A regional health workforce program has returned to Cairns and surrounding communities as part of ongoing efforts to address healthcare worker shortages across North Queensland. The initiative brought together 21 medical, nursing and allied health students for a three-day experience designed to introduce them to rural healthcare and encourage them to pursue long-term careers in regional Queensland.

The GROW Rural North Queensland program is delivered by Health Workforce Queensland in partnership with the Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN). The initiative gives students practical experience in regional communities while helping them build relationships with local healthcare providers and employers.

During the program, students visited Cairns, Atherton, Malanda, Mareeba and Speewah, where they explored the challenges and opportunities of delivering healthcare in rural and remote areas. Activities included clinical workshops, cultural learning experiences, community engagement and visits to local health services.

Participants joined a yarning circle with local health professionals to strengthen their understanding of First Nations health, completed hands-on training involving ultrasound technology and rheumatic heart disease, and experienced life in regional communities by staying with local host families. They also took part in mental health and allied health activities, including learning about equine-assisted therapy and multidisciplinary models of care.

Health Workforce Queensland said repeated exposure to rural communities increases the likelihood that students will return after graduation to work in regional areas. By connecting students with healthcare providers early in their careers, the program aims to strengthen recruitment and improve long-term workforce retention.

Northern Queensland continues to experience shortages of doctors, nurses and allied health professionals, particularly in smaller and remote communities. Workforce initiatives such as GROW Rural are designed to improve access to healthcare by encouraging graduates to establish careers outside major metropolitan centres.

NQPHN Chief Executive Ben Tooth said providing students with authentic rural experiences helps them better understand community healthcare needs while creating stronger connections with local employers. Health Workforce Queensland CEO Stewart Gordon said the program is an important investment in developing a sustainable health workforce for the region.

Organisers hope many of the participating students will return to North Queensland for future clinical placements and eventually take up permanent positions in regional hospitals, general practices and community health services, helping improve healthcare access for rural residents.