Image: Amber and Cassie are pictured above

CheckUP’s Health Services Team proudly announces several new changes and welcomes new and returning team members

Welcome Amy-Jo Kuusik

We are delighted to welcome Amy-Jo Kuusik as the new Regional Coordinator for Central and Central West Queensland.

Amy-Jo brings a strong background in public health, stakeholder engagement, workforce coordination, and digital health initiatives. She joins CheckUP with experience across a range of health organisations, including the Australian Digital Health Agency, West Moreton Health, and Sydney North Health Network, where she successfully coordinated projects, supported service delivery improvements, and worked collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

With a Bachelor of Applied Public Health and a passion for improving health outcomes, Amy-Jo is committed to building strong relationships across the region and supporting communities, providers, and partners throughout Central and Central West Queensland.

Amy-Jo will work closely with our outreach providers, health services, and local communities to strengthen connections, support service coordination, and help ensure that people living in rural and remote areas continue to receive high-quality healthcare closer to home.

Welcome to CheckUP, Amy-Jo!

Cassie French 

In the leadup to CheckUP’s next Queensland Primary Health Care Network (QPHCN) forum on 4 September 2025, focused on connecting for mental health, we sat down with proud event sponsor and Cultural Transformation Expert, Carole Cooper Consulting, and gained insights into workplace culture and mental wellbeing.

We asked Carole why mental health is important for cultural transformation and for the people we support?

Carole said, “Psychological safety is the buzzword at the moment, but from my perspective, it really is about having a great, healthy culture. If you have a good culture… you will have psychological safety.”

“If you have a great culture, your people will reflect that with the people that they deal with every single day. And a great culture will also help you look after your people in a really meaningful way.”

The cost of poor mental health

We asked Carole about the impact of poor mental health in the workplace.

Carole said, “It absolutely affects performance from a career perspective. If I think about productivity reduction, I think about the impact on the profit and loss of an organisation… but more importantly, it actually impacts the individual, how they make decisions, how they problem solve, how they show up to work every single day.”

Carole’s top tips for mental health for organisations

“Number one is to listen to your people, but really listen to them; find what it is that they need and how you can help them. Number two is leading by example, so modelling the way as a leader… And then thirdly is to give your people the support.”

“I think the most challenging part – is that when leaders say that they want to act, but they don’t actually act and they resist. That takes a lot of conversations for me, with that leader, to ensure that they understand the consequences and the impact that they’re having on the organisation by not acting.”

Carole emphasised the most crucial step for organisations

“If you get a bad engagement score and you don’t know what to do, there are some really simple things and simple steps that can make a huge difference to your people. But number one, act on it and act on it and act on it, because that is what’s going to make the difference.”

Hear more from Carole Cooper at CheckUP’s next Queensland Primary Health Care Network (QPHCN) forum!

The Connect for Mental Health QPCHN event is a dedicated space for leaders and professionals in the primary healthcare sector to connect, collaborate, and discuss pressing issues. This 90-minute session will focus on the crucial topic of mental health, providing valuable insights and fostering collaboration in the lead-up to Queensland Mental Health Week.

The 2025 Queensland Mental Health Week theme is ‘Connect for Mental Health’.

Download the QPHCN event flyer  |  Register for the event

From coordinating skin cancer early detection clinics to organising upskilling workshops for GPs and travelling to rural and remote communities, Mary-Anne Quilter is committed to increasing awareness about skin cancer and improving access to early detection and treatment. 

Keep reading CheckUP’s new blog to learn more about Mary-Anne and her program. 

How long have you worked at CheckUP?

I’ve worked at CheckUP for a total of 7 years on a number of different programs. I’ve been managing the SCED program for close to 2.5 years. 

What do you enjoy about the Skin Cancer Early Detection (SCED) program?  

I enjoy the dynamic nature of outreach work and admire the adaptability of our service providers.

The opportunity to visit rural and remote communities and to see our services in action is a particular highlight.  I also get a lot of satisfaction from knowing that people who wouldn’t normally have access to a skin doctor are able to get their skin checked. Many tell us that if our SCED clinics weren’t available in their towns, they would not have their skin checked or potentially life-threatening skin cancers removed. 

What motivated you to apply for the SCED Program Manager role? 

This was a new program for CheckUP, funded by the Queensland Government. I saw it as a great opportunity to provide a very targeted response to a critical health issue in Queensland, which has the unenviable title of ‘Skin Cancer Capital of the World’. Initiating new programs and projects is something that really excites me, and in particular the opportunity to engage with key stakeholders and build those relationships over time. 

What are common misconceptions about skin cancer? 

Sun safety messaging has been consistent for many years but I think there needs to be more education, particularly around how to do a self-skin check. It’s important to know your own skin, be aware of any changes that occur and if concerned, have them checked. 

What are 5 ways to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer? 

• Slip on protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts 

• Slop on sunscreen – SPF50+ broad-spectrum and water resistant – and apply generously and every 2 hours (1 teaspoon per limb) 

• Slap on a broad-brimmed hat 

• Seek shade – trees, gazebos or even your own umbrella! 

• Slide on sunglasses to protect your eyes. 

Where can people find out more about staying safe in the sun? 

Cancer Council Queensland has some great resources! 

For learning about what to look for on your skin, download Cancer Council’s poster. 

Read this article for the correct application of sunscreen information: 5 steps to applying sunscreen correctly | Cancer Council NSW 

Is there anything else you would like to add? 

Outdoor workers, those with fair skin and those with a family history of skin cancer are at highest risk of developing skin cancer. If you have any concerns about your skin, see your GP as a starting point for a skin check.  

Images: Check out the images below which show Mary-Anne and Mirabelle Brown, CheckUP Outreach Coordinator on the road in regional Queensland.