The 17th National Rural Health Conference held in Perth brought together leaders and professionals across many rural health disciplines. Our Flinders Rural and Remote Health (RRH) team contributed to the NRH conference which was packed with inspiring keynotes and over 200 sessions, showcasing the latest innovations in rural workforce, education, mental health, telehealth, and more. Key speakers included Yemi Penn, Timmy Duggan, Dr. Sonia Henry, and April Kyle, sharing transformative insights on leadership, Indigenous health, and rural care. The event fostered valuable connections and conversations, with dynamic plenary sessions, an engaging exhibition hall, and an exciting Arts & Health stream! 

Assoc Prof Emma Kennedy presented the latest data on the Northern Territory Medical Program (NTMP) graduate outcomes – the first 10 years. The success includes 60% of graduates in the NT workforce post return of service obligation and a strong link between training local NT applicants and retention. In addition, the priority to admit and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students has led to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates numbering 10% of all graduates. This success is related to an important strategic focus on ensuring close to population parity in employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within the Flinders RRH NT team as well as attention to a broad range of student-focused supports, linked with Flinders University Yunkurrinthi

Pene Curtis Campus Administrator for Tennant Creek presented an overview of the ‘Very Remote Health Experience’ program based in Tennant Creek. The program is a week-long intensive where first-year nursing student’s immerse themselves in a new culture and new community. The aim of the program is to address workforce shortages in rural and remote areas by increasing exposure to students in a remote health context.