CheckUP works with partner organisations and health providers to create healthier communities and reduce health inequities through a range of initiatives.
View allCheckUP works with partner organisations and health providers to create healthier communities and reduce health inequities through a range of initiatives.
View allThere 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 allCarole Cooper Consulting
Carol Cooper
As we prepare for CheckUP’s next Queensland Primary Health Care Network (QPHCN) forum on 4 September 2025, CheckUP is proud to highlight the perspectives of one of our valued partners and event sponsor, Carole Cooper Consulting.
Carole previously led the People & Culture function for global ASX-listed company Flight Centre, sat down with us and shared her thoughts on mental health at work.
Carole highlighted the importance of discussing mental health challenges openly to ensure people can access support.
“The trend that I have noticed over the last five years has been the rising rates of anxiety and depression in the workplace… hiding away from it and not acknowledging it is actually making it worse for people.”
With healthcare workers on the front line, their self-care can often be neglected.
“Particularly in the healthcare sector, is burnout and compassion fatigue… people working in healthcare, they are always caring for other people. And they generally, I find in my experience, don’t care for themselves as much.”
“I have certainly found in the work that I’ve done with organisations that have a complete work-from-home system in place, people are finding it really lonely, and it obviously is impacting their culture.”
Carole’s insights shine a light on the need for intentional communication, connection, and community-building, particularly with remote and rural work, plus virtual environments.
These challenges—burnout, disconnection, and rising mental health concerns—underscore the importance of early intervention and open dialogue. As Queensland Mental Health Week approaches, the QPHCN forum offers a timely opportunity to spark meaningful conversations and strengthen support networks across the sector.
Carole’s message is clear: workplaces must foster environments where people feel safe, supported, and empowered to thrive.
“For your lunch break, schedule a time to go for a walk. I know it sounds really simple, and we are so busy that we just barely eat lunch… but make the time. And as leaders, we need to really support our people in doing that.”
The 2025 Queensland Mental Health Week theme is ‘Connect for Mental Health’. Download the QPHCN event flyer
Meet Carole Cooper
Carole Cooper
With more than 25 years of experience across business and People & Culture, Carole Cooper is recognised as one of Australia’s leading experts in cultural transformation with a particular focus on challenging workplaces not delivering on potential.
Her clients say they:
To find out more, or to connect with Carole, please visit www.carolecooperconsulting.com
It’s the critical question facing every health and community service provider in Queensland.
To find the answers, CheckUP’s own experts—Health Industry Workforce Advisor, Alina Khalid, and First Nations Industry Workforce Advisor, Carissa McAllister—headed to the Strategic Workforce Planning Conference in Sydney to learn from Australia’s top minds.
They returned not with complex theories, but with powerful, practical ideas. Here are the top three lessons they’re bringing back to help you shape the future of your team.
You might not expect to find answers to healthcare challenges at 30,000 feet, but aviation giants like American Airlines and Qantas offered game-changing insights. They shared how they are tackling staff shortages and managing professional development through innovative systems that support the entire lifecycle of their pilots—from recruitment and training to wellbeing.
This proactive and strategic approach to employee care sparked exciting parallels for how we can better attract, support, and retain our own critical medical and clinician workforces right here in Queensland. It’s a shift from simply filling roles to nurturing people and careers.
A major focus from health systems across the country, including NSW, SA, Vic and Eastern Health, was the incredible value of Allied Health Assistants.
By empowering Allied Health Assistants to handle specific tasks to free up qualified Allied Health professionals to work at the top of their scope of practice and increase impact by being able to treat more patients.
The result? A more efficient team, improved patient outcomes, a responsive clinic environment anda strategic and sustainable, holistic business model . This a powerful reminder that building a stronger workforce isn’t just about hiring more people—it’s about leveraging and empowering your current team.
Attracting and retaining staff in rural and remote areas is one of Queensland’s biggest challenges. The conference showcased powerful stories of perseverance, such as motivating and innovative advertising campaigns to legislating incentives such as additional leave for remote health workers, and real time research to understand the demands and increments of specific roles.
These initiatives are crucial for acknowledging the unique nature of these roles and creating environments where health professionals can work and importantly thrive.
Reinforcing that supporting our rural and remote workforces isn’t just a policy issue—it’s a commitment to ensuring equitable care for all Queenslanders.
Armed with these national and global best practices, Alina and Carissa are more focused than ever on helping Queensland’s Health and Community Services employers turn these ideas into action. By using data-driven insights, best practice and strategic planning, they can help you align your business goals with a workforce strategy that grows, nurtures, and retains the responsive team you need.
“Queensland’s health and wellbeing depend on the strength of our workforce, and we’re committed to helping you plan for your people so they can thrive.”
Ready to future-proof your team? Contact our Industry Workforce Advisors, Alina Khalid and Carissa McAllister, to start the conversation for free workforce planning and support.
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?
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
