Northern Queensland PHN

10/03/2026

Strong, supportive workplaces start with strong leadership.

Meet Mandy Moyle, Practice Manager at Clements Medical – Magnetic Island Practice, who is helping create positive, supportive environments for health workers in our region 💙

“Flexible working, mental health support, and a positive team culture are key to supporting our staff and maintaining wellbeing.”

Thank you, Mandy, for the care and leadership you bring to your team and community.

Read in full here: https://nqphn.com.au/news/iwd-2026-women-in-health-workforce/

10/03/2026

What Dr Prasad Kumar enjoys most about being a doctor is the "privilege of building trust with my patients and making a meaningful difference in their lives".

Every day brings a new opportunity for the GP at The Doctors Bushland Beach to listen, guide, and provide care that "helps people feel better physically, emotionally, and often both. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of someone’s health journey".

Read the full interview here ⬇️https://nqphn.com.au/news/health-workforce-spotlight-dr-prasad-kumar/

The Doctors Bushland Beach

A regular column that features our region’s health workforce and shines a light on their important work

09/03/2026

As part of our International Women’s Day celebrations, NQPHN is proud to share our Women in Health Spotlight, recognising the leadership, care, and commitment of women across our organisation and the health sector.

In our first Q&A, we caught up with Patricia, Senior Primary Care Engagement Officer, based in Townsville, who reminds us:

“You are doing enough. Your care, strength, and presence matter.”

We thank all women whose work and leadership continue to support the health and wellbeing of communities across Northern Queensland.

Read the full article here: https://nqphn.com.au/news/iwd-celebrating-nqphn-staff/

03/03/2026

Our Health Priorities team recently caught up with members from Mackay Hospital and Health Service and the ATSICHS Mackay Ltd at a stakeholder meeting in Mackay to promote the Care on Country program. 👣

💟Care on Country delivers services directly within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, reducing the need for people to travel into town for care. The program supports culturally safe, community‑controlled health care, including first trimester screening and ongoing support for First Nations women in regional and remote communities.

02/03/2026

Northern Queensland nurses have the opportunity to join a cohort of 500 returning to the workforce under a new nationwide re-entry program.

The Nurse Re-entry Program, supported by Northern Queensland Primary Health Network, encourages previously enrolled nurses, registered nurses, and nurse practitioners to join the primary care workforce and will facilitate more practitioner training.

NQPHN CEO Ben Tooth said the program was aimed at matching nurses who had been out of the workforce for the last five to 10 years with a general practice background.

Learn more here ➡️

Paid placement initiative aims to bolster northern Queensland’s nursing workforce

27/02/2026

Yesterday, our Board Directors enjoyed a meaningful cultural immersion experience in Yarrabah. They took part in a Welcome and cultural exchange grounded in respect and understanding.

Thank you to our hosts Gurriny Yealamucka Health Services Aboriginal Corporation for sharing culture, knowledge and connection. 🤎🌿

26/02/2026

Stories help bring impact to life.

In Episode 3 of CAPACIT8 The Preview, Emele Tuinona chats with Jackie and Debbie from Talk about it Tuesday on the power of authentic storytelling. They talk about how sharing real stories builds connection, shows the value of your work, and helps create trust with communities, stakeholders, and funders.

25/02/2026

For many residents in rural and remote towns, access to primary healthcare can mean hours-long road trips, time off work, and being away from family.

It’s these reasons why Marg Villella, from Health Education Collaborative (HEC), travels to regional and remote towns to upskill nurses and provide residents with greater access to primary healthcare closer to home.

“Education isn’t as readily available in rural areas as it is in the city, so it is important to provide good training so nurses can be more independent when there isn’t a GP in their community,” the HEC co-director and Chief Financial Officer said.

“If people need suturing, they might have to travel a long way for just two stitches."

Read the full story ⬇️ https://nqphn.com.au/news/our-region-our-people-meet-marg-and-brad/

Health Education Collaborative

Upskilling nurses helps bridge the gap to accessing care in rural and remote northern Queensland

24/02/2026

For many residents in rural and remote towns, access to primary healthcare can mean hours-long road trips, time off work, and being away from family.

It’s these reasons why Marg Villella, from Health Education Collaborative (HEC), travels to regional and remote towns to upskill nurses and provide residents with greater access to primary healthcare closer to home.

“Education isn’t as readily available in rural areas as it is in the city, so it is important to provide good training so nurses can be more independent when there isn’t a GP in their community,” the HEC co-director and Chief Financial Officer said.

“If people need suturing, they might have to travel a long way for just two stitches."

Read the full story ⬇️ https://nqphn.com.au/news/our-region-our-people-meet-marg-and-brad/

Health Education Collaborative

Upskilling nurses helps bridge the gap to accessing care in rural and remote northern Queensland

19/02/2026

🩻 Did you know? The Townsville Medicare Urgent Care Clinic now offers free onsite x-ray services as part of your urgent care consultation.

If the clinic’s GP determines you need an x-ray during your visit, it’s done right here, with no out-of-pocket cost.

🛑 Please note: These diagnostic services are only available as part of your urgent care consultation. They cannot be accessed separately without seeing a GP at the clinic.

🦴 Radiology opening hours
🕒 6pm - 9pm, Monday - Friday
🕒 1pm - 4pm, weekends

📍 86 Thuringowa Drive, Thuringowa

🔗 More info: health.gov.au/MedicareUCC or townsvilleucc.com.au
📞 For emergencies, call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department.

Eastbrooke Health & Commuity Hub Townsville

The Australian Government has invested in 60+ Medicare UCCs nationally, to deliver a new model of care to reduce pressure on hospital emergency departments (EDs). Twelve Medicare UCCs have been established in Queensland, with one in Cairns and one in Townsville.

19/02/2026

It’s delivery time! 📦

NQPHN's team members are making their way across the region and dropping off GP Information Packs to general practices. The info packs are filled with goodies including:

➡️ Calendar desk pads
➡️GPACI flipbooks
➡️ Immunisation stickers
➡️Immunisations certificates
And more!

These packs are already being well received by the practices we've visited. If you're in northern Queensland and haven't received a pack yet, there will be more deliveries throughout the region soon. 🙂

19/02/2026

Governance is not just about policies or meetings. It is about how organisations work every day.

In Episode 2 of CAPACIT8 The Preview, Matt Burrows and Liz Campbell talk about what governance looks like beyond the boardroom. They explore how strong governance influences culture, accountability, and resilience, and why it matters across all parts of an organisation.

🎥 Watch the full episode. Link in bio