IN THIS EDITION...

Hi everyone,

Welcome to the November edition of Reaching Out eNews!

November is a jam-packed month filled with insightful events and learning opportunities!

Join us during Disability Action Week (23 - 30 November) in highlighting the importance of disability awareness and inclusion through webinars and events hosted during the week. Other key highlights include the success of 2025 Queensland Mental Health Week, the Regional Member Networking event in Toowoomba, and the 'Friends of Fred' event. 

Plus, don’t miss our webinars and courses on essential policies for 2026, including the Child Safe Organisations Act and Disability Friendly Business Basics.

For any questions about Outreach Health Services, feel free to reach out to a member of our Health Services team. We hope you enjoy this edition!

Kind regards,

Elise Gorman
General Manager, Health Service

How local care shaped one Emerald family's future for the better

When ten-year-old Summer was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in March 2024, her family faced an uncertain future. But thanks to the Emerald Diabetes Clinic and CheckUP, Summer received expert care close to home.

‘The Rural Health Outreach Fund is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing ‘goes to show why accessible healthcare in rural and remote communities isn't just the right thing to do – it's necessary for a better Queensland.

Image: Summer being transported by CapRescue helicopter with a flight paramedic monitoring her care.

2025 Queensland Mental Health Week recap

In October, CheckUP proudly coordinated another year of Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW), joining communities across the state to shine a light on the importance of mental wellbeing.

After a successful week, we were able to exceed our goal of 400 registered events statewide and raise awareness about mental health! A huge thank you to everyone for getting involved during QMHW.

While the week has passed, it’s a timely reminder to keep prioritising mental wellbeing for all the other days of the year, not just during awareness weeks.

For more ways to find and access help, visit QLD Mental Health Week's 'Get Help' page. 

Toowoomba Regional Member Networking Event Highlights

Our final Regional Member Networking Event of the year took place in Toowoomba. It was a valuable opportunity for CheckUP’s Board, Executive, and staff to connect, share ideas, and celebrate the achievements of 2025. 

A heartfelt thank you to our members, partners, and stakeholders from Toowoomba and the surrounding regions for joining us. Your collaboration drives stronger outcomes and greater impact, and we’re proud to work alongside you and achieve great things together. 

The Fred Hollows Foundation "Friends of Fred" Event 

CheckUP’s Outreach Team were fortunate to attend this year’s ‘Friends of Fred’ event, hosted by the Indigenous Australia Program as part of the Fred Hollows Foundation. 

It was a vibrant day filled with allyship and celebration, First Nations leadership, and the future of eye health sector was on display.

The day also included a powerful choral and dance performance from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children of St Mary - St Joseph’s Primary School. 

Outreach Program Manager, Michelle Hodges (left) with Fred Hollows Foundation Program Manager Mandy Sheppard (right).

CheckUP's AFA team are exhibiting at the AMAQ Intern Readiness Workshops

Event Dates: 27 NOV • 05 DEC • 17 DEC
Locations: Brisbane • Gold Coast • Townsville

This year's Intern Readiness Workshops hosted by AMA Queensland will be held across Brisbane, Gold Coast and Townsville. These free workshops are a great opportunity for medical students transitioning into internship to gain practical advice from experienced industry experts, explore tailored programs and services, and build connections with mentors, and future colleagues.

Come find CheckUP's Access for All Manager, Amanda Frier at the Brisbane and Townsville workshops, on the 27 November and 17 December to discuss The Access for All online course designed to improve disability awareness among health providers.

Queenslanders with Disability Network Disability Action Week 

When:  Friday 28 November
Time: 10am – 12pm
Where: Online (Via Zoom)

To celebrate Disability Action Week, Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) will be hosting a webinar that brings together experts who have shaped the creative landscape of Queensland.

This year’s theme ‘Communicate. Connect. Create’, is all about highlighting the importance of accessible communication to connect people and including people with disability in the arts and other creative fields. 

Child Safe Organisations Act - What you need to know

Date: Monday, 24 November
Time: 11:30am - 12:30pm AEST

From 1 January 2026, significant new child safety legislation will begin to come into effect for all health services in Queensland.

To help you get ready, CheckUP is hosting a crucial, free one-hour webinar with the experts from the Queensland Family and Child Commission (QFCC). This is your opportunity to get a clear, practical walkthrough of the reforms and the steps you need to take now to ensure your service is compliant.

Don't get caught unprepared. Register now for this essential information session.

Is your business ready for Brisbane 2032? Join the free Disability Inclusion Workshop

Date: Wednesday, 26 November
Time: 5pm - 6pm AEST

Did you know one in five Australians lives with disability? Many of them are looking for accessible businesses to support. The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games aim to be the most accessible in history. Join us and see how you can build an inclusive and profitable business.

Why inclusion matters:

• Reach more customers: People with disability and their networks represent a significant consumer base (Australian Human Rights Commission)
• Boost profits: Disability-inclusive businesses grow profits 4x faster than peers (JobAccess)
• Strengthen your brand: Inclusive businesses are seen as socially responsible, driving loyalty and reputation (Monash University).

CheckUP can help: Learn the benefits of completing our Disability Friendly Business Basics Micro-Credentials and position your business for success in 2032.

BBSafe - Trauma Informed Aged Care Webinar

Date: Thursday 27 November
Time: 12pm - 1pm AEST | Online

The Aged Care Workforce Remote Accord has partnered with BBSafe to deliver free online training for aged care leaders and staff on providing trauma-aware, healing-informed care.

BBSafe's new training package is tailored for remote communities and developed with First Nations cultural input to ensure safety and relevance.

BBSafe - Safe Recruitment Practice Webinar

Date: Thursday 27 November
Time: 1pm - 2pm AEST | Online

This webinar will share practical, easy-to-implement strategies that will help organisations strengthen hiring processes for people working with children and vulnerable adults.

Discover and understand why relying solely on criminal history checks and worker screening isn’t enough to ensure safer environments for children and vulnerable adults.

2025 AHPRA medical renewal

It’s time for medical practitioners to renew their AHPRA registration.

Under the CheckUP Outreach Services Agreements, CheckUP must hold an up-to-date copy of the relevant AHPRA registration or membership certificates for all health professionals delivering services under the contract.

Providers will receive system generated reminder/s when your certificates are nearing expiry, ensuring our records remain accurate and up to date.
 

Service Delivery Audits

Throughout the service delivery year, CheckUP conducts audits to ensure the health services funded under the Outreach Programs are delivered in accordance with our obligations under the Funding Arrangements.

As outlined in the Outreach Terms and Conditions, providers may be required to participate in audits and provide requested information as part of this process.

If you have any questions, please contact the Quality and Compliance team contracts@checkup.org.au

Health Workforce Queensland’s 2026 Workshop Calendar

We're pleased to share that Health Workforce Queensland’s 2026 Professional Development Workshop Calendar is now live!

These workshops are specifically targeted to remote and rural general practitioners and are developed in collaboration with rural doctors and emergency specialists to ensure relevance and practicality. 

Start planning your 2026 training calendar and save the dates of these key workshops now.

Have your say in shaping Queensland’s remote and rural health workforce!

Health Workforce Queensland (HWQ) invites Queensland's rural and remote primary healthcare practitioners, and those employed by practices with DPA status, to complete the 2025 Health Workforce Needs Assessment Survey. 

This assessment helps HWQ identify current challenges and long-term issues impacting health practitioners and primary care services. Sharing your experiences helps to:

• Ensure your community’s workforce needs are heard at state and national levels
• Influence future funding, workforce initiatives and resource allocation in remote and rural communities
• Shape programs that make working in remote and rural health more sustainable
• Contribute to solutions that reduce shortages and improve service delivery in your area.

Complete the survey by 30 November 2025 to enter the draw to WIN* an Apple iPad

Have you got an Outreach story you'd like to share? Send yours today!

We know the power that stories can have, and that's why we want to hear from you!

We openly encourage anyone with an amazing Outreach story to share your experience with us.

Please send your enquiries or submissions by replying to this email or sending it directly through to comms@checkup.org.au. 

Name ideas for CheckUP's new Health Services Calendar

We are getting closer to launching the new Health Services Calendar and we need your help to name the new calendar. 

Our Calendar is useful guide to the following

• Who provides the service
• When visits are scheduled
• Where services will be delivered

• How to access the service

Thank you to everyone who has submitted ideas already! Keep sharing your ideas and you’ll go in the draw to win a $50 voucher.

If your idea is chosen, you and your organisation will also be recognised at launch.

Are you a CheckUP Member?

When you become a CheckUP member, you join a community committed to creating impact in the health sector that eagerly shares its collective knowledge, expertise, and influence. 

Stay Connected! Attend free member only networking events with likeminded organisations, advertise your events, programs, job openings and training sessions in our monthly eNewsletter and receive discounts for CheckUP events and forums.

Stay informed! Receive free access for your organisation's staff members to IAHA’s Cultural Responsiveness Training and have the opportunity to receive consultation regarding the development of your organisation’s Reconciliation Action Plan.

Stay Involved! Attend our Queensland Primary Health Care Network (QPHCN) events for free, meet with the CheckUP CEO and receive voting rights at CheckUP Board Director elections.