Hi there,

Welcome to the April edition of CheckIN.

We hope you all enjoyed a restorative Easter break, connecting with family and friends.

Over this past month, I have hit the ground running and immersed myself in all things CheckUP. I have also had the privilege to connect with some of you, and I look forward to more interactions and collaborations as the year progresses.

For those of you in our Cairns region, keep your eyes on your inbox for an invitation to our Cairns Networking event, happening in June.

I also hope to see some of you in person or online at CheckUP's first Queensland Primary Health Care Network (QPHCN) event on 29 April. The theme is Workforce and Industry Business Development Solutions. Register below.

CheckUP is in preparation mode for the new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander NDIS Interim Support Program, which will strengthen connections, build readiness, and support culturally responsive, community-led disability services across Queensland. Stay tuned for more announcements in the coming weeks.

Our teams have had a busy month, planning, attending forums, connecting with providers and community. Read some of our updates below, and stay engaged with our socials, to learn more about our initiatives.

Sign up to build a more inclusive business, with CheckUP's FREE Disability Friendly Business Basics online course. Learn more HERE.

Now is also a great time to take advantage of ‘Access for All: Disability Awareness for Health Providers’ – FREE to complete before 30 June. 

Above: Tony de Ambrosis, CheckUP CEO

Next month is Small Business Month. Our Industry Workforce and Development teams continue to provide free advice services to help businesses be the best they can be. Find out more below.

Remember, our members receive great benefits, including free access to QPHCN events, an open invitation to submit articles to this newsletter, and more. Visit our membership benefits webpage for more information on how to advertise in CheckIN.

Continue reading below, for more member and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander news, plus industry event information. 

Best wishes

Tony de Ambrosis
Chief Executive Officer
CheckUP

Farewell to Ann Maree 

Colleagues recently gathered to farewell Ann Maree at a warm and relaxed event, marking the end of her time at CheckUP and celebrating her many contributions. It was a chance to acknowledge the positive impact Ann Maree has had and to wish her well for the next chapter.

The highlight of the event was a thoughtful address from our Board Chair Merrilyn Strofeldt, who spoke about Ann Maree’s dedication, professionalism, and the respect she has earned across the organisation. The words shared captured the appreciation felt by all in attendance.

We thank Ann Maree for her commitment and the lasting difference she has made, and we wish her every success and happiness in the future.

Learn how to strengthen your team at our April QPHCN event 

Register now for CheckUP's Queensland Primary Health Care Network (QPHCN) event:

Wednesday, 29 April — 10.30am - 12.00pm

Discover how to design practical, tailored solutions that strengthen your team, improve retention, and deliver real business outcomes. 

CheckUP's Workforce and Industry Business Development Solutions team will teach you how.

Gain support to move beyond recruitment challenges and build a workforce that is capable, sustainable and ready to perform through our free, independent and confidential service. 

“The providers winning the workforce challenge aren’t finding better candidates — they’re building better workplaces.”  

This program is proudly funded and supported by the Queensland Government.

Gateway to Industry Schools Program – Yearbook launch and
2026 Health Gateway Forum

The Gateway to Industry Schools Program recently launched their 2025 Yearbook. From inspiring student success stories to highlights from major events like the Health Gateway Forums in Brisbane and Cairns, the Yearbook captures the impact of the Health Gateway program in shaping future health professionals. View the Yearbook HERE. 

In other exciting news, the Health Gateway Forum will be held on 21 October at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. Save the date, and stay tuned for updates.

This program is proudly funded and supported by the Queensland Government.

CheckUP and The Fred Hollows Foundation co-presented at the recent NATSIHA Forum 

CheckUP’s Indigenous Eye Health team, together with Mandy Sheppard from The Fred Hollows Foundation (TFHF) recently co-presented to members of Northern Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health Alliance (NATSIHA) at a Townsville members’ forum.

They shared some of the key activities that underpin CheckUP’s partnership with TFHF, including funding of two Indigenous Eye Health Coordinators based on Palm Island and Mount Isa (supported by Palm Island Community Company and Gidgee Healing). CheckUP also provided an overview of the findings of a recent Indigenous Eye Health mapping project, undertaken in Far North Queensland, and TFHF announced the funding of a new IEHC to be based in Cairns and supported by NATSIHA.

Melanoma Institute of Australia – Collaborator’s Meeting

CheckUP’s Skin Cancer Early Detection (SCED) Program Manager, Mary-Anne Quilter, recently attended the Melanoma Institute of Australia’s annual Roadmap for a National Targeted Skin Cancer Screening Program collaborator meeting.

Held in Sydney, this forum provided an update to key stakeholders on the work being undertaken by the program’s advisory committees and workstreams. Access for priority populations, including those living in rural and remote Australia was highlighted, along with the unique challenges these communities face in accessing skin cancer early detection services.

FREE Access for All - Disability Awareness for Health Providers training

Are you a health provider looking to tick off your CPD for the year?

▶️  Complete Access for All: Disability awareness for health providers - an online disability awareness course that is CPD eligible for 35+ health professions.

▶️ Become more confident when working with people with disability.

▶️ Self-paced, practical and applicable to your daily practice.

▶️  FREE until 30 June.

Make the most of this free CPD opportunity.

Open your doors to more customers and build a stronger community

CheckUP's FREE Disability Friendly Business Basics micro-credentials online course offers practical skills to make business services more inclusive and welcoming.

People with disability, and their friends, family, and colleagues, constitute a significant group of consumers.

To build confidence, expand your customer base, and create a business where everyone feels they belong, complete the FREE course today!

This program is proudly funded and supported by the Queensland Government.

Find the right people with the right skills. Make an impact in 2026

Get a FREE workforce health check with CheckUP’s Industry Workforce Advisors (IWA).

Experts in Health, Community Services and with a dedicated support for First Nations businesses, the IWA team can help you navigate real workforce challenges around finding and keeping the right staff, rising workloads, and doing more with less.

Subscribe to our newsletter or visit the IWA web page below to learn more.

This program is proudly funded and supported by the Queensland Government.

School students visit JCU as part of the Gateway to Industry Schools Program

Year 11 and 12 students from Smithfield State High School recently toured James Cook University (JCU) to learn about tertiary education and career pathways into healthcare. JCU Future Students Advisor, Cynthia Paterson, coordinated the tour in collaboration with the Gateway to Industry Schools Program, and Michael Goodrich from the Department of Education. 

Students explored the university’s facilities, including state-of-the-art dental laboratories, student accommodation, and the broader campus environment. Engagement with student ambassadors currently studying medicine and dentistry was a highlight, as they shared insights into university life, offering practical advice and inspiration to the visiting students.

Students were also impressed by a dentistry laboratory, designed to accommodate up to 100 students simultaneously, as they develop clinical skills while completing their degrees. The tour helped students better understand potential future study and career opportunities.

This Gateway to Industry Schools program is proudly supported and funded by the Queensland Government. 

Have you considered delivering services in the NDIS space?

Visit NDIS Business Connect. We provide tailored support to guide you in the right direction. We offer access to practical webinars, easy-to-use factsheets, and current information on NDIS changes, when you need it. 

Catch up on recent webinars covering:

• NDIS Registration Readiness Micro-credential series
• What do I need to know? Understanding the New Child Safe Organisations Act
• Getting ready for NDIS registration
• Unpacking SCHADS suite

This program is proudly supported and funded by the Queensland Government. 

Economic strength starts with Strong Futures

Workforce Planning builds the economic strength of First Nations Health and Community Services.

For First Nations health and community services, economics is not about wealth. It's about thriving communities, centred by culture, families and the right to self-determination. The financial sustainability of a First Nations health or community service is inseparable from the strength, capability, and sustainability of its workforce.

Planning for the right people, skills, and roles is essential for First Nations health and community services.

Read our blog, via the link below, to learn how workforce planning builds economic strength. 

Book your free flu vaccination

Free flu vaccines are now available for Queenslanders aged 6 months and older, until 30 September 2026. 

Free nasal spray flu vaccines are also available for children aged two to five years (before they turn 6). 

Helps stop the spread of the flu. Getting vaccinated provides the best protection, along with practising good hygiene, like washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick.

Ask your GP, pharmacist, or vaccine provider about the flu vaccine today!

Lung Cancer Screening Health Workforce Education webinar

The Australian Government and Lung Foundation Australia is hosting a CPD-accredited webinar that will provide practical strategies to reduce stigma, and support priority populations to participate in screening.

Priority populations include:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• people living in rural and remote areas
• people living with disability
• multicultural communities
• people from LGBTIQA+ communities, and
• people experiencing mental health challenges.

Date: Wednesday 29 April 2026
Time: 6:00–7:30pm AEST

R U OK? at work: Free webinar

R U OK? is hosting a free Introduction to R U OK? at Work webinar: 

Date: Thursday 30 April 2026
Time: 12 – 12:45pm AEST

Sign up to learn:

• about R U OK?
• how to recognise the signs someone may be struggling
• how to start an R U OK? Conversation
• how to respond with care, whether that’s listening or helping them find support.

Gain simple, practical tools to help build a workplace where people feel connected and supported throughout the year.

April is World Autism Understanding Month

April marks World Autism Understanding Month, a time to recognise, celebrate and support autistic people across our community.

It's a time to reflect on how we can all create inclusive communities where everyone feels valued, understood and able to participate fully.

This month encourages us to listen to lived experiences, challenge stereotypes and strengthen our approach to accessibility and inclusion within our communities.

Let’s take this opportunity to learn, reflect and continue creating welcoming spaces for all, not just this month, but every day.

Health Delivery Queensland Conference

CEDA’s Health Delivery Queensland Conference is on 21 May at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. 

The conference brings together government and health leaders to talk about workforce, regional care, infrastructure, aged care, equity and digital innovation. Together, they’ll explore how smarter system design can improve health outcomes, boost productivity and strengthen Queensland’s social and economic wellbeing.

Support Australians impacted by cancer by joining Australia's Biggest Morning Tea

Joy comes from gathering with the people we care about, which is exactly what Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is all about.

Host a morning tea to support Australians impacted by cancer, and raise funds for life-saving cancer research, prevention programs, and support services.

Sign up, receive a free host kit and hold a morning tea in May or June to make a significant impact in building towards a cancer free future.

Darling Downs Health has been named a 2026 Every Week Counts Collaborative Champion

CheckUP congratulates Darling Downs health, recently named a 2026 Every Week Counts Collaborative Champion for their outstanding work to improve maternity care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.

They are recognised for the creation of a culturally safe, community‑designed feedback process, that ensures Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women feel heard in ways that reflect cultural and communication preferences.

Assistant Director of Nursing and Midwifery for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander First 2000 Days, Natalie Hobbs, said, “Receiving this award is incredibly meaningful. It recognises the importance of creating maternity care that truly meets the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and families”.

Hear and Say has welcomed a new CEO - Scott Miller

CheckUP congratulates Scott Miller on his new role as Hear and Say's Chief Executive Officer. Scott brings deep sector experience, a strong commitment to purpose-driven leadership, and a genuine passion for advancing the work and impact of Hear and Say. Scott looks forward to connecting with Hear and Say's partners, supporters, and collaborators. 

Help women experiencing domestic violence with the Spread the Warmth campaign

Micah Project's spread the Warmth Campaign is underway!

Donate a new, unwrapped dressing gown to help women in domestic violence refuges and crisis accommodation feel connected and supported this Mother’s Day. 

Donations can be made to a variety of drop-off points by Friday 1 May. See the list of drop-off locations HERE.

Alternatively, you can make a monetary donation, to support with the purchasing of new robes.

Every contribution, no matter how big or small, makes a difference.

Accoras Collaborative Aftercare Program (ACAP) proves successful

Six months ago Accoras announced the Accoras Collaborative Aftercare Program, a 12-week intensive, assertive outreach pilot program providing non-clinical psychosocial support to children and young people (17 and under) following suicide attempt or suicidal crisis. 

Working exclusively with Children's Health Queensland, Accoras connects with families within 24 hours of referral and provides comprehensive psychosocial support throughout the recovery journey. 

Recent case studies demonstrate the program is proving what's possible when health systems and community organisations work together to create responsive, coordinated care during the most vulnerable moments.

Young people and families no longer need to navigate recovery alone. The program provides dedicated support workers, safety planning, family engagement, and seamless connections to ongoing services.

Register for the HCQ Annual Forum 2026

Health Consumer Queensland (HCQ) will host their Annual Forum on the Gold Coast from 27-28 April. This event welcomes health consumers, carers, health service leaders, researchers and community advocates to explore the theme 'Influence in Action'. 

This event is for consumers and anyone working in the health sector who shares a passion for building active engagement in the community for better health outcomes.

Attend to engage in interactive workshops and panel discussions, learn from guest speakers, success stories, health sector news and more.

NATSIEHC26 focuses on eye health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

The 2026 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Conference (NATSIEHC26) runs from Monday 11 May to Wednesday 13 May 2026, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), (Naarm/Melbourne – Wurundjeri Country).  

The 2026 theme, “Seeing Our Way: Innovation, Excellence and Healing,” celebrates First Nations leadership, knowledge, and community strength. The event includes powerful conversations, inspiring keynotes, cultural experiences, and hands-on workshops — all driving towards better eye health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples!

NATSIEHC26 celebrates 10 years, and is a space to centre mob, grow leadership, and transform how eye health care is understood and delivered in our communities.

National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) runs from 27 May – 3 June 2026. It's a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

The 2026 theme is All In, which calls for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day.

The theme reminds us that reconciliation and advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights isn’t a passive activity, and we all have the shared responsibility of championing reconciliation.

Reconciliation will not happen by itself - it requires all of us.

NAIDOC Week

Mark your diaries for NAIDOC Week which runs from 5–12 July 2026. This year's theme is: 50 Years of Deadly, and is a tribute to the people who built this movement. 

NAIDOC Week is held across Australia to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It creates an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories, and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. Show your support and plan your own NAIDOC Week event or attend one in your local area.

2026 culturally significant dates calendar

View the CheckUP website for a list of key dates that celebrate and recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture.

Understanding and acknowledging Australia’s shared history is key to achieving reconciliation. Being aware of these dates can offer an opportunity to deepen our understanding and foster connections in our communities.