Health Events for Pilbara Professionals!
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Member Update
May 2025
Hello PHPN Members – Welcome to our May Update!
A big welcome to our newest PHPN members – we’re so glad to have you on board! If you haven’t already, don’t forget to join our private Facebook group. It’s the perfect spot to stay in the loop with local updates, share job opportunities, promote events and connect with our vibrant Pilbara health community.
Stay Connected & Informed
PHPN Events Calendar – Head to our website to check out upcoming education and networking events tailored for health professionals across the Pilbara.
Members-Only Directory – Make the most of your membership by connecting with others by profession or location through our exclusive directory.
Got Something to Share?
Whether it's an event, job vacancy, or a shout-out to a new team member, I'm here to help get the word out. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you'd like to contribute to our next update.
Here’s to another exciting month with our amazing PHPN community!
Alisha
UPCOMING PHPN EVENTS
Wednesday 18 June 2025 | 8.00am-2.30pm | Karratha
Paediatric Event: Introduction to Fussy Eating for Therapists
Presented by: Lauren Pike, Head of Feeding, Occupational Therapist - Western Kids Health
This workshop is designed as an introductory course for feeding therapists (occupational therapists, speech pathologists and dietitans) working with children aged 18 months to 8 years. It will equip participants with foundational knowledge and practical tools to confidently assess and manage fussy eating within their caseloads, while also identifying when to seek support from other professionals.
Participants will learn to take a holistic approach, considering the child’s developmental, sensory and environmental contexts, and gain clarity on the role of a feeding therapist in a multidisciplinary team. The goals of the workshop are to equip therapists to comprehensively support the mealtime routine and feeding therapy intervention, and to screen for challenges in growth/other dietetic concerns, oral motor delay and medical complications resulting in restricted eating.
Cost $50.00
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Early Career Health Summit | Mackerel Islands, Onslow | 26-29 June 2025
Join us for a unique island experience!
ABOUT THE EVENT
- Participants will learn about the management of medical emergencies in a remote environment
- Attendees will develop practical skills such as teamwork, leadership and dealing with stress
- Participants will have the opportunity to network with Pilbara-based colleagues in a beautiful setting
The days will be a mix of educational components and relaxation. Enjoy snorkelling, swimming and fishing whilst learning how to deal with emergency situations, and developing your practical skills and professional abilities. At night, socialise with dinner under the stars with fellow participants. This is an opportunity to have an ‘off the beaten track’ experience which is not to be missed.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Early career health professionals who live and work in the Pilbara and have fewer than five years of clinical experience are invited to attend the event.
REGISTRATION COSTS – $350.00 PER PERSON
– Registration fee (includes education program – facilitation and upskilling)
– Three nights accommodation (twin share rooms in chalet)
– All meals – three breakfasts, two lunches and three dinners
– Snacks during scenario stations
– Return ferry transfers
– Event materials
Please note: Participants will be required to make their own way to Onslow
CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER
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Friday 27 June | 8.00am-2.30pm | Karratha
Paediatric Event: Toe walking - is it truly idiopathic?
Presented by: Alyse Kendall, Lead Physiotherapist – Western Kids Health.
Toe walking is such an unknown field of considerations when it comes to cause and intervention. The literature is mixed, and treatment options are varied. This workshop will help you consider the whole child when it comes to assessments and provide you more certainty as to the approach for intervention. It will provide a basic understanding on the considerations for serial casting and turtle bracing, as well as a practical introduction to these casting methods.
Learning objectives:
- Understanding the anatomy and pathophysiology contributing to toe walking
- Understand the elements and considerations for a holistic assessment of Toe walking
- Know when physiotherapy intervention is needed verse when involving other team members or referring on is necessary
- Considerations for intervention options, escalation of intervention - working up the scale
- Basic introduction to turtle brace v serial casting v carbon fibre footplate interventions, including practical opportunities
Cost $50.00
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Friday 1 August 2025 | 7.15am – 8.15am | Karratha
Join us for an important and insightful session exploring the realities of distress and the vital role mental health and wellbeing play in the lives of health professionals.
Presented by the Regional Men’s Health Initiative, this event will shine a light on the unique pressures faced by those working in healthcare and offer practical strategies for recognising distress in ourselves, our colleagues and our communities. Let’s break the stigma, strengthen our support networks and prioritise mental wellbeing in the workplace and beyond.
All health professionals welcome — your wellbeing matters too!
Not in Karratha to attend in person? NO PROBLEM!
Online attendance is available. The link will be shared with registered participants a few days prior to the event.
LATEST HEALTH NEWS
Yarning about the Social and Emotional Wellbeing of First Nations Women and Gender Diverse People
Wednesday, 21 May 2025 | Online
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Hepatitis C treatment and the role of the GP
Wednesday 28 May 2025 | Online
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Enhancing Staff Safety and Operational Efficiency in Healthcare Settings
Thursday 29 May 2025 | Online
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Free Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training | Onsow and Karratha
The Pilbara Aboriginal Health Alliance, with the support of WA Country Health Service Pilbara is pleased to offer Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) in Onslow and Karratha. This two-day interactive workshop equips participants with essential suicide first-aid skills to help support those in crisis. For more information on ASIST training please see the attached information sheet or go to LivingWorks ASIST - LivingWorks AU
- Onslow – Onslow Beach Resort | Tuesday 3 - Wednesday 4 June 2025
- Karratha – Karratha Leisureplex | Thursday 5 - Friday 6 June 2025
This training is open to everyone 16years and above—no prior experience is required. Participants will learn the skills to apply suicide first aid. Spaces are limited, and registration is essential.
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Building Trust and Engaging Multicultural Communities in Injury Prevention Programs and Services
Thursday 18 June 2025, 10.00am | Webinar
EVENT RECAP
Concussion education events with Dr. Gill Cowen
Our first Breakfast Education Series kicked off in Karratha on 9 April with Understanding, Managing and Preventing Concussion, presented by the knowledgeable Dr Gill Cowen. She shared the latest insights and practical advice on concussion care.
Thank you to all the dedicated health professionals who attended—your commitment to ongoing learning is vital to improving outcomes across the Pilbara.
A special thanks to Jen Maughan from Rural Health West, whose support through the Family Support Program made this event possible.
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Spotlight on Kidney Health in Port Hedland!
Over 20 local doctors and nurses joined an insightful education session on Early Detection and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease on Wednesday 14 May, presented by Fiona Stanley Hospital nephrologist Dr Rebecca Hudson.
The session explored:
- Importance of early detection in those at risk of CKD
- Key components of a kidney health check
- Treatment options to help delay the progression of kidney disease
A huge thank you to Kidney Health for making this important event possible and supporting our regional health workforce!
MEMBER PROFILE
Meet Rebecca Smith, Clinical Nurse Manager at Justice Health and Wellbeing and Corrective Services.
Oh and don't forget about Indi - Bec's very happy furbaby enjoying a dip in the ocean! :)
Let's ask Bec some questions...
What are your professional interests/specialities?
Med/Surg by trade, I’ve worked with all stages of life from neonates in Special Care Nursery right through to the elderly and end-of-life care.
My passion lies in rural health. I’m committed to improving Aboriginal health outcomes and contributing to increasing services in the bush.
Tell us, where are you from and how did you get to be a Clinical Nurse Manager in the Pilbara region?
Beginning my career at Fiona Stanley Hospital, I couldn’t resist the invitation to the Pilbara. It all began with 3-week leave cover in Paediatrics at Hedland Health Campus. As soon as I returned to Perth, I knew this is where I wanted to be and about 3 months later, I was behind the wheel with my 4-legged passengers heading north. I fell into management by helping cover the Nurse Manager’s leave and eventually became the Nurse Manager of Inpatients, where I would happily have stayed if not for meeting someone in Karratha. The Nurse Manager position at the prison came up around the same time he was trying to convince me to move down and the rest is history!
What do you love about the Pilbara?
Everything! The weather, the breathtaking landscapes, the thunderstorms, the sunsets, the fishing, the lifestyle and the friendly people. Even the red dirt!
Did you always want to be a Nurse Manager? Why?
I always had an interest in nursing but didn’t commit to studying until later in life. Before that, I was in Human Resources. I never planned to be in management – I just wanted to help out! And I definitely never thought I’d work in a prison, but I actually love it.
What are your passions?
Workwise, definitely health promotion – education and empowerment are the top two factors in improving health outcomes. Lucky for me, I have a captive audience to work with now! Outside work, I guess I’m passionate about the outdoors! Diving would be my top hobby but I’m also obsessed with my lawn lol!
When you aren’t working, where will we find you?
If I’m not in the garden, I’ll be in the water – diving, snorkeling, fishing, cruising around the islands… or just hanging out with my bluey, Indi. I also can’t say no to live music!
Moving to a new region in WA?
Join your local Health Professionals Network!
Did you know that the Pilbara Health Professionals Network is one of seven networks operating across regional Western Australia? If you're relocating to another region in WA, reach out to your new region's network to build local connections and learn of upcoming education and networking opportunities.
For more information and for links to each region's Health Professionals Network website, visit the Rural Health West website.
The Pilbara Health Professionals Network is brought to you in partnership with the following stakeholder organisations.
You have received this newsletter as a health professional working in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Email addresses used to disseminate this newsletter were obtained through Rural Health West's databases. Unsubscribing from this newsletter will remove you from the distribution list for all Rural Health West publications. To stop receiving this newsletter only, please email contact@phpn.com.au
