An Empowering RDAQ Conference

​The RDAQ Conference was held last month in Cairns with the theme ‘Medicine in the Extreme’. It was about being empowered, energised and educated. HWQ were proud to be conference partner again this year, with the Events team working hard behind the scenes to ensure the smooth running of the event.

HWQ sponsored the Rural Workforce Forum, and Sarah Venn, Executive Manager, Workforce & Service Planning, presented survey findings on the individual and workplace factors on why health staff tended to leave practices. Some other outstanding sessions included a great presentation by Professor Kim Norris, on self-care and how to empower and energise those working in extreme contexts, and an engaging dialogue between Health Minister Hon Shannon Fentiman and RDAQ Present Dr Matt Masel. There was also the immensely entertaining student led Great Debate, however Sandra Bukumirovic, Health Workforce Solutions Team Leader, said the highlight for her was, “Dr Louis Peachey giving his presentation about The Voice. Very strong, inspiring and heartfelt, which ended with well-deserved standing ovation!”.

The Health Workforce Solutions and Future Workforce teams enjoyed conversations with health professionals, health students, trade, old friends and colleagues. We were fortunate to be able to sponsor a number of health students to attend the conference and it was wonderful to meet them at the event. HWQ also arranged an entertaining QRMFN Family Program for the conference and it was a big success with 27 spouses and 33 children enjoying lots of fun activities.

The overall feel of the event was that of a united, passionate team of professionals with rural health care at the heart of their purpose. We had a great time learning, networking and celebrating rural health.

Pictured Top: Clockwise from left - Wendy James with HWQ sponsored JCU students, Alanna Kelly and Jasper Lawson; the Great Debate session; HWQ Events team, Vaidah Chomuzinda, Corina Adams, Aimee Najdovski, Luanne Labuschagne and Kristiane Denman; Wendy James and Meredith Connor, from our Future Workforce Team with the JCU students; Outgoing President Dr Matt Masel congratulating Incoming President Dr Alex Dunn; Dr Louis Peachey presenting on The Voice to Parliament; and the team at the HWQ trade booth, Chris Mitchell, Andy van der Rijt, Sandra Bukumirovic, Jo Symons, Wendy James and Caro Finlay.