QPHCN event will focus on building a strong and sustainable health workforce

If you’re passionate about the health industry and interested in learning more about the state of the health workforce, you won’t want to miss CheckUP’s first Queensland Primary Health Care Network (QPHCN) event for 2023. The event aims to bring together healthcare professionals to explore ways to work collaboratively toward a strong and sustainable health sector.

Scheduled for Thursday 9 March 2023 from 10am-12pm, the event will be held at the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC) training rooms, Level 1/36 Russell Street, South Brisbane. Attendees can join either in-person or online, depending on their preference.

The event will feature a fantastic line-up of speakers, including Joe Occhino, Assistant Deputy Director-General, Workforce Strategy, Clinical Planning and Service Strategy Division, Queensland Health; Giovanna Castellani, A/Director, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Division, Queensland Health; Brett Hall, A/Executive Director – Workforce Strategy, Department of Employment, Small Business and Training; Karen Lavery, Employer Liaison Officer (ELO), Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations; Anastasia Woolmer, Business Relationship Manager, HESTA; Sabrina Kerr, Health Gateway Schools Manager, CheckUP; Vicky Meyer, Industry Workforce Advisor – Health, CheckUP; Andrew Legg, Industry Workforce Advisor – First Nations healthcare and social assistance, CheckUP; and Amanda Griffiths, Industry Skills Advisor (ISA) for Health, CheckUP.

This event is sponsored by HESTA and provides an excellent opportunity for healthcare professionals to learn about the latest programs focused on promoting careers in the health industry, funding opportunities to help maximise workforce participation, and more!

David Millichap, General Manager of Engagement and Workforce at CheckUP, will serve as the event’s Master of Ceremonies. Auslan interpreters will be on hand to assist with the translation of speaker presentations.

Following the event, attendees will have the opportunity to network and connect with other healthcare professionals while enjoying light refreshments.

Register now via Eventbrite to secure your spot! CheckUP members and Outreach health service providers can attend for free. Non-members can attend face-to-face for $50 or virtually for just $20.

Meet our team: Mary Graham

Mary joined the CheckUP team as a marketing and communications coordinator in July last year. She works with the team to raise awareness about the important work that CheckUP does and showcase the real-world impact of our programs through various communication channels. In the following Q&A, Mary shares more about herself and her role at CheckUP.

What were you doing prior to coming to CheckUP?
Prior to coming to CheckUP, I spent several years working in the resources and technology industries, where I gained experience in all aspects of marketing. I then made the decision to step away from my corporate career and focus on my family, and during that time, (in between juggling babies and toddlers), I was able to complete a Bachelor of Public Health. I’m excited to be at CheckUP now, where I can combine my previous marketing experience with my interest in public health and health promotion.

What does a typical day look like for you?
As a member of the marketing and comms team my role is varied from week to week. A typical day for me might involve drafting content for our email newsletters or social media channels, developing articles for our Annual Impact magazine (you can read the latest edition here), or helping organise any upcoming events.

What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?
One of the aspects of my role that I enjoy the most is working closely with the CheckUP team to share the impactful work we do with a broader audience. It’s great to learn about the positive impact that CheckUP’s programs have on communities and individuals, and to be able to help tell their stories through our various communication channels.

What activities do you enjoy when you’re not working?
As I work part-time at CheckUP, I have a bit more free time than most! One day per week, I am lucky to be able to volunteer at a registered charity that supports perinatal mental health – a cause that is close to my heart. In my spare time, I love catching up with friends over coffee or trying out new restaurants in the local area. My children and I have recently enjoyed exploring nature by going on a few bushwalks, and we’re looking forward to doing that more this year.

What did you last listen to when you drove/flew somewhere?
I listen to a lot of different podcasts, but one of my current favorites is the Imperfects podcast. In the episodes, they interview interesting people who share their own stories of vulnerability and imperfections. It has a great overall message and I always learn something new.