Gateway to Industry Schools Program – Health student tours

This month, Gateway to Industry Schools Program – Health (GISP), in collaboration with Mandy Elliott from the Department of Education, hosted two Industry Tours for students in Mackay and Townsville.

Mackay Industry Tour

On 5 March, GISP hosted an Industry Tour for 30 students, including 20 students from Proserpine State High School and 10 students from Collinsville State High School. Students began their journey to Mackay early, departing at 5:00am to participate in the day’s activities.

The tour commenced at Mackay Base Hospital, where students were welcomed by Kristy Fuller and her team of educators. The team delivered an informative presentation outlining the wide range of careers available within the health sector. A highlight of the session was hearing from Dr Bill, who shared his unique career journey, explaining how he initially began studying to become a veterinarian before transitioning into medicine.

Following the hospital visit, students travelled to Central Queensland University where Lily from the enrolments team presented information about the SUN Program. This program provides students in Years 10, 11 and 12 with the opportunity to study university-level units while still at school. Upon successful completion, students may be eligible for direct entry into a related university course and receive credit towards their degree. The program also offers an alternative pathway to university that is not solely reliant on an ATAR score. From there the students were able to participate in hands on activities with the Nurse Educators and learn about first aide. 30 amazing students who were so well behaved and polite it was an honour to host this event for them.

The images above show hands-on hospital tours which give students a glimpse into the many pathways available in the medical field.

Townsville Industry Bus Tour

On 6 March, 20 students from Townsville State High School participated in an industry bus tour, visiting TAFE Queensland, Mater Hospital and the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section). The day provided students with the opportunity to explore a range of careers and pathways into the health sector.

At TAFE Queensland, students learned about healthcare courses available for 2026 and participated in hands-on activities that provided insight into practical skills used in the industry. Tara from Mater Education presented on the various pathways into healthcare through Mater Hospital, including training programs, courses offered by Mater, and opportunities for students to begin studying while still at school.

The visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) was a highlight of the day, giving students the opportunity to see firsthand the vital role the service plays in supporting remote and regional communities. Students spoke with flight nurses, toured the aircraft, and met with staff who coordinate and deliver healthcare programs for people who cannot easily access medical services in regional and remote areas.

Future healthcare professionals get a firsthand look at life in the industry.

Explore Gateway to Industry School Program – Health

Coordination of QMHW to transition to the Queensland Alliance for Mental Health from 2026

The Queensland Mental Health Commission recently announced that the coordination of Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW) will transition to the Queensland Alliance for Mental Health (QAMH) from 2026, following collaborative planning with CheckUP.

It has been an honour and a privilege for CheckUP to coordinate QMHW, and we thank the Queensland Mental Health Commission for entrusting us with QMHW for the past eight years.

We have striven to ensure that QMHW was celebrated far and wide each year, and we are proud that the number of events held in Queensland grew from 200 in 2018 to a peak of 550.

We know that QMHW will continue to grow under the guidance of the Queensland Alliance for Mental Health – we wish them all the best.

Connect with QMHW on Facebook for further information about QMHW 2026.

Visit QMHW online.