Hi there,

Welcome to the September edition of CheckIN.

One of the highlights this past month was the QPHCN event which focused on the theme "Improving access to health services for regional, rural and remote Queensland". We thank everyone who joined us online and in person, and we extend special thanks to our knowledgeable speakers. Read more below.

Additionally, CheckUP teams have engaged in a range of other events this past month, including R U OK? Day, the 18th National Rural Health Conference, the Brisbane Care Expo, and more.

CheckUP continues to offer a range of supportive services and training for healthcare providers. Some of these include Access for All: Disability for Healthcare Providers, Disability Friendly Business Basics micro-credentials, NDIS Business Connect, plus Workforce and Industry Development Solutions. Find more on each of these services below. Our health services are also highlighted on our website.

Tickets for The Health Gateway Forum have sold out! See more below.

Queensland Mental Health Week runs from 3-11 October, with the theme Build Community, Build Wellbeing. There are many ways each of us can foster wellbeing in our lives. Learn more about how you can participate below.

The NDIS Your Way, Our Way project continues to gain momentum, bringing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander NDIS providers together to share experiences, identify priorities and strengthen a collective voice for the sector. Complete the statewide survey to help shape the direction of this important initiative.

Above: Tony de Ambrosis, CheckUP CEO

This newsletter also contains details of important health sector initiatives, news and other events below. Keep reading to learn more about how we can all create positive change through engagement and collaboration.

We look forward to sharing more of our news with you in the coming months.

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

Cheers,

Tony de Ambrosis
Chief Executive Officer
CheckUP

Collaborating to improve rural and regional healthcare access

Thanks to our speakers and event attendees for supporting the QPHCN Improving Access to Healthcare event recently. 

Speakers included Sarah Bohan, General Manager Allied Health at North West Remote Health, Cathie Gillan from Queensland Health, and Nicole Byrne, Eye Health Coordinator at Gidgee Healing, and CheckUP program health leaders.

Their presentations highlighted the role collaboration, communication, and data-driven decision-making has in improving healthcare access and outcomes, enabling people to receive care closer to home.

➡️ View the YouTube event recording HERE. 
➡️ Read the BLOG post here.

Our next QPHCN event will be at the end of the year to align with Disability Action Week.

We believe in Access for All ❤️

This month, CheckUP's General Manager - Engagement and Business Development, David Millichap, and Access for All Program Manager, Amanda Frier, attended the 18^th National Rural Health Conference in Adelaide. They hosted an interactive workshop with practical strategies, insights and ideas to improve healthcare access for people with disability in rural communities.

Keen to learn how Access for All can support your organisation? Let's talk to see how the Access for All online course can make a difference in your workplace.

Disability Awareness course for Health Providers

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)

Improving access to skin cancer preventative services in rural and remote communities

CheckUP's Cancer Prevention team also presented at the 18th National Rural Health Conference in Adelaide, sharing the impact the Skin Cancer Early Detection (SCED) Outreach Program has across rural and remote Queensland! The program is helping more people access skin cancer care closer to home.

Our Cancer Prevention Manager, Mary-Anne Quilter, and Evaluation Lead, and Philippa Hawke, co-presented on the program’s success, highlighting its dual approach to improving access to skin cancer services in rural and remote communities.

The team also announced the Skills in Skin Cancer Upskilling Program, to be delivered by Skin Cancer College Australasia over the next 10 months.

CheckUP's Workforce and Industry Development Solutions on display at the Care Expo

Our Industry Workforce Advisor (IWA) for Community Services, Stuart Coward, joined over 150 exhibitors at the Care Expo Brisbane, where visitors explored a variety of products, services, and supports designed to improve health, wellbeing, independence, and quality of life.

Stuart enjoyed speaking with organisations about CheckUP's Workforce and Industry Development Solutions and the support available to employers across Queensland.

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

Building a strong future for Northern Australia

Members of CheckUP's Industry Workforce team, Vicky Meyer and Carissa McAllister, recently presented at the Reflections from Developing Northern Australia Conference (DNAC) in Mparntwe (Alice Springs).

Their presentation focused on what it takes to build a strong future for Northern Australia.  It highlighted the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of the North — from investment and infrastructure to regional development, industry, housing and community outcomes.

Contact Carissa McAllister, CheckUP's First Nations Industry Workforce Advisor, to learn how we can help you with workforce planning. 

Staff gathered recently to support R U OK? Day

Some of CheckUP's staff gathered recently to mark RUOK? Day with delicious brownies and connected conversation. CheckUP supports employee wellbeing, and staff engage in a range of initiatives to foster a supportive and positive culture.

Health Gateway Forum update

Tickets have sold out for the Health Gateway Forum on 21 October at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre! There will be outstanding healthcare leaders, educators and industry experts at the Forum. If you missed out on tickets, let us know! Our Health Gateway team can contact you to discuss your questions. 

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.

Get a FREE workforce health check with CheckUP's Industry Workforce Advisors

CheckUP’s Industry Workforce Advisors (IWA) work alongside businesses and communities to strengthen workforce planning and create sustainable employment pathways. 
Get a FREE workforce health check today.

Sectors we assist include:

• First Nations healthcare and social assistance
• Health and
• Community Services.

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

Learn what NDIS reforms mean for your business at our next BizConnect online event

Online event: Monday, 28 Sep, 12pm - 1pm AEST
REGISTER

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

The agenda will look at current NDIS reforms; what the changes could mean for your business and your participants. Plus there will be an opportunity to share how you feel about it all.

CheckUP’s NDIS Business Connect delivers a supportive information about the NDIS for new and existing sole traders and small businesses that provide services to people with disability.

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

Wakai Waian Healing open new Caloundra office

Congratulations, Ed Mosby, CEO and Founder of Wakai Waian Healing and Wakai Waian Healing Team, on the opening of the new Caloundra office and clinic on the traditional lands of the Gubbi Gubbi people. Wakai Waian Healing provides culturally safe services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and all Australians, including people in rural and remote locations. They are a CheckUP health service provider.

CheckUP's Senior Manager, Outreach Business - Gayle Stallard, was delighted to attend and mark the new opening with Wakai Waian Healing. 

National Week of Deaf People

20 to 26 September 2026 is National Week of Deaf People.

Get involved with the National Week of Deaf People. It’s a time to recognise the culture, language, and achievements of deaf Australians. Auslan is a vibrant and essential part of the community, and deaf-led advocacy continues to drive meaningful change across Queensland.

The week is led by Deaf Australia and focuses on deaf rights, language, and community pride.

NDIS Registration Readiness Series

Thinking about NDIS registration but not sure where to start?

Assistance Industry Resourcing (AIR) have developed free micro-courses covering the registration process providing a simple, step-by-step introduction to the key requirements every NDIS provider needs to understand. This series covers registration, compliance, risk management, evidence requirements, complaints handling, and the NDIS Practice Standards will help you navigate registration with confidence. This collection includes useful templates, checklists, and guides.

Get your free flu vaccinations until 30 September

Free flu vaccines are still available until 30 September 2026 for Queenslanders aged 6 months and older. Plus, free nasal spray flu vaccines are also available for children aged two to 17 years.

Vaccination provides the best protection, along with practising good hygiene.

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

Annual plan to deliver skills for Queensland

Delivering the Queensland Government's Right Skills Strategy, the Training Priorities Plan 2026–2027 maps how skills investment of more than $1.6 billion will support Queenslanders at every stage of their careers and meet the state's workforce needs. Working with industry, training providers, and communities, the training priorities plan will deliver skills for Queensland and careers for Queenslanders. Discover what’s in the plan.  

Frock up this October to support ovarian cancer research

Frocktober is a month-long fashion-led fundraiser where you can dress up in October to raise funds for vital ovarian cancer research.

In Australia, almost 2,000 women are diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer annually. It is one of the most lethal cancer affecting women, and research into it is critically underfunded.

Raise awareness, honour loved ones and fund the researchers working to change the future of ovarian cancer by participating in Frocktober.

Turn up the volume for kids with hearing loss this October

Loud Shirt Day is on Friday 16th October, so start planning your loudest look!

Wear neon, florals, sequins, retro prints, Hawaiian shirts or that questionable shirt hiding in the back of your wardrobe.

Get loud and register your workplace, school, community group, or family (and pet!) to raise funds and awareness for children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Funds raised help provide life-changing services like speech therapy, audiology, early intervention and family support – giving kids with hearing loss the tools they need to thrive.

Ignite your mind at OneNQ Ignite event in Cairns

Join the Northern Queensland health, wellbeing and community workforce in Cairns on 10 - 11 October 2026 for OneNQ Ignite, a free 1.5 day education and wellbeing event designed to strengthen skills, support and wellbeing.

When: 10-11 October 2026
Where: Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina, Cairns
Cost: Fully funded (valued at $665)
Registration: Register for OneNQ Ignite
Bursary support: Assistance may be available for eligible participants, subject to program guidelines and available funding.

Host an event for Queensland Mental Health Week

Get involved with Queensland Mental Health Week by hosting an event. Community events, schools, workplaces, public or private events, are all welcome.

Get a dedicated page on the QMHW website by registering an event - raise awareness and take part in building a connected community.

This Queensland Mental Health Week Queenslanders are asked to focus on moments of connection that protect our wellbeing, because when we Build Community, we Build Wellbeing.

Attend the 2026 True Symposium in October

The 2026 True Symposium will be held on 16 and 17 October at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. The theme is Advancing sexual and reproductive health!

Whether you're an educator, healthcare professional, social worker, or community practitioner, the symposium offers an invaluable opportunity to learn, connect and grow.

Attend in person in Brisbane, or online from anywhere in Australia.

Open Minds open a Northern Gold Coast Medicare Mental Health Centre

Congratulations to Open Minds, who recently opened the Northern Gold Coast Medicare Mental Health Centre.

The facilities bring local support services together in one accessible location, strengthening partnerships and improving support for the community.

Co-located with other likeminded community services, the Pimpama Health and Lifestyle Hub will become a community hub where people can access coordinated support.

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.