CheckUP Australia

27/03/2026

Kilkivan doesn't have a physio clinic. What it has is Bill, once a month.

For some of his patients, that monthly visit is the most consistent healthcare contact they have. They know the date. They plan around it. For people who are isolated and have very few options, that kind of certainty matters more than you'd think.

"The knowledge that you are coming out to visit them on a set date is so powerful and gives so much reassurance to know they are not alone."

That's what showing up looks like.

https://checkup.org.au/news-publications/blog/william-hinds-the-rural-generalist-edge/

26/03/2026

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

In one tour, 30 students from Proserpine State High School and Collinsville State High School visited the Mackay Base Hospital and CQUniversity, where they met with healthcare and academic professionals who provided valuable insights into healthcare pathways.

Meanwhile, 20 students from Townsville State High School embarked on a bus tour, visiting TAFE Queensland, Mater Hospital, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section), where they too gained a deeper understanding of the industry and potential careers in health.

👉️ Read our Blog for more details: https://shorturl.at/rjfWu

25/03/2026

"The biggest transformation is seeing that they no longer have to leave their families to travel long distances for services." ❤️

That's what drives Lilli Tomonu every day as CheckUP's Regional Coordinator in Far North Queensland.

Read her full story: https://checkup.org.au/news-publications/blog/meet-lilli-tomonu-regional-coordinator-far-north-qld/

24/03/2026

📢Have your say on Australia’s occupations framework

The ABS has launched a review of the OSCA occupational codes and is seeking feedback.

OSCA describes all occupations in the Australian labour market, and your input will help shape education pathways, skilled migration programs and workforce strategies.

ABS is especially keen to hear where occupations have evolved, changed, or aren’t currently recognised as separate roles.

Provide your feedback by Friday 24 April 2026. https://consult.abs.gov.au/osca/osca-2027-update/

19/03/2026

🔹 All 11 Industry Workforce Advisors from across Queensland gathered in Brisbane to share ideas and find new ways to better support small and medium businesses across the state.

🔹 Three of those advisors are part of the CheckUP team, covering Community Services, Health, and First Nations. It's a service fully funded by the Queensland Government, so there's no cost to you as an employer.

🔹 For Community Services support contact Stuart at scoward@checkup.org.au

🔹 For Health support contact Alina at akhalid@checkup.org.au

🔹 For First Nations Health and Social Assistance support contact Carrisa at CMcAllister@checkup.org.au

🔹 Curious for more information? Visit www.checkup.org.au/what-we-do/industry-workforce-development/industry-workforce-advisors





[This image shows Industry Workforce Advisors standing and sitting in an office corridor.]

19/03/2026

🔸 Today is National Close the Gap Day.

🔸 Led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and supported by mainstream health and advocacy groups nationwide, the Close the Gap Campaign has become a respected and influential movement. Its advocacy has played a significant role in shaping government policy and driving meaningful action toward health equity.

🔸 The Close the Gap Campaign grew from the Australian public’s strong commitment to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

🔸 CheckUP honours the strength, resilience, and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Visit www.closethegap.org.au to learn more.

This image was sourced from the Close the Gap website, www.closethegap.org.au/2026/03/19 and features artwork and supporting text:
"19 March 2026
National Close The Gap Day
Justice, Equality and Healing"

18/03/2026

🦻World Hearing Day was on 3 March, and this year's theme, "From communities to classrooms: hearing care for all children," felt pretty close to home for us.

CheckUP's Hearing Health Outreach providers have delivered 1,191 visits and 9,596 occasions of service across Queensland, with 90% accessed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Screening in schools, mums and bubs clubs, clinics, and referral pathways through to ENT and Speech Pathology for kids who need that next step.

We think that's worth celebrating. We're incredibly grateful to every provider, community and partner who makes it happen week in, week out.

Find out more about the program. https://checkup.org.au/what-we-do/health-services/eye-and-ear-surgery-support/

18/03/2026

Meet Lilli Tomonu, CheckUP's Regional Coordinator for Far North Queensland. 🌿

She covers one of the most geographically spread regions in the state, connecting communities with outreach health services and making sure the providers who show up can actually do their job.

We asked her what the work really looks like. Read her story here: https://checkup.org.au/news-publications/blog/meet-lilli-tomonu-regional-coordinator-far-north-qld/

18/03/2026

📅 Hervey Bay care sector folks, the HB_DING Networking Breakfast is back on Wednesday 1 April, 7am at Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre.

A great opportunity to connect with other care sector service providers, share what you do and grow your network.

Breakfast orders close Monday 30 March at 10am. Register via the link below 👇

Get tickets on Humanitix - HB_DING Networking Breakfast - April 1st, 2026. Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre Inc, 22 Charles St, Pialba QLD 4655, Australia. Wednesday 1st April 2026. Find event information.

17/03/2026

🌟 Member spotlight

Palliative care quality depends on a skilled, well-supported workforce and CPCRE's focus on research, education, and connecting evidence to practice is critical to making that happen across Queensland. Great to have them as part of the CheckUP community.

🤝 Want to see who else is part of the CheckUP member community? Meet our members: https://checkup.org.au/who-we-are/meet-our-members/

13/03/2026

Bill Hinds has been doing outreach physio in Kilkivan for several years. In a single visit he might run an exercise program for a cardiovascular patient, complete an in-home assessment, order support aids, and treat a balance condition.

He loves it.

"You don't have the same referral options available, so it pushes you to treat conditions that in a metro setting you might often refer on for."

Rural outreach work stretches you in ways that are hard to find anywhere else.

Read Bill's story:

https://checkup.org.au/news-publications/blog/william-hinds-the-rural-generalist-edge/

13/03/2026

📢 CheckUP Health Service Provider Spotlight | The Rural Primary Health Service (RPHS) Program

🔶 Highlands Nutrition owner, Annette Billiau, is a dietitian, diabetes educator, and RPHS health service provider based in Emerald. She is pictured in the centre of the photo alongside Annabelle, a fellow dietitian at Highlands Nutrition (right), and Sue Burridge, support worker at the Emerald Neighbourhood Centre (left) sharing vital health and nutrition information.

🔶 The Highlands Nutrition team recently attended the 2026 What’s On in Emerald Expo, which featured more than 30 stalls showcasing local sports clubs, dance groups, community organisations, and education services. Being part of local events like this is an important way to raise awareness about the health services available in the region.

🔶 CheckUP recognises and thanks Annette, Annabelle, and Sue for their ongoing commitment to diabetes awareness and community health in Emerald and beyond. Your dedication makes a meaningful impact!

🔶 Find out more about Highlands Nutrition here highlandsnutrition.com.au

🔶 Learn more about RPHS at CheckUP here www.checkup.org.au/rural-primary-health-service