Hi there,

Welcome to the August edition of CheckIN.

It's been another busy month across CheckUP, with our team involved in a range of activities supporting communities, strengthening partnerships and contributing to important conversations about health and wellbeing across Queensland.

One of the highlights this month was sponsoring and exhibiting at the OMOZ Conference, which focused on improving ear and hearing health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people. Team members also attended several other events across the state, including the Northern Queensland PHN networking event, providing valuable opportunities to connect with partners and stakeholders.

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. I encourage you to take a few minutes to provide your feedback and help shape the future direction of this important initiative.

I'm also pleased to announce that Mahalia Mabo has been selected as the artist to develop the project's visual identity.

Above: Tony de Ambrosis, CheckUP CEO

We look forward to sharing more of this work with you in the coming months.

Looking ahead, I invite you to join us at our next QPHCN event on 27 August, where we'll be discussing improving access to health services for regional, rural and remote Queensland. It promises to be a valuable discussion and I hope you can join us.

Thank you for your continued support of CheckUP, our members and our work. I hope you enjoy this edition of CheckIN.

Cheers,

Tony de Ambrosis
Chief Executive Officer
CheckUP

🔆 Congratulations and welcome to Angela Young, CheckUP's newly appointed Board Director 🎉

CheckUP is thrilled to warmly welcome Angela to the Board to help inform the future direction of CheckUP.

Angela is a proud Kullalli/Koa woman with a distinguished career spanning government, health and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advocacy. She began as a government lawyer and went on to hold senior roles including General Manager, Policy and Research at the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC), and Executive Director, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement at Children's Health Queensland, where she established its Health Equity program and led a landmark workforce strategy.

Angela also led the Health Equity Legislative Reform campaign for Queensland's Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Sector, and in 2025 was awarded the Queensland Health Award for Excellence in Policy for developing the state's ten-year First Nations health strategy. She is currently a Director at Create Health Advisory.

🎉 Congratulations, Angela!

Attend our rural health services QPHCN event on 27 August

Register for our next QPHCN event on Thursday, 27 August, to hear valuable insights on the theme "Improving access to health services for regional, rural and remote Queensland". 

Access to quality healthcare shouldn’t mean a long drive or extended time away from home, daily life, friends and family.

This QPHCN event will explore how we can improve access to health services for regional, rural and remote Queenslanders. 

CheckUP's Brisbane office hosted a Cancer Council Biggest Morning Tea

Last month, staff from CheckUP's Brisbane office took part in Australia's Biggest Morning tea to raise awareness and funds for cancer.

Staff connected to enjoy a delicious spread and raised over $350.

OMOZ Conference Spotlight

We thank the powerful speakers at the OMOZ Conference recently held in Brisbane. The speakers shared invaluable knowledge and perspectives on improving ear and hearing health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in Queensland. 

Thank you, OMOZ, for the opportunity to be part of this event. CheckUP was proud to sponsor and exhibit at the event alongside many organisations and individual health service providers committed to the ear health of young Queenslanders.

Together, we can continue working towards better ear and hearing health outcomes for future generations.

CheckUP staff attended the annual Northern Queensland PHN networking event

Recently, CheckUP's General Manager - Engagement and Business Development, David Millichap, and Access for All Program Manager, Amanda Frier, attended the annual Northern Queensland PHN networking event.

It was a great afternoon to meet, connect, and network with professionals who are passionate about making a difference in our communities.

🎉 Thank you, NQPHN, for hosting a fantastic event.

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)

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.

Register to attend the 2026 Health Gateway Forum

Register for the upcoming Health Gateway Forum on 21 October at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. Our program is now finalised and can be viewed here.

Featuring an outstanding range of healthcare leaders, educators and industry experts, the Forum will provide valuable insights into health career pathways, workforce trends, education partnerships and innovative approaches to developing Queensland's future health workforce. Register today and be part of the conversation driving future health careers.

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.

Looking beyond the sector: why diverse experience strengthens workforce capability

🚫 Myth: The best person for the job has always worked in health.

✅ Reality: Some of the strongest workforce leaders come from education, local government, community development, mining and small business.

What matters most?
✔ Shared values
✔ Leadership capability
✔ Cultural responsiveness
✔ A commitment to community

Technical skills can be developed.
The right mindset, relationships and leadership create lasting impact.

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

Marketing on a Shoestring – Register for the August NDIS BizConnect online event

Register for CheckUP's next NDIS BizConnect online event to learn practical and affordable ways to market your services.
👉 31 August  |  12 - 1pm

Renee Watson from Many Rivers, a not-for-profit organisation that helps people start, grow, and thrive in business will lead the webinar.

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. 

Women's Health Week

Jean Hailes Women's Health Week runs from 1 - 5 September. This year’s theme, do it anyway, encourages women to take small steps towards their health.

Small, simple steps count, like taking time to read a book, eat a good breakfast or finally book that health check.

The week will explore different health topics each day, and provide practical information, expert advice and real stories designed to help women care for their health in realistic and achievable ways.

You can even register an event. Whether it's a morning tea, a walk with friends, booking a check-up or sharing a post online – there are many ways to get involved this September.

Book your free flu vaccination

Free flu vaccines are 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!

Funding opportunity for health sector innovation

Researchers and industry partners are encouraged to apply for the upcoming TAFE Centre of Excellence Applied Research Grants program, with this round spotlighting allied health, mental health and nursing. The program aims to boost workforce capability and address critical skills needs by supporting innovative training solutions across the health and community services sectors.

Applications close on 7 September 2026

Queensland Disability Conference 2026 – ‘Access All Areas: The Road Ahead’

Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN), in partnership with the Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety, is hosting the Queensland Disability Conference 2026, Brisbane.

Date: Friday, 11 September 2026.
Time: 9:30am - 4:30pm.
Where: Online – Via Zoom..

R U OK? Day is almost here

Thursday, 10 September 2026 is R U OK? Day. 

R U Ok? Day reminds us about the importance of checking in and supporting people, every day.

Research* shows that a third of people don’t realise the difference they can make by checking in with someone.

To get involved this R U OK? Day, check in with someone, wear a splash of yellow, register an event or access resources online.

*Research source: Verian (2026) R U OK? Impact Tracker. Australia

Support Cancer Council's Daffodil Day this August

For 40 years the Cancer Council initiative has helped grow hope in the community as we’ve come together to improve outcomes for people with cancer. 

Donate or make a splash with the Daffodil Day Dip this August.

Fundraise at home, at your workplace, or in your community to give hope this Daffodil Day.

Welcome to Queensland Alliance for Mental Health’s new Chief Executive Officer

CheckUP congratulates Dr Rosemaria (Rosa) Flaherty on her appointment as the new Chief Executive Officer for Queensland Alliance for Mental Health (QAMH).

Rosa brings extensive leadership experience across the health, social services and child protection sectors, with deep expertise in government engagement, policy reform and organisational transformation. She is also a registered Senior Psychologist with a PhD in Psychology, and postgraduate qualifications in business administration and counselling psychology.

We look forward to meeting Rosa and strenthening our partnership with QAMH.

Psychological Therapies EOI

Darling Downs & West Moreton PHN in partnership with CheckUP, invites Expressions of Interest (EOI) to deliver psychological therapies services in the Western Downs region (with a key focus on Chinchilla, Miles and Tara). This opportunity is for the period of October 2026 to 30 June 2027.

This EOI is open to suitably qualified and experienced practitioner-led providers where the clinician/s holds primary clinical responsibility for service delivery.

Support the Royal Flying Doctor Service at the Hangar Ball

The annual Charleville Hangar Ball is on 31 October 2026. It brings together the Flying Doctor staff and the Charleville and surrounding communities to celebrate, connect and acknowledge the vital role RFDS plays in providing services for rural and remote Queenslanders.

Queenslanders are also being asked to have their say in a survey about the services RFDS provide.

Whether you have used a RFDS service or not your feedback will help RFDS understand what's working well, where they can improve, and how they can continue to meet community needs.

Brisbane Emergency Cardiology Workshop - register now!

What cardiac cases do you feel least confident managing right now?

Register for the Health Workforce Queensland Emergency Cardiology Workshop in Brisbane on 12–13 September. You will learn to practise first and build confidence in managing acute cardiac presentations.

Two days of hands-on learning, simulation training and small group sessions are designed to help you get the most out of every scenario.

Attend the Queensland Mental Health Awards - tickets on sale!

The 30th Annual Queensland Mental Health Awards, hosted by Open Minds, will be held on Friday 9 October. The awards recognise individuals and organisations making a meaningful impact on mental health across Queensland. There are 12 categories honouring leadership, innovation and community impact.

Tickets are now available!

Celebrate our amazing finalists and enjoy an inspiring morning with community champions.

Take the OneNQ survey to help improve the North Queensland healthcare workforce 

North Queensland healthcare workers are invited to provide feedback on various workforce needs in the region. Help build the right education, connection, wellbeing, support and opportunities by completing the OneNQ survey.

Shape healthcare and build a healthy workforce.

Indigenous Literacy Day

2 September is Indigenous Literacy Day.

CheckUP proudly recognises and supports Indigenous Literacy Day, which highlights the power of story, language and culture.

Access to culturally relevant books and resources for remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is very important and part of creating meaningful change.

Anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

13 September marks the anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples which was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 13 September 2007.

The Declaration is a global framework that protects the dignity, rights and wellbeing of Indigenous peoples. CheckUP reaffirms our commitment to these principles in all we do.

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.