Hi there,

As we move forward through the second half of the year, our teams continue to work alongside members and stakeholders to create healthy, sustainable and inclusive communities.

This past month, CheckUP staff hosted and attended various events, including the Townsville Stakeholder and Member Networking event, the Strategic Workforce Planning Conference, the Mob Pod visit, and more.

Disability Friendly Business Basics workshops have also been running throughout the month, and we have more available to help businesses build more inclusive services. See details below.

This edition of CheckIN also includes information on upcoming events, including SCHADS & Workforce Efficiency on 26 August, and the QPHCN Connect for Mental Health event on 4 September.

For highlights from the recent #GoHealth Careers Expo, view the video below. It shows how students enthusiastically engaged with exhibitors and learnt about the wide range of healthcare careers available to them.

With Queensland Mental Health Week fast approaching (4-12 October), we encourage everyone to register an event and visit the website to download resources and purchase merchandise. 

Further below, you will find important health sector news regarding industry events, Board Director vacancies, workshops, podcasts, awareness initiatives, and more.

We also welcome and highlight our new organisational member, Cancer Council Queensland. We look forward to a bright future working together.

Above: Ann Maree Liddy, CheckUP CEO

Note that free flu vaccinations are still available until 30 September, for all Queenslanders aged six months and over. 

As always, thank you to our partners and members for their ongoing support and collaboration. 

And finally, after 23 years as CEO, I’ve decided the time is right to step down from my role in early 2026. It’s been an honour to lead this organisation, through its evolution from QDGP to GPQ and now CheckUP, alongside so many passionate and committed people. While I’m stepping away from the CEO role, I’m not retiring and look forward to staying involved in ways that continue to support our shared mission. Until then, it’s business as usual, and I remain fully committed to CheckUP and to staying connected with you all.

Best wishes,

Ann Maree Liddy
Chief Executive Officer
CheckUP

Announcement from the CheckUP Board

On behalf of the CheckUP Board, I wish to inform our members that our CEO, Ann Maree Liddy, has announced her resignation and will be stepping down from her role at the end of January 2026.

Ann Maree has led CheckUP with distinction for the past 23 years, playing a pivotal role in strengthening Queensland’s healthcare system, particularly in rural and remote communities. Her leadership has been marked by a deep commitment to equity, collaboration, and innovation, and her legacy will continue to shape our work for years to come.

The CheckUP Board is actively managing a smooth transition to a new CEO, and we want to reassure our members that it is business as usual. Our programs, partnerships, and service delivery continues, and we remain focused on delivering high-quality outcomes for our communities, members and stakeholders.

We will keep you updated as the transition progresses and thank you for your continued support.

Ms Merrilyn Strohfeldt
Chair

Highlights from our Townsville Member and Stakeholder Networking Event

We extend our sincere appreciation to CheckUP's North Queensland Members, partners, and supporters who attended CheckUP’s recent networking event in Townsville.

We appreciate your presence, enthusiasm, and commitment to collaboration in North Queensland. It was a joy to meet, share ideas, and enjoy the sunset over the Bay.

Strategic Workforce Planning Conference

CheckUP's Health Industry Workforce Advisor, Alina Khalid, and First Nations Industry Workforce Advisor, Carissa McAllister, had the incredible opportunity to attend the Strategic Workforce Planning Conference in Sydney — a powerhouse gathering of thought leaders, innovators, and global experts shaping the future of workforce development.

Armed with new knowledge, inspiration, and global best practices, Alina and Carissa are excited to bring these insights home to Queensland and into their ongoing work with Queensland’s Health and Community Services sectors. Their goal? To help employers align their strategic business plans with smart, future-focused workforce strategies that grow, nurture, and retain a critical, resilient workforce.

Want to know how strategic workforce planning can support your organisation’s goals? Connect with Alina or Carissa today to start the conversation of your workforce journey.

#GoHealth Careers Expo - Brisbane event recap video

CheckUP recently created a video that captures the energy and excitement of the recent #GoHealth Careers Expo held in Brisbane. Students from across Queensland engaged with healthcare professionals, explored interactive exhibits, and discovered the various pathways into the health sector.

Funded by the Queensland Government and coordinated by CheckUP’s Health Gateway to Industry Schools Program in collaboration with Queensland Health and other health organisations, the expo offered hands-on experiences, live demonstrations, and valuable insights into careers in acute care, allied health, wellness, and social services.

Fair and Accessible Healthcare webinar 

Recently, CheckUP’s Access for All Manager Mandy Frier presented at the Fair and Accessible Healthcare webinar, hosted by Physical Disability Australia.

Mandy discussed the free Access for All online disability awareness training and how it is helping health professionals provide more accessible and appropriate healthcare to people with disability.

Watch Mandy in action as she shares valuable insights, Mandy’s presentation runs from 32:40 to 43:14 in the video below.

Connect for Mental Health at our next QPHCN event

Register for the next Queensland Primary Health Care Network (QPHCN) event on 4 September.

The theme is Connect for Mental Health and aligns with October's Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW). Proudly sponsored by Carole Cooper Consulting, the event has an array of knowledgeable speakers, including Queensland Mental Health Commissioner Ivan Frkovic. 

We look forward to seeing you there for another session of insightful discussion around mental health awareness and reducing stigma that sometimes prevents people from seeking  support early.

Disability Friendly Business Basics workshop

CheckUP recently hosted a Disability Friendly Business Basics workshop in Townsville. The workshop brought together organisations dedicated to enhancing their understanding of accessible business practices. It was a privilege to engage with businesses that share a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

Is your business equipped to support people with disability? Implementing accessible practices not only fosters a more inclusive environment - it also presents a valuable opportunity to improve customer reach and boost profitability.

Register for one of two upcoming Disability Friendly Business Basics workshops in Hervey Bay and Maryborough on Tuesday, 26th August.

Mob Pod mobile health van visits Brisbane CheckUP office 

The Manngoor Dja Aboriginal Health Services Mob Pod van, featuring stunning artwork by Lyndon Davis, visited CheckUP in Brisbane as part of a three-day road trip to showcase the mobile clinic to potential partners.

Mark Sidaway (Mob Pod Outreach Officer) delivered a guided tour, showcasing the van’s impressive features that enable delivery of culturally appropriate healthcare to mob in rural and remote communities. He was joined by Clare Villalba (Research Support) and Paul Penumala (Project Manager), who shared more about the service’s mission and the impact of this new model of care.

The Mob Pod visits communities including Tin Can Bay, Pomona, Curra, Glenwood, Cooroy, Rainbow Beach, and more – helping reduce preventable hospitalisations and improve health outcomes.

Thanks to IMOC grant funding under the Health Workforce and Rural Access Program (Commonwealth Government), Mob Pod brings care to where it’s needed most.

Managing Engagement and Rostering for Workforce Efficiency Webinar

Join CheckUP and Effective HR for a comprehensive introduction to the SCHADS Award, designed to equip employers, managers, and HR professionals with a clear understanding of their key compliance obligations.

This FREE webinar is on optimising workforce engagement and rostering in line with Fair Work requirements. It is designed for HR professionals, managers, and business owners seeking to improve compliance, reduce risk, and enhance operational efficiency through smarter engagement practices and roster design.

Date: Thursday, 26 August 2025
Time: 12.00 – 1.00 pm

Get involved with Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW)

Queensland Mental Health Week is fast approaching and will run from 4 to 12 October 2025. Get involved to promote mental health and wellbeing within your community.

Visit the QMHW website to register an event, download resources, purchase merchandise, and more.

Let's work together to raise awareness and create stronger, more connected communities.

National Disability Summit

CheckUP will be a proud exhibitor at the 16th National Disability Summit from 18 - 19 September. CheckUP's Access for All Manager, Amanda Frier, will be exhibiting, so pop by the CheckUP stand to learn about Access for All.

The National Disability Summit is for disability service providers, community care organisations, and industry leaders looking to navigate the latest developments in disability care and support.

The 2025 program includes in-depth discussions on the NDIS, funding models, workforce challenges, service innovation, and policy changes, with practical insights to help providers improve service delivery and outcomes for people with disability.

R U OK? Day

R U OK? Day is recognised on Thursday 11 September. 

R U OK? is a national suicide prevention charity and registered public health promotion that encourages people to stay connected and have conversations that can help others through difficult times.

You don't need to be an expert to reach out - just a good friend and a great listener. Use these four steps and have a conversation that could change a life:

1. Ask R U OK?
2. Listen
3. Encourage action
4. Check in

Care Expo Brisbane

The Brisbane Care Expo is being held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from 12 - 13 September.  This is a great event for anyone wanting to learn about the latest innovations in aged care, in-home support, disability services, mental health care, and wellness—all in one convenient location.

CheckUP's Access for All Manager, Amanda Frier, will be attending the event and will be available to answer any questions about Access for All. Access for All is an online course that aims to improve disability awareness among health providers. 

Have your say on reforms to the Disability Discrimination Act

Earlier this month, the Australian Government released an Issues Paper to guide reforms to the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, with consultations open now until 24 October 2025.

The Government invites people with disability, carers, families and kin, advocates, service providers, employers, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, health services, councils, PHNs, small businesses and the wider community to participate and share their views.

This is a great opportunity to ensure the Act better reflects realities in rural areas - including barriers to healthcare access, transport, digital connectivity, education and employment, and the need for culturally safe services delivered with and by local communities. 

Child Protection Week 2025

Queensland Child Protection Week 2025 will be held from 7-13 September 2025.

It’s a time to raise awareness about child safety, celebrate the work of those who support children and families, and reflect on how we can all contribute to keeping kids safe.

Let’s work together to create safer, stronger communities for every child.

Free flu vaccine in 2025

Free Flu Vaccinations are still available for all Queenslanders over six months of age, until 30 September 2025.

Additionally, free influenza vaccination stakeholder kits have been developed by the Queensland Health Strategic Communications Branch and distributed to stakeholders. Download one here!

Board Director vacancies: Expressions of Interest (EOIs)

North Queensland Primary Healthcare Network Limited (NQPHN) is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from suitably qualified applicants to fill two (2) upcoming vacancies on the NQPHN Board. Note that applications close on 12 September.

Applicants require the qualifications, knowledge, experience, and attributes that will contribute to the organisation achieving its vision of a healthy future for all northern Queenslanders. 

NQPHN is an independent, not-for-profit organisation, funded to commission services to meet the health needs and priorities of the northern Queensland region (from St Lawrence in the south coast, up to the Torres Strait in the north, and west to Croydon and Kowanyama).

The Committee applies the Board Skills Matrix to assist with the process of assessing EOI applications to complement continuing directors, prior to making recommendations to the NQPHN Members.

Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed, and the recommended applicants will be considered for appointment at the Annual General Meeting of NQPHN Members on 27 November 2025.

Emergency Paediatrics Workshop - Brisbane

Health Workforce Queensland is running an Emergency Paediatrics Workshop in Brisbane on 8–9 November 2025. Designed specifically for rural GPs, it offers hands-on training to help GPs manage the emergencies they are likely to face in isolated practice.

Attendees will learn how to recognise deterioration early, make rapid, structured decisions, and apply life-saving interventions including PBLS, neonatal resus, airway management, intraosseous access, and SVT management.

Listen to GPs in a Pod's latest episode 

Episode 40 of GPs in a Pod is now live. In this episode, Dr Tanusha speaks with Cubiko CEO Chris Smeed about the Chronic Condition Management changes that came into effect from 1 July 2025.

Tune into the podcast hosted by Darling Downs & West Moreton PHN for insightful, clinical information relevant for today's GP.

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day

August 4th was National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day, a national day dedicated to celebrating our children.

It’s a day for all Australians to show their support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and learn about the impact that culture, family and community play in the life of every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child. Our vision is for our children to thrive, be strong in culture and connected to kin and community—our children should be proud to come from the oldest living culture in the world.

Indigenous Wellbeing Conference - October 2025

The 2025 Indigenous Wellbeing Conference (IWC25) will be held in Meanjin (Brisbane) from 20-21 October. The theme for this year is Walking Together, Flourishing Together: Pathways to Indigenous Wellbeing.

The conference brings together First Nations Australian, Māori, and Pasifika voices to explore the power of cultural knowledge, resilience, and community-led approaches to wellbeing.

Whether you're a practitioner, researcher, educator, community leader, or someone with lived experience, IWC25 is your space to connect, learn, and grow.

Early bird registrations end on Thursday 28 August.