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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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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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There are so many ways you can support the work of CheckUP and our vision of better health for the people and communities that need it most.
View allRead the May edition of the First Nations Workforce News
Access workforce planning updates, events and useful resources in this edition! Download a Workforce Planning toolkit and valuable data to build your workforce, plus note May events.
Share your story with us! We would love to celebrate your success with you.
Blog | Meet Mary-Anne Quilter, Program Manager – Skin Cancer Early Detection (SCED)
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.
Learn about Skin Cancer Early Detection Service
Download May’s edition of CheckIn.
Read about CheckUP’s event planned for National Reconciliation Week – our engaging speakers will share insights into how we can all contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
The Brisbane #GoHealth Careers Expo is also coming up on 18 June. Be inspired by the Cairns #GoHealth Careers Expo video and register for the Brisbane event.
CheckUP staff attended numerous events in May, including the National Disability Network Conference, the Australasian Skin Cancer Congress, the Value-Based Health Care Conference and more.
This edition also contains news on our services, program areas, and training, including the soon-to-be-launched Disability Friendly Business Basics course.
Our health sector updates include information on surveys, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea and a micro-credential course on Implementing Value-Based Health Care in Rural and Remote Australia.
Keep reading for details about becoming a CheckUP Member and benefits and more CheckUP news!
Read CheckIN | May 2025 edition
Critical Skin Cancer Education Scholarships now available for Queensland GP’s
16 May 2025
Today at the Australasian Skin Cancer Congress held on the Gold Coast, the Queensland Deputy Premier, Hon Jarrod Bleijie, attending alongside his mum Christine, a melanoma survivor, announced a new lifesaving initiative which will support 12 General Practitioners based in regional Queensland to access world-leading education to help them better detect and treat the potentially deadly disease.
Queensland has the highest rate of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, making it the skin cancer capital of the world.
The initiative, which will be delivered and jointly funded by Skin Cancer College Australasia and Queensland Health through CheckUP’s Skin Cancer Early Detection (SCED) program, aims to upskill GPs based in rural, regional, and remote locations where such services are limited or non-existent.
Deputy Premier Bleijie said skin cancer impacted thousands of Queensland families, including his own.
“We were all shocked when my Mum was diagnosed with melanoma in 1993,” he said.
“It started as a small, itchy mole on her back, which was removed. However, the melanoma sadly returned 13 years later as a stage 3 diagnosis. Her treatment required more surgery and the only further option at the time was to join a clinical trial to try and stop the spread of the deadly disease. We know thousands of Queenslanders have a similar story and as a Government, we are committed to improving the early detection and treatment of skin cancer for more families, just like mine.”
Christine Bleijie survived and has subsequently dedicated her life to support other people facing a diagnosis of melanoma across Australia by volunteering with Melanoma Patients Australia.
Victoria Beedle, CEO of Skin Cancer College Australasia said, “We congratulate and thank the Queensland Government for supporting this initiative. Providing high quality education on the
detection and treatment of skin cancer to our general practitioners in rural and regional areas could not be more important as they are often the only medical professional that patients can access, and we know that an accurate diagnosis can be a matter of life or death.”
CheckUP’s CEO, Ann Maree Liddy said: “The Skin Cancer Early Detection Program is focused on creating fairer access to professional assessment and treatment of skin cancer for Queenslanders most in need and our new joint initiative will mean more doctors have access to high quality education they need to accurately diagnose and treat skin cancers early.”
Since the SCED program commenced in mid-2023, 1,957 Queenslanders living in rural and remote communities have accessed a skin cancer early detection clinic and had their skin checked. Of these patients, 563 received treatment for suspected skin cancers with 67% of these patients having histologically proven cancers detected.
The Skin Cancer Early Detection Program is proudly supported by the Queensland Government.
Submit your scholarship application today!
To find out more about the available scholarships for General Practitioners and how to access them visit Critical Skin Cancer Education Scholarships now available or email education@skincancercollege.org
Learn more
About Skin Cancer College Australasia
The Skin Cancer College Australasia provides a strong and collective voice to skin cancer medicine practitioners across Australia and New Zealand. We lead education excellence in the Trans-Tasman region. We aim to ensure high quality, equitable access to the diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management of skin cancer to patients and communities across Australia and New Zealand.
About CheckUP
CheckUP is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of people and communities in need, especially those in rural, regional, and remote areas. We are committed to advancing equity in healthcare by strategically collaborating at both regional and local levels, ensuring that health and community services are more accessible and responsive to people who need them most.
Critical Skin Cancer Education Scholarships
Skin Cancer College Australasia has partnered with CheckUP and the Queensland Government to help more Queenslanders access skin cancer early detection services.
If you are a General Practioner (GP)* committed to making a positive impact and supporting Queenslanders in early skin cancer detection and treatment, apply today.
Why submit your application?
This new initiative will support 12 GPs based in regional Queensland to access world-leading education to help them better detect and treat the potentially deadly disease.
Who can apply?
*These scholarships are for GPs practicing in the following HHS regions: Mackay, Townsville, North West, South West, Central Queensland and Central West.
What will the scholarship include?
Introduction to Skin Cancer course (6.5 CPD hours) and Certificate of Dermoscopy (27 CPD hours).
Who will deliver and fund the training?
The initiative, which will be delivered and jointly funded by Skin Cancer College Australasia and the Queensland Government through CheckUP’s Skin Cancer Early Detection (SCED) program, aims to upskill GPs based in rural, regional, and remote locations where such services are limited or non-existent.
The Skin Cancer Early Detection Program is proudly supported by the Queensland Government.
How will this training support Queenslanders?
Queensland has the highest rate of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, making it the skin cancer capital of the world. Since the SCED program commenced in mid-2023, 1,957 Queenslanders living in rural and remote communities have accessed a skin cancer early detection clinic and had their skin checked. Of these patients, 563 received treatment for suspected skin cancers with 67% of these patients having histologically proven cancers detected. Through this training, more Queenslanders will be able to access vital skin cancer checks, early detection, and treatment.
Read about the Skin Cancer Education Scholarships launch held at the Australasian Skin Cancer Congress on the Gold Coast. Queensland Deputy Premier, Hon Jarrod Bleijie, attended alongside his mum Christine, a melanoma survivor, and announced the initiative.
Update: The scholarship application period has now closed. Thank you for your interest.
About Skin Cancer College Australasia
The Skin Cancer College Australasia (SCCA) provides a strong and collective voice to skin cancer medicine practitioners across Australia and New Zealand. They lead education excellence in the Trans-Tasman region and aim to ensure high quality, equitable access to the diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management of skin cancer to patients and communities across Australia and New Zealand.
CheckUP is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of people and communities in need, especially those in rural, regional, and remote areas. We are committed to advancing equity in healthcare by strategically collaborating at both regional and local levels, ensuring that health and community services are more accessible and responsive to people who need them most.
Images: The images below show patients undergoing skin checks.
Submit your Skin Cancer College Australasia Scholarship Application
Healthcare: Small business matters!
CheckUP recently co-hosted QPHCN Healthcare: Small business matters! event with Country to Coast QLD PHN.
We extend our sincere thanks to Country to Coast PHN for co-hosting this event held on the Sunshine Coast and everyone who joined us on 3 April, 2025. It was a great opportunity to connect, learn and gain insights into workforce solutions.
Gillian Ingram, Deputy Director of Education and Workforce at Country to Coast Primary Health Network, and Louise Hauser, Program Manager at Workforce Evolve, Business Chamber Queensland provided valuable insights and resources. CheckUP Workforce and Industry speakers shared information about workforce solutions, funding opportunities, and free workforce support available for small to medium-sized healthcare businesses. Additionally, CheckUP highlighted that there are resources to help strengthen the NDIS small business market and develop a skilled health and community services workforce.
Access CheckUP’s Workforce Presentation
Gain a deeper understanding of the Workforce and Industry Programs available at CheckUP.
Access Worforce Evolve’s Presentation here
Louise Hauser, Program Manager at Workforce Evolve, Business Chamber Queensland provided valuable insights and resources.
Images above: QPHCN event attendees are pictured as a group (left), and CheckUP and Country to Coast team members are shown standing and networking.
CheckUP Workforce and Industry Programs
• Health Industry Skills and Jobs Advisor (ISJA)
• Health Industry Workforce Advisor (IWA)
• Community Services Industry Workforce Advisor (IWA)
• First Nations Health Care and Social Assistance Industry Workforce Advisor (IWA)
• CheckUP Connect – NDIS Business Connect
• Health Gateway to Industry Schools project
• Micro-credentialling program – Going all OUT for Outreach
• Micro-credentialling program – Disability Friendly Business
Basics
Contact CheckUP’s Workforce and Industry Team
P: 07 3105 8300
E: info@checkup.org.au
Get ready to deliver health services in remote and rural areas
22 November 2024
In response to feedback received from outreach health service providers, CheckUP has developed – Going all OUT for Outreach – an innovative online micro-credentialing course that address a range of workforce issues in the rural health sector.
Funded by the Queensland Government, the course was designed and developed by health professionals and organisations currently engaged in the delivery of outreach health services in Queensland, although the course is relevant for health professionals and health facility staff involved in the delivery of services in any regional location in Australia.
The aim of the Going all OUT for Outreach micro-credential program is to ensure that health service providers working in regional, rural and remote communities have the appropriate knowledge and skills to respond to the complexity of Outreach health service delivery. Additionally, host facility staff will learn how to effectively host a visiting Outreach health service.
CheckUP CEO, Ann Maree Liddy, describes Going all OUT for Outreach as an innovative and unique online course that will significantly improve the skills, knowledge and confidence of health providers who travel to rural and remote communities to deliver much needed health services.
Ms Liddy said, “We know that delivering health services in regional areas is incredibly rewarding for our outreach health providers, but we recognise that this work can be very challenging and difficult at times. We consulted with many of our current Outreach health providers to develop a free online course that is engaging and interactive, and full of practical tips to enhance the healthcare delivery experience for our providers. We believe this will ultimately contribute to high quality care for the recipients of this care – those people living in remote communities.”
The course has four key objectives:
1. To enhance Outreach health service delivery with a focus on local solutions. This includes training in upskilling to address skills gaps and skilling needs of local health professionals.
2. To ensure timely, local responses in the rural and remote health workforce by delivering training to assist health providers to work at top of scope and improve quality of care by promoting multi-disciplinary team-based models.
3. To address the maldistribution of the health workforce in Queensland by increasing the attraction and retention of health professionals and assistants in rural and remote locations.
4. To improve facility efficiencies in the hosting of visiting Outreach health providers.
The training is centred around three key areas – Onboarding, Upskilling and Teaching (OUT) with participants trained in practitioner health and safety, outreach readiness, working in multi-disciplinary teams, skill needs identification, upskilling and student supervision, and hosting visiting Outreach services.
Share Going All OUT for Outreach with your colleagues, students, health providers and network.
Download the Going All OUT for Outreach Media Kit here.
Going All OUT for Outreach launch
CheckUP hosted several events online and in-person to launch Going All OUT.
Above: Highlights from the launch of Going all OUT.
CheckUP Australia
CheckUP is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing for people and communities who need it most. CheckUP is committed to supporting communities and reducing inequities by strategically collaborating at a regional and local level to lead improvements and deliver a range of initiatives in the health and community services sectors. With a strong network of partner organisations and health providers CheckUP has an established presence in over 170 communities across Queensland.