New health training centre announced for Emerald, Gemfields

A new allied health training facility has been announced for the Central Highlands.

Allied health classes will now be offered in the Central Highlands following an LNP federal government announcement for a new facility.

A $10 million University Department of Rural Health (UDRH) was announced for Emerald on January 19.

The facility will be built by James Cook University and will offer education and training for allied health students.

The government hopes it will improve the distribution of health workers in the local region and provide more access to healthcare professionals for local patients.

It will also have targeted enrolment, mentoring and support strategies for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

DonateLife Week. Hon. Dr David Gillespie MP, Federal Member for Lyne, NSW, The Nationals. Official portrait. Parliament House, Canberra. 8 July 2021, 46th Parliament. Picture: David Foote

Health Minister Dr David Gillespie and outgoing member for Flynn Ken O’Dowd visited Emerald to announce the new facility.

“The establishment of the Central Queensland Centre for Rural and Remote Health (CQCRRH) in Emerald will build on their success with educating students in regional, rural and remote locations and give students access to tertiary education and training locally,” Mr O’Dowd said.

“We know people who study and have a positive training experience in the bush are more likely to stay and practice in the bush.

“By establishing these outreach university departments, the Liberal and Nationals Government is demonstrating its commitment to the health of every Australian, regardless of where they live.”

Mr Gillespie, who was a regional doctor for more than 30 years, said the new UDRH was the 17th in regional Australia and the third in Queensland.

“Our Government is acutely aware of the need to boost regional workforce and training opportunities, which is why we focus on establishing these UDRHs where there are gaps in what health care training people can access locally,” Dr Gillespie said.

He said the UDRH would be locally led and expansion beyond Emerald to Biloela was already planned for 2023.

Mr O’Dowd said it was pleasing that JCU would purchase housing in Emerald to provide accommodation facilities for allied health, nursing, midwifery, and dental students from other areas to undertake clinical placements locally.

“Initial courses planned for rollout include nursing, first and final years of pharmacy, occupational therapy, entry to practice psychology, and a Diploma of Education,” Mr O’Dowd said.

CQCRRH will firstly establish training sites in Emerald and will also extend to The Gemfields.