Hi all,

I hope this email finds you well and filled with excitement for the opportunities that lie ahead.

I am thrilled to announce the opening of registrations for two of our major events for the year. Registrations are now open for the much-anticipated 2023 CheckUP Outreach Forum and our 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner. Furthermore, we are actively seeking expressions of interest for presentations at the CheckUP Outreach Forum around the topic of 'Innovative models of care'. This is your chance to share your expertise, insights and experiences with an engaged audience eager to learn and collaborate. Together, let's shape the future of healthcare and inspire positive change. More information on these events can be found in the articles below.

I would also like to express my deepest appreciation to the speakers who joined us at our Queensland Primary Health Care Network event during National Reconciliation Week. Your contributions have significantly enriched our collective journey towards reconciliation and we are grateful for your time and insights.

Lastly, I am thrilled to share the resounding success of our recent Grow Your Own Sunshine Coast Small Business Health Breakfast. Held in partnership with the Department of Youth Justice, Employment, Small Business and Training (DYJESBT), this event brought together passionate entrepreneurs, industry experts, and aspiring business owners. The engagement and enthusiasm displayed by the attendees were 

truly remarkable, and the networking opportunities that followed the breakfast have sparked promising collaborations. We are committed to hosting more events throughout the year that facilitate meaningful connections between small businesses, schools, Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), and other industry partners. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming events and join us in empowering health businesses to thrive and succeed.

Thank you for your continued support of our vision! I look forward to seeing you at the CheckUP Outreach Forum and Gala Dinner.

Best wishes,

Ann Maree Liddy
Chief Executive Officer
CheckUP

Access for All display at AMAQ Junior Doctor Conference

Earlier this month, CheckUP staff Mandy Frier and Conor Blackley hosted a trade display at the AMA Queensland Junior Doctor Conference 2023. They spoke to attendees about the importance of disability awareness and how Access for All could benefit them in their health careers. Many attendees expressed interest in the Access for All: Disability Awareness for Mainstream Health Providers course and accompanying app.

Thank you to AMA Queensland for organising a fantastic conference and giving us the opportunity to be a part of it.

Busy month for the Health Gateway Program team

Welcome to our new Health Gateway schools: San Sisto, Grace Lutheran - Rothwell, Kingston State College, and Kings Christian College. We look forward to working together to empower the next generation of healthcare professionals.

June was filled with notable events. We would like to express our gratitude to St Vincent's Private Hospital for graciously hosting the first tour of their facilities at Kangaroo Point for two of our Health Gateway Schools. The visit was an invaluable opportunity for students from Lourdes Hill College and St Rita's College to explore the hospital's state-of-the-art facilities, gain insights from healthcare professionals, and ignite their passion for a career in healthcare. 

Our team has been actively engaging with students through numerous Career Expos held at our Health Gateway schools. These expos provided a unique opportunity to showcase the diverse range of careers within the healthcare sector and connect with individuals who are passionate about making a difference in people's lives. 

VOTE for the People's Choice Award in CheckUP's photo competition

Voting is open for the 2023 Annual Photo Competition's People’s Choice Award.⁠ "Like" your favourite photo in our Competition Facebook album to cast your vote. ⁠ ⁠

The winner will receive a $100 Visa gift card and have their photo published in our upcoming Impact magazine.⁠ 

Voting will close on Monday 10 July 2023. ⁠

QPHCN reconciliation event

Thanks to all attendees and speakers for making June's QPHCN reconciliation event a success.

Enlightening insights were shared by the speakers at the event, which emphasised the importance of all Australians being a voice for reconciliation. Their stories and experiences have left a lasting impact on attendees, encouraging us to reflect on our role in advancing reconciliation efforts. As our event MC Kieran Chilcott said, "let's be accomplices in driving positive change".

Thanks to Aaron Ruska from Nunukul Yuggera Aboriginal Dance Company for his incredible didgeridoo performance. We also extend our sincere appreciation to HESTA for their ongoing support as the QPHCN event series sponsor. 

Record number of QMHW grant applications received for 2023

This year Queensland Mental Health Week saw a record number of Community Event Grant Program applications - a total of 272! Thanks to everyone who applied. The applications are now in the assessment phase, with outcomes to be announced in July.

We would also like to take this opportunity to invite organisations to partner with us. Through sponsorship, your organisation can help us increase mental health awareness, bolster belonging and provide opportunities for connection in Queensland communities. 

View the 2023 QMHW Sponsorship Prospectus to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection initiative

Earlier in June, members of CheckUP's Outreach and Evaluation teams attended a workshop to provide input into the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for the Queensland Government's Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection (SCED) initiative. CheckUP is responsible for delivering the early detection outreach service component of the program, coordinating visits by GPs into five priority Hospital and Health Service regions over the next three years. 

The workshop, conducted by the University of Queensland, included participants such as consumers, clinicians, the Cancer Council, and representatives from Queensland Health's Prevention Strategy and Strategic Communications Branches. 

Grow Your Own Sunshine Coast Small Business Breakfast 

A highlight from the past month was the highly successful Grow Your Own Sunshine Coast Small Business Breakfast. This event, organised in partnership with CheckUP and the Department of Youth Justice, Small Business, Employment, and Training, brought together local small business owners, Sunshine Coast Council, Sunshine Coast University, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, TAFE, Registered Training Organisations, Health Gateway schools and other high schools on the Sunshine Coast. It served as a platform to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing, creating an environment where small business owners share their experiences and expand their networks. We are proud to have contributed to this event and facilitated connections between the health industry and the business community.

Stay sun-safe this winter and beyond

Queensland has the highest rate of melanoma in the world, with one Australian diagnosed with melanoma every 30 minutes. Skin damage can occur after 10 minutes in the Queensland sun and sadly melanoma is the most diagnosed cancer in young people.

Queensland Health's sun safety winter campaign 2022-2023 aims to encourage Queenslanders to practice sun-safe behaviours year-round. Prevention remains the best option to tackle this issue. Don't let your guard down this winter.

Care for yourself this flu season

Here are 5 simple ways to stay healthy and protect yourself and others from catching the flu, colds and COVID-19:
1. Get vaccinated for flu and COVID-19. 
2. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water. Remember to carry a small hand sanitiser.
3. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your arm. Throw used tissues in the bin and wash your hands afterwards. 
4. Stay home when you're sick! Rest if you are feeling unwell and avoid contact with others.
5. Visit your GP or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) if you're concerned.

Complete the survey: National Study of Electronic Medical Record Usability

A five-minute survey titled National Study of Electronic Medical Record Usability - Australian Clinicians 2023 is available for Australian Clinicians to complete.

Led by the University of Tasmania, the research project is collecting the Australian clinical community's impressions, experience and usability of electronic medical record systems. Research findings will be used to inform the design of future health information systems, measure improvements in usability over time, and better understand the usability concerns of electronic medical record systems. 

The health effects of vaping

Vaping has become increasingly popular. Many people believe that vaping is less damaging for you than traditional cigarette smoking. With a rise in vaping by Australians, particularly among young people, it’s important to understand the long-term health risks. To learn more and get support to help quit visit Queensland Health or the Lung Foundation.

Become a CheckUP Organisational Member for 2023-24 financial year

Our membership program strengthens our role as a connector of people and organisations. We understand the issues, opportunities, and challenges involved in the successful delivery of primary healthcare initiatives. With that knowledge, we bring together a network of organisations committed to creating healthier communities.

Your organisation can now sign up to become a Organisational Member for the 2023-2024 financial year. This year, we are offering additional benefits, with staff from our Member Organisations eligible for special discounts to our Outreach Forum and 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner.

If you would like to engage in a discussion regarding your organisation's priorities for the upcoming financial year and explore possibilities for enhanced collaboration, please get in touch.

For any changes to your membership details, please contact our Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Mary Graham, at mgraham@checkup.org.au. 

APGAL Group Farewells Dr Stephen Clark and welcomes Dr Tina Janamian as CEO

Last month, CheckUP CEO Ann Maree Liddy attended an event hosted by APGAL Group. CheckUP and APGAL Group have a longstanding relationship, with APGAL Group being a foundation member of CheckUP's membership program. The event celebrated the retirement of Dr. Stephen Clark, the long-serving CEO of APGAL, and welcomed the new CEO, Adj. Associate Professor Tina Janamian. The CheckUP team congratulates both Dr. Janamian and Dr. Clark on their achievements.

North and West Remote Health receives Queensland Reconciliation Award

Congratulations to CheckUP Member North and West Remote Health on being announced as Highly Commended at the 2023 Queensland Reconciliation Awards! These awards recognise initiatives undertaken by businesses, community organisations and groups, educational institutions and government going above and beyond their core business to foster reconciliation and pave the way for a better future for our state. Well done to the NWRH team!

True Relationships & Reproductive Health - Pride Month

June is Pride Month - a time to support the LGBTIQ+ community and celebrate love, acceptance, and equality throughout the month. It's important to acknowledge how Pride Month came about and why, even decades later, the fight for equality, acceptance, and inclusivity remains crucial. If you would like to gain a deeper understanding of key concepts and terminology related to gender, sexuality, and diversity, CheckUP Member True Relationships & Reproductive Health has developed a library of resources. You can access these resources here.