KEEP IN TOUCH
(07) 3105 7800
Turrbal and Jagera Country
Level 4, 348 Edward Street
Brisbane QLD 4000
(07) 3105 7800
Turrbal and Jagera Country
Level 4, 348 Edward Street
Brisbane QLD 4000
We are delighted to announce Cate Uebergang, a chiropractor at Life Chiropractic Goondiwindi, as the winner of the 2024 Health Workforce Needs Assessment (HWNA) Survey Competition! Cate has won an iPad for participating in the annual survey and providing invaluable insights into the healthcare needs of her community.
The HWNA survey plays a vital role in shaping HWQ's focus areas and initiatives to support healthcare in remote and rural Queensland. Thank you to all who participated and contributed to this important work.
Cate has been a part of the Goondiwindi community for 10 years and shared a little about her career journey with us.
“I was born and raised in Brisbane but chose to move west, first to Toowoomba and then to Goondiwindi, where I’ve lived for 10 years. As a new graduate, rural communities offered better opportunities, allowing me to gain broader, more hands-on experience than many of my peers. The rural lifestyle—with its sense of connection, slower pace, and the chance to make a real difference—was a natural fit.
Since arriving, I've had the privilege of working with a wide range of people, from farmers who rely on their mobility for their livelihoods to young families and the elderly. The trust people place in me to care for their health has been incredibly rewarding. However, challenges such as limited resources, long hours, and patients delaying care due to remoteness or work commitments are part of the reality.
I’m committed to continuous professional development, valuing mentorship and collaboration with colleagues from various disciplines. While online learning is important, in-person conferences have proven invaluable for improving patient outcomes in my community.
My advice? Embrace adaptability, as rural work often means wearing multiple hats. Immerse yourself in the community—small towns thrive on relationships—and prioritise teamwork, working closely with GPs, physios, and nurses. Stay committed to professional growth, even if it means traveling to stay current. Establish a work-life balance early, learn to say no, and take time to enjoy the open spaces and lifestyle. Above all, become part of the community.”
Congratulations Cate, and thank you for participating in our 2024 HWNA Survey, providing valuable insights into the healthcare landscape. Your passion for rural Queensland community's shines through, and we’re grateful for your dedication to making a difference.
Information on the surveys and the HWNA publications can be found on our website via the buttons below.