Hi there,

Welcome to the October edition of CheckIN.

This month, we congratulate Mookai Family Health, Mookai Rosie Bi-Bayan, on receiving the Patient Satisfaction and Service Excellence Award, which CheckUP proudly sponsored, at the QAIHC Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner 2026. Congratulations to all the other winners and nominees and to QAIHC for organising such a wonderful event.

CheckUP has also launched CheckUP's second Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan, reinforcing our commitment to reconciliation and meaningful action. The RAP will be available to view and download from our website in the coming weeks.

Please save the date for our final Queensland Primary Health Care Network event for 2026 on 26 November. Held during Disability Action Week, the event will explore this year's theme, Ready together: preparing for every need, in every emergency.

We farewell QUT Public Health students Cleone and Sumaya, who recently completed their placement with us. We thank them for their contribution to CheckUP and wish them every success in their future careers.

Above: Tony de Ambrosis, CheckUP CEO

Across the month, our teams have continued to connect with communities and partners through events including OneNQ Ignite, while preparing for a range of upcoming activities and collaborations.

Thank you for your continued support. I hope you enjoy this edition of CheckIN.

Cheers,

Tony de Ambrosis
Chief Executive Officer
CheckUP

CheckUP and QAIHC staff gathered for Queensland Mental Health Week

CheckUP was delighted to connect with the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC) team over morning tea during Queensland Mental Health Week 2026.

The event provided an opportunity to reflect on the importance of community, connection and wellbeing. Attendees shared what supports their wellbeing, exchanged positive affirmations, and added their messages and artwork to the community media wall.

Staying connected and supporting one another remains important beyond Queensland Mental Health Week.

Second Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Launch

Thank you to the Nunukul Yuggera Aboriginal Dance Company for delivering a moving Welcome to Country as we launched CheckUP's second Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

We were fortunate to hear from Reconciliation Queensland CEO Libby Ferrari, and we thank Libby for her insights on the importance of Reconciliation Action Plans and CheckUP's ongoing journey towards reconciliation.

The RAP reaffirms CheckUP's commitment to reconciliation and the practical steps we can all take towards listening, learning continuously, and embedding reconciliation and respect in our everyday actions as we walk alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples towards healthy and thriving lives.

Our RAP will be available to view and download on our website soon. Stay tuned.

Register for our Disability Action Week QPHCN Event

This year's final QPHCN event will align with Disability Action Week with the theme, ‘Ready together: preparing for every need, in every emergency’. 

The event will bring together people with lived experience, community members, service providers and sector representatives to strengthen inclusive emergency preparedness.  

Date: November 26  |  10.30am - 12pm
Where: in person or online

Guest speakers will include Dr Dinesh Palipana and Dr Sharon Boyce, with more to be announced in the coming weeks.

16 years delivering healthcare in Torres Strait

After more than 16 years serving the people of Thursday Island and the Torres Strait, Dr Harry Stalewski is leaving an incredible legacy of care, compassion and commitment. As we say farewell to Dr Harry as an Outreach Provider, we warmly welcome Dr Ela Hyland as she begins her role as Paediatric Surgeon. 

Gain CPD points with Access for All online disability course

CheckUP’s flagship disability awareness course, Access for All: Disability Awareness for Health Providers is now available in several different formats.

• Individual enrolments 
• Small or large group purchases
• Bundles to be placed on your company or business’s own Learning Management System
• Bespoke versions to suit specific needs and requirements.

Contact us in-person to discuss your options. 
Email: afa@checkup.org.au
Phone: 0428 449 270 (Access for All Manager)

North Queensland Cancer Prevention program engagement

CheckUP’s Cancer Prevention team has been thrilled to host QUT Public Health students, Cleone and Sumaya, over recent months.

Last month, the team travelled to Cairns to meet with key stakeholders working to improve access to skin and cervical cancer screening across the Cairns and Hinterland and Torres and Cape regions through NQPHN’s North Queensland Cancer Prevention Program.

A big thank you to Wuchopperen Health Service, Gurriny Yealamucka Health Service, True Relationships & Reproductive Health, and the Women’s Health Team at Cairns Hospital for meeting with us and sharing their knowledge and insights and supporting this program.

Igniting connections in Cairns

On 10–11 October, Health Workforce Queensland (HWQ) hosted OneNQ Ignite in Cairns, bringing together health professionals, students and early career graduates from across northern Queensland.

The event was part of OneNQ, an NQPHN-funded workforce initiative that CheckUP delivers jointly with HWQ. Our Health Industry Workforce Advisor, Alina Khalid, was there joining conversations on workforce wellbeing, peer support and looking after the people who look after others. 

The Industry Workforce Advisor program is proudly funded and supported by the Queensland Government.

Demystifying NDIS Provider Registration online event

For those of you thinking about registering as a NDIS provider and unsure about the application process, audits or the details you need to provide, our free online session shows the application form questions, audit requirements and key information you’ll need to prepare before you start. This is a practical live session and will not be recorded. Register to attend to receive the workbook and resources to assist with applying.

Register your spot and join us online:
Thursday, 29^th October between 10am-12pm.

Port Douglas and Yarrabah business support events

Do you have a business? Or would you like to start one?

Register to attend one of two CheckUP for Business events in North Queensland, to hear business experts advise how you can be successful and receive FREE Government support to help you.

When: 4 November 2026  |  10am - 12pm
Where: Port Douglas Community Hall
Cost: FREE
Registration: Register HERE

When: 5 November 2026  |  9.30 - 11.30am
Where: Yarrabah Community Hall, 56 Sawmill Rd, Yarrabah QLD 4871, Australia
Cost: FREE
Registration: Register HERE

Build a stronger more inclusive community, and open your doors to more customers

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

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.

NDIS Reforms and what they mean for your business

Join the NDIS Business Connect team for an online discussion about NDIS Reforms and what they mean for your business.

Online event: 26 October  |  12pm - 1pm AEST
REGISTER

BizConnect is an online network bringing together new and existing sole traders and small businesses in the NDIS market to learn, share and connect to grow sustainable and quality businesses.

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

Queensland Mental Health Week wrap-up

Queenslanders showed up for each other during Queensland Mental Health Week by hosting and attending events to support the theme Build Community, Build Wellbeing.

Events are still happening throughout October. Search HERE to find an event near you.

Remember, the need for connection continues beyond Queensland Mental Health Week. Keep going Queenslanders: Let's keep building community and wellbeing.

Building a Skills-First Future

What does it take to create a workforce that recognises skills wherever they’re gained? Leaders from Jobs and Skills Australia, the Victorian Skills Authority and TEQSA explore the power of a shared skills language.

They discuss how skills developed through work, learning and lived experience can be better recognised and transferred, and why human capabilities such as communication, collaboration, judgement and adaptability are becoming more valuable in an AI-driven world. 

Help shape inclusive sport in Queensland

The Empower project is the first Queensland Government funded 2032 Games Legacy Project, co-designed with people with disability. 

Please complete the survey - your experience will help shape funding, policy and program design across the state.

The Empower Legacy Project is proudly supported by the Queensland Government.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month focuses on early detection, education, and support for those affected by breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month, or BCAM, takes place every year each October. BCAM is recognised as a time to increase awareness of breast cancer, emphasise the importance of early detection, and support those affected.

Be proactive and book in your checks now.

Raise awareness about men’s health this Movember

Make a Growmitment - commit to growing a Mo and raising awareness to change men’s health this Movember. 

Movember is about sparking conversations that save lives and tackle some of the biggest health challenges facing men today – from prostate and testicular cancer to mental health and suicide prevention.

Change men's health - grow a Mo this Movember.

Help Mob access and navigate health and wellbeing services

The Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH) manages Mob Link - a culturally safe service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in South East Queensland.

The IUIH deadly team walks alongside Mob to help them access and navigate health and wellbeing services across their Network of clinics and within the hospital system. Their  services include telehealth, connection to services, transport and more.

Mob Link is available every day of the year on 1800 254 354 from 7:00am – 8:00pm.

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.