CheckUP works with partner organisations and health providers to create healthier communities and reduce health inequities through a range of initiatives.
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Stay across what’s happening in Queensland’s health and community services sector. Each edition brings together practical resources, funding opportunities, training updates and news from CheckUP’s programs, all in one place.
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William (Bill) Hinds
Physiotherapist, Hinterland Physio Group
There’s a version of physiotherapy that happens in well-equipped city clinics, with referral networks a phone call away and specialists down the road. Then there’s Kilkivan.
For William (Bill) Hinds, a physiotherapist from Hinterland Physio Group who has been doing outreach work in the small South East Queensland town for several years, the contrast couldn’t be sharper. And he wouldn’t trade it.
In a single day, Bill might develop an exercise program for a cardiovascular patient he’d normally refer to an exercise physiologist, complete an in-home assessment and order support aids that would typically involve an OT, and treat a vestibular (your body’s balance and spatial awareness system) patient he’d usually send to a specialist.
That breadth isn’t incidental to the work. It is the work.
One of the less obvious ways rural outreach reshapes clinical practice is in how you think about time. Bill and his team visit Kilkivan once a month, which means the standard week-to-week treatment rhythm simply doesn’t apply.
That kind of long-horizon planning, building a program a patient can sustain largely on their own between visits, is a skill that transfers directly back into everyday practice. It demands a level of patient education and self-management design that busy metro clinics don’t always require.
Limited resources have a way of sharpening thinking. In Kilkivan, the pools, gyms, recovery devices, and support networks that city-based clinicians take for granted are often unavailable or hard to access. That constraint, Bill says, is actually one of the most fulfilling parts of the work.
It’s a form of clinical creativity that doesn’t get taught in a textbook. The ability to problem-solve in real time, with what’s in front of you, for someone who has no other option.
Beyond the clinical skill-building, Bill speaks about something harder to measure but equally important: the power of simply being a consistent presence for patients in rural Queensland communities who have very few other options.
That reassurance sometimes extends well beyond physiotherapy. Patients raise things outside Bill’s scope, but he sees that as part of the role. Listening, and helping point them in the right direction.
In communities like Kilkivan, a health professional is rarely just a health professional. They’re often the most consistent point of contact the healthcare system offers.
With telehealth expanding rapidly across rural and regional Queensland, it’s worth asking what in-person Outreach offers that a video call can’t. For Bill, the answer is clear.
Telehealth has its place, he’s clear about that. But there are things that simply can’t happen through a screen.
If a physiotherapist came to Bill wanting to fast-track their development, his advice would be direct.
That combination of clinical growth and genuine community impact is what keeps practitioners like Bill making the drive to Kilkivan, month after month.
Lilli covers one of Queensland’s most geographically challenging regions, coordinating outreach health services across Far North Queensland (FNQ). Since joining CheckUP in June 2024, she’s become the essential link between providers, hospitals, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Oranisation (ACCHO)s, and the communities they serve.
Why did you choose to apply for work at CheckUP?
Because I loved the opportunity to travel and engage with communities, which I am very passionate about making a difference in small ways.
What does a typical day at work look like for you?
My typical day at work involves:
I continue with addressing any outstanding needs with providers and Hospital and Health Service (HHS), checking overall provider performance, and reading clinician notes. I reach out via call or email to assist outreach services that are struggling or need external support to deliver care.
How does your role contribute to rural and remote communities?
My role contributes through collaboration, engagement, and building trust within communities—including hospitals, ACCHOs, North Queensland Primary Healthcare Network (NQPHN), and partners like NDIS and Aged Care teams. By working across a diversified workforce, we achieve health targets and contribute immensely toward closing health gaps.
What’s the biggest transformation you see with people that you support?
The biggest transformation is seeing that they no longer have to leave their families to travel long distances for services, witnessing the smiles on their faces, and having the community acknowledge our work.
What’s your favourite part about CheckUP?
My role as Regional Coordinator FNQ. CheckUP gave me the opportunity and flexibility to own my role and work collaboratively with stakeholders, providers, and clients to deliver health services.
What’s the most rewarding part of your role?
Making a difference in the community through the delivery of priority needs with the support of outreach teams—bringing better healthcare closer to home.
“Do not come with set expectations. Be flexible, have patience, and be able to build trust. Listen and learn about the people, adopt an open-minded approach, and be cheerful. Every location has a unique approach, but just be who you are—you are there to deliver the service and care for the community.”
Reach out directly via email at ltomonu@checkup.org.au or call – 0499 743 203.
CheckUP Australia is offering free workforce planning support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and community service organisations across Queensland. Access expert guidance, download the new Strong Futures Start Here toolkit, and discover available grants to build skilled, culturally connected teams.
Workforce planning made simple
Learn what workforce planning is, why it matters, and how to assess your team’s current capacity and future needs to serve community for generations to come.
Free Strong Futures Start Here guide
Download our comprehensive toolkit designed specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employers. Work through practical strategies at your own pace to build sustainable, culturally connected workforces.
Expert support from First Nations Industry Workforce Advisors
Connect with Carissa McAllister for personalised workforce planning support available anywhere in Queensland. Organisations report professionally presented plans aligned with strategic priorities and valuable ongoing guidance.
Available grants and programs
NDIS Business Connect for small providers, Queensland training programs (VETiS, Career Start, Career Boost), Business Assist and Workforce Evolve support, plus free Disability-Friendly Business Basics micro-credentials.
Real results
Read testimonials from organisations who’ve strengthened their workforce capacity with CheckUP’s support.
The January 2026 edition of Reaching Out
The latest Reaching Out newsletter celebrates the dedicated providers and practitioners making a difference in rural and remote Queensland. This edition farewells Dr Sandra Zeeman after 12 years of outreach GP services in Kilkivan and marks CheckUP’s 10-year milestone as fundholder for the Visiting Optometrists Scheme.
Readers can also find updates on patient feedback surveys, upcoming service delivery audits, and congratulations to Dr Rolf Gomes (2026 QLD Australian of the Year), Floyd Leedie OAM, and Dr Sangla OAM for their contributions to rural and Indigenous health.
Left to Right: Fiona Moore (Optometry Qld/NT and CheckUP VOS Provider), Dr Theo Charalambus President Optometry Australia, Monica Barolits-McCabe (Executive Director, NACCHO), Lose Fonua (CEO, First Nations Eye Health Alliance), Michelle Hodges, CheckUP
As the Visiting Optometrists Scheme (VOS) marked its 50th anniversary in 2025, Optometry Australia hosted a celebration at Parliament House in Canberra. For fifty years, VOS has ensured people in regional, rural, and remote communities can access essential eye care, prevent avoidable vision loss and help bridge longstanding health inequities.
As the jurisdictional fundholder of VOS for over 10 years, CheckUP were pleased to attend the event during National Rural Health Month alongside key stakeholders.
CheckUP proudly reflects on its own decade of leadership as Queensland’s jurisdictional fundholder. Over the last 10 years, CheckUP has supported outreach providers by managing funding, facilitating service planning and referral pathways, and collaborating with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and key stakeholders.
This work has helped maintain continuity of care and ensured VOS services remain aligned with cultural, geographic, and logistical realities across Queensland. Throughout this time, CheckUP has strengthened partnerships with optometrists, local health providers, and community organisations, ensuring services are responsive to local needs and delivered seamlessly.
Image – Fiona Moore (Optometry Qld/NT and CheckUP VOS Provider)
communities received VOS optometry visits
visits delivered across the state
occasions of service provided
accessed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Several VOS providers have been with CheckUP since 2015 when we started with 11 providers – this has now grown to 21. Along with the communities they serve, we are very appreciative of their commitment and dedicated service to delivering outreach.
Image – Dr Shelley Hopkins QUT, Gayle Stallard CheckUP, Tanya Morris, Country Director – Indigenous Australia Program | The Fred Hollows Foundation
As VOS enters its next 50 years, CheckUP celebrates the shared achievements of providers, partners, and communities. The organisation remains committed to supporting equitable access to eye care for rural, remote and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and continuing its role in sustaining and strengthening the VOS legacy across Queensland.
Image – Senator the Hon Anne Ruston (Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care)
Dr Shelley Hopkins QUT, Gayle Stallard CheckUP, Tanya Morris, Country Director – Indigenous Australia Program | The Fred Hollows Foundation
Read about regional, rural and remote stories that are making a real difference.
CheckUP’s Gayle Stallard recently attended a farewell morning tea in Kilkivan to celebrate the remarkable contribution of Dr Sandra Zeeman, who has been delivering outreach GP services to the community for over 12 years.
The Kilkivan model wasn’t your typical outreach service. Built from the ground up, it later became known as the Kilkivan Community Health Hub. Located in a house in the small Kilkivan community, the service began as a collaborative effort between community members, Gympie Regional Council, Sunshine Coast Medicare Local (now Country to Coast PHN), and CheckUP – all working together to provide access to a local GP service.
As the service grew, the need for additional support quickly became clear, along with increasing demand for allied health professionals. Today, the community has access to two GPs, a Nurse Practitioner, a Physiotherapist, and a Podiatrist. In previous years, the service also included a counsellor.
CheckUP’s Regional Coordinator, Amber Hanks, regularly checks in with all stakeholders to ensure community needs continue to be met through these services.
CheckUP’s commitment to the Kilkivan community and their ageing-in-place goals will continue, supported by the Australian Government’s Rural Health Outreach Fund.
Dr Zeeman was instrumental in establishing the service back in November 2013, with her first visit on 21 November that year.
In her farewell speech, Dr Zeeman said that serving the Kilkivan community was the highlight of her career. She is delighted to be leaving the community in good hands, having recommended Dr James Mann and Dr James Pearson and supported their transition into the role.
CheckUP thanked Dr Zeeman for her years of dedicated service and presented her with a farewell gift.
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CheckUP’s final newsletter for 2025 features the newly released Annual Report showcasing 26 years of impact across Queensland. Plus, catch up on the successful Disability Action Week event, learn about Queensland’s groundbreaking GP ADHD prescribing changes, and discover how 6,800+ students engaged with the Health Gateway Project this year.
Free disability inclusion training is available now, NDIS compliance sessions are booking up, and new child safety legislation takes effect January 1st. Find out what your business needs to do, access free workforce planning advice, and read important wet season health warnings before the office closes December 19th.
The CheckUP team has been connecting with communities right across Queensland, delivering free training and practical support for health and community service businesses. This month’s newsletter features tools you can use now. they include workforce planning guides, NDIS compliance resources, and new micro-credentials to help your team thrive.
Government consultations are open on NDIS pricing and disability safeguards, plus there are free webinar recordings, career pathway tools, and support programs ready to help your business in 2026.
Find out what’s available and how to get involved.
