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(07) 3105 7800
Turrbal and Jagera Country
Level 4, 348 Edward Street
Brisbane QLD 4000
Let's Go Rural ... Virtually!
Go Rural Virtually is an online forum for health students, from all disciplines and year levels, to come together and learn about the day-to-day realities of practicing and living in rural and remote locations.
In Case You Missed It!
Our most recent online webinar, Where’s the Harm? Healthcare in Correctional Facilities offered health students a unique look into the world of prison healthcare. Attendees gained insights from healthcare professionals at Lotus Glen Correctional Centre in Far North Queensland, ex-prisoners, and staff from the secure unit at Princess Alexandra Hospital, exploring healthcare delivery from both inside and outpatient perspectives.
Use the links below to view a recording of the session and access related resources.
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Dr Louis Peachey Dr Louis Peachey, a Girrimay and Djirribal man from North Queensland, is a Senior Medical Officer at Atherton District Hospital and runs a clinic at Lotus Glen Correctional Centre. He was the founding President of the Australian Indigenous Doctors Association and has received a Life Fellowship from ACRRM for his contributions to rural and Indigenous health. | Dr Emma Clow, SMO Mareeba Emma, formerly a Consultant Anaesthetist in the UK, now feels fortunate to live on Muluridji land, north-west of Cairns. Her pursuit of meaningful work led her to spearhead a pilot project introducing Opioid Dependence Treatment into Lotus Glen Correctional Centre. Emma believes that ‘Being in prison is their punishment so it’s not for me to judge. In my eyes, they are just patients.’ | Secure Unit - Princess Alexandra Hospital The Secure Unit (SECU) at Princess Alexandra Hospital functions as a mini hospital for prisoners, offering acute care across all specialties, including outpatients and dialysis. SECU integrates evidence-based nursing with innovative care models to enhance quality outcomes. Their goal is to provide equitable healthcare to incarcerated patients, ensuring it meets the same high standards as those offered to the general community. |
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Yvonne – former prisoner Yvonne has overcome immense challenges in her life. After enduring years of abusive relationships and a struggle with addiction, she spent time in jail for drug trafficking. Now 11 years clean and sober, Yvonne runs Narcotics Anonymous programs in the same jail where she was once incarcerated. She is a proud mother of four and grandmother of five. | Jo Drinkwater, Experienced Nurse Jo has worked in emergency departments, hospital wards, defence force healthcare, and correctional settings across Queensland. With over 20 years in the field, Jo has spent the last 8 years focused on primary healthcare within a correctional centre. Throughout her career, she has advanced through roles as a Registered Nurse, Clinical Nurse, and Nurse Unit Manager, bringing a wealth of experience in diverse and often challenging environments. | Wayne – former prisoner Wayne lived a normal life in the corporate world until his redundancy in 2017. Following a series of traumatic events, he turned to recreational drug use, which quickly became unmanageable. After completing treatment at a rehabilitation facility Wayne continues to actively engage in his recovery including studying mental health. Wayne now aims to lead a fulfilling life while helping others facing addiction and mental health challenges. |
Past Events
Journey alongside rural speakers drawn from public and primary health care settings, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, community organisations, and individuals with lived experience to virtually explore, and be part of, thought-provoking discussions that cover all you need to know about rural practice and more.
If you’d like to travel back in time with Go Rural Virtually click on the tiles below to view recordings and explore valuable resources shared by the speakers.
Follow Health Workforce Queensland on your social media to receive notifications and information on upcoming events.
If you have a destination or topic, you would like Go Rural Virtually to visit, email your ideas to the Future Workforce team.
Testimonials
Talia Bostock, Nursing Student 2nd year, Griffith Uni – Go Rural Virtually: Under the Influence - Dealing with Dependency attendee
Thank you for sharing your experiences, I know this will help improve my future practice as a registered nurse.
Sophie Neill, Occupational Therapy 3rd year, CQU - Go Rural Virtually: Under the Influence - Dealing with Dependency attendee
Thank you, speakers, for sharing your knowledge, personal experiences, and insight into this topic. Really valued and informative session.
Haley Webster, Occupational Therapy 3rd year, UQ - Go Rural Virtually: Under the Influence - Dealing with Dependency attendee
Incredible thank you, so much insight, what a wonderful opportunity - can't wait to share with the UQ OT students.
Natasha Traves, Medical Student 3rd year, UQ – Go Rural Virtually: Closing the Disability Divide attendee
Thank you all so much for generously sharing your experiences and outlook. It has been such a brilliant session!
Terrie Ann Howard, OT Student 4th year, USC – Go Rural Virtually: Mental Health in the Bush attendee
I learnt more in one hour than I did in four years at university!
Sarah Laxton, Mental Health Nurse, Cooktown – Go Rural Virtually: Mental Health in the Bush speaker
This event was well organised and facilitated with the conversational approach creating a real sense of intimacy allowing people to be vulnerable in their stories.
Ebonney van der Meer, General Practitioner, Magnetic Island - Go Rural Virtually: Regular Speaker
As a Rural GP and guest speaker for the Go Rural Virtually program I've appreciated not only the opportunity to share my experiences with the next generation of rural clinicians but also to learn and be inspired again by the consumers, colleagues and student participants. I always leave these sessions feeling uplifted and having learnt something useful.
