneIzod,TraumaPsychologistspoketomorethan20membersoverlunchandofferedallmembersafreeoneononesessionwithherworkingontechniquesto

managestressandstayin-controlduringtheirstudies.Maywasabigmonthwith

InternationalNursesDaycelebratedwithapancakelunchinthebreezewayandtwoguestspeakersdiscussing“ClosingtheGap:FromEvidencetoAction”.StARRHwasrepresentedbyfourclubmembersintheDarwinMothersDayClassicfunrun/walkwhichweavedthrough4kmofthebeautifulEastPointReserveinMay.GeorgiaranthefastesttimeoftheStARRHgroup,takingtheeverrisingheatandhumidityintoherstride.StARRHofferedtwoplacesinan

AboriginalMentalHealthFirstAidcourseto1stand2ndyearstudents.ClinicalSciencestudentVaneskaattendedovertwodaysduringthesemesterbreak.ThecoursewasnotonlyaimedatAboriginalmentalhealthbutaimedtoimprovetheemotionalandsocialwellbeingofthecommunityasawhole.VaneskareportedbacktotheclubthatthemostinspiringaspectsofthecourseincludedmeetingfirstlineworkersfromorganisationssuchasDarwinAboriginalandIslanderWomen’sShelter,whoarealsoeldersintheircommunities.

DebbieGillon(l-r)withlocalstudentandAnnetteBakeratTiwiIslandGrandFinalandArtsFestivalinMarch.

StARRHmemberscelebratedInternationalNursesDayinMay.

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TROHPIQUniversityofQueensland,QLDe:trohpiq@nrhsn.org.au

WARRIAHSCharlesSturtUniversity,NSWe:warriahs@nrhsn.org.au

Atthedawnof2012,TROHPIQ’sseertrottedouthercrystalball.Shespottedanumberofthings:theshiny,happyfacesofnewmembers,theexpansionofoldprogrammesandtheintroductionofnewones,somelearning,somebrightlightsaswellastheoddravenortwo.Itturnsoutthatshewaslargelyonthe

money.TROHPIQ’smembershipexpandedagainthisyeartoencompassover1000members.Forthefirsttime,membershipincludedasignificantincreaseinrepresentationacrossalloftheprofessions.Withsomanyshowinganinterest,itbodeswellforthefutureoftheclubandthatofruralhealthmoregenerally.Skillsdayswerecontinued,tripsto

ruralsitesre-runandinvolvementinIndigenousactivitiesincreasedjusttonameafewofthegoingson.Indeed,ascholarshipprogramwasintroducedforthefirsttimetoencouragerural

electives.Aruralweekendawaywasorganisedspecificallyfornursingandalliedhealthmembers,afirstfortheclub.Ultimately,clubmembershadtheopportunitytoexperiencewhat’sactuallyoutthere,breakdownmisconceptionsandrealisethatit’sagreatgigtoworkinthecountry.

WARRIAHShashadaneventfulyearandourmembershipincreased.WARRIAHS’mainaimthisyearwastoincludemoreeducationaleventsaswellashostingnewsocialevents.Tostart2012withabigbang,WARRIAHSheldourannualcommencementdinnerwherememberswereabletomeetnewandpre-existingmembers,evenintherainyconditionswehadanabundantturnout.OuryearlyeventhostingtheannualWARRIAHS

healthexpowasagainextremelysuccessful.TheeventinviteshundredsofhighschoolstudentstoattendCSUtounderstandandlearnmoreaboutalliedhealthservicesandaboutstudyinginaruralenvironment.WARRIAHShashostedmultiple

successfulfirstaidcourses.Placesfillupquickly.Wegetgreatfeedbackfromthestudentsundertakingthesecourses.Weheldourannualball,whichwasthemed‘CasinoRoyale’.WARRIAHSofferedaroulettetableaswellaslargesilhouettes,whichwerepaintedbyoneofourcommitteemembersandwereahighlightforallthatattended,withmajorityofmemberstakingadvantageoftheamazingphotoopportunitiestheyprovided.Anotherimportanteventrunbytheclubwasan‘interprofessionalskillsnight’withthepharmacyclub,designed

toassiststudentswithresumewritingandmanyotheraspectsoflifetheymayexperiencewhenleavinguniversityandapplyingforjobs.WARRIAHSarealreadyworkingonplansfor2013withaCadavertriptoAlburyCharlesSturtUniversity.Withtheexecutivecommitteetaking

advantageofopportunitiesavailabletopromoteWARRIAHS,ithasbeinganamazinglysuccessfulyear.WARRIAHSisexcitedandreadytocontinuenextyearwithaWARRIAHFULbang.WARRIAHScommencementBBQ.

JannathananSriharan,(l-r)JagjeetSandhu,andNatashaSchultz

participatedinVibeAliveBendigo.

TROHPIQmembersenjoyedattendingtheRDAQConference,2012ontheGoldCoast.

Ofcourse,andperhapsmostimportantly,goodtimeswerehadthroughouttheyearwithTROHPIQmembersenjoyingeverythingfromthebrightlightsofconferencesinthecitytothedelightsofthewineriesandopenspacesofruralAustralia.Theravensdidnotmaterialise.

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WAALHIIBECombinedWAUniversities,WAe:waalhiibe@nrhsn.org.au

2012 has been a busy and fun year for WAALHIIBE.OurfantasticteamwentonfiveRuralHighSchoolVisits,aclubrecord.WevisitedfivetownsintheWheatbeltregionofWAincludingKulin,

WonganHills,Merredin,KatanningandNarrogin.WealsohadthegreatopportunityfortwoWAALHIIBEmemberstotraveltotheEastKimberlywithKRASHtoattendtheirRHSVtoHallsCreekandFitzroyCrossing.ThroughtheVibeAlivefestivalinPortHeadland,theGeraldtonCareersExpoandourRuralHighSchoolVisits

WAALHIIBEmembersconquertheBigOrange.KatherineHumphreysbefriendsagoatinhertravels.

WAALHIIBEmembersgottoexploreSouthWestWAatRAWWildWest(RuralAppreciationWeekend),Harvey,WA.

wehavereachedouttomorethan600ruralhighschoolstudents,abigachievementbyallinvolved.AnotherfirstforWAALHIIBEwas

tohostitsownRuralAppreciationWeekend–RAWWildWest.WesentourveryenthusiasticfutureruralhealthprofessionalstothepicturesquetownofHarveyintheSouthWestofWAfromthe20thto22ndofApril.Weputonaneventthatwasnottobemissed.WehadhealthprofessionalscomeandtalktousfromHarveyandthesurroundingareas,aquiznight(withphysicalchallengesandprizesgalore),winetastingandclimbingtheBigOrange,cowmilkingdemonstrations,araftbuildingchallengeandbushsurvivalcourseatthelocaladventurecamp.Wehadsomegreatfeedbackfromthosewhoattendedandhavedevelopedplanstomakeitevenbiggerin2013.

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WILDFIREMonashUniversity,VICe:wildfire@nrhsn.org.au

IthasbeenabusyfewmonthsforWILDFIREsincethelasteditionofourfavouriteruralhealthmagazine–Cooee.WILDFIRECouncilandourmanysub-committeeshavebeenbusilybeaveringaway,runningheapsoffantasticevents.MonashOpenDayprovidedan

opportunityforWILDFIREmemberstoturnoutandpromoteruralhealthcareers.TheywereenthusiasticandexcitedabouttheopportunitytotellfuturestudentsabouttheopportunitiesavailablethroughMonash,anddidafantasticjobmotivatingthenextgenerationofpotentialhealthprofessionals.

BendigoWILDFIREBendigosubcommitteehashadabusytime.TheyhaveheldseveralTeddyBearHospitalswiththelocalprimaryschools,whichareaimedatdemystifyingand‘de-scarifying’visitstothedoctororhospital.Thesewerehugelysuccessfulandmorearelinedup.Bendigosubcommitteeorganisedthe

BendigoBallonthe1stofSeptember.Itisalwaysabrilliantnight,wherestudents,clinicalschoolstaffanddoctorsalikeareabletolettheirhairdown.WILDFIREBendigogreatlyenjoyedtheBendigoVIBEALIVEFestival.

MilduraWILDFIRE’sMilduraSubcommitteehasalsobeenveryactive.TheyhaverunsuccessfulRuralHighSchoolVisits,andhavebegunaruralmentoringprogram,whereWILDFIREstudentsbasedinMilduramentorlocalhighschoolstudents.MildurahavealsorunaTriviaNight

FundraiserfortheRoyalFlyingDoctorService.Allstudents,clinicalschoolstaffandhospitalstaffwereinvited,andbyallaccountsthenightwasaroaringsuccess.Theyraisedamagnificent$1400fortheRFDS.

WILDFIRE CouncilWILDFIRECouncilalsoorganisedaSki

TriptoMtBuller.Studentspaidtheirownway,anddespiteanearly4amstart,everyonehadafantastic(andinjuryfree)dayofskiing.WILDFIREhasorganisedplentymore

eventsincludingMentalHealthFirstAid,IndigenousCulturalAwarenessTraining,RuralClinicalSkillsWeekendinBendigo,WILDFIREAnnualDinner,WILDFIREElectionsandthecombinedWILDFIRE,OUTLOOK,NOMADevent–RuralCareersExpoin2013.Thereislotsmoreexcitementyetto

come,staytunedaswewouldlovetoseeyouatanyorallofourevents.

WILDFIREmembersvisitedRedCliffsforaRuralHighSchoolVisit.

TheTeddyBearHospitaltripwasagreatsuccess.

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