Medical Officer Opportunities Contents

Location Information 1 Clinical service profile 3 Structure 4 Facility information 8 Remuneration packages 16 Testimonials 18 Location information 20 Local attractions 31

Published with the assistance of

https://www.health.qld.gov.au/rrcsu

ii South West Hospital and Health Service - October 2019 | Medical Officer Opportunities Location information

Medical Workforce Unit South West Hospital and Health Service PO Box 1006, Roma Qld 4455 T: 07 4505 1559 E:[email protected]

South West Hospital and Health Service - October 2019 | Medical Officer Opportunities 1 Welcome

The South West Hospital and Health Service invites you to apply your knowledge, skills and experience to assist me as the Executive director of Medical Services in developing and delivering the health services our dynamic communities deserve in the South West Hospital and Health Service (SWHHS). I can guarantee you an interesting, challenging and satisfying career that few doctors will have the pleasure of experiencing. This is truly meaningful service which will make an enormous difference to the health and wellbeing of all our communities.

We have the privilege of having a large proportion of the country’s First People in our health service who have welcomed us to their country and many of whom work in our organisation. We value the opportunity we have to work with them and the opportunity to gain insight into their rich culture and to assist them by delivering the healthcare they want and deserve. Our community is one of many cultures that depends on and values the highly professional services our staff provide them. You will be welcomed as part of these thriving and richly diverse communities in our area, become involved with them and have the opportunity to influence their health. You will also be supported in our communities by our well known and acclaimed Flying Surgical (FSS) and Flying Obstetric Services & Gynaecological Services (FOGS) that provide their services across our HHS and to a number of other HHS’.

'Shoulder to shoulder' you, together with us, will bring your talent and commitment to assist our communities achieve health and healthy lifestyles in a safe and sustainable way. The reputation of the SWHHS is one of strongly supporting its staff and developing them to be the best they can be. You will learn to understand and cherish the uniqueness of rural health service delivery. Our communities are resilient but exposed to the challenges and diseases that are unique to being rural and remote. With your talents we will ensure that you, through the appropriate teaching, training and support, will be well up to meeting these challenges and making a difference to their lives. We can guarantee you rich and unique experiences that will stimulate your career and satisfaction in the job we know you will do well. We believe in the importance of developing our doctors, supporting them strongly and ensuring that they remain current and effective.

If you want a fulfilling and satisfying career we can provide the opportunity and experience in a supportive organisation that you need to achieve this. The SWHHS has a longstanding reputation for this and will continue to strive to be the organisation of choice for rural and remote doctors. We are a strong multidisciplinary medical team and we would love you to join us with your talent and commitment to rural health in this exciting and rewarding service.

2 South West Hospital and Health Service - October 2019 | Medical Officer Opportunities Clinical service profile

The South West Hospital and Health Service includes four hospitals at Charleville, Cunnamulla, Roma and St George, which provide emergency and general medical and nursing services, outpatients and surgical services. Roma, St George and Charleville Hospitals also offer birthing services.

Seven multi-purpose health services provide emergency care, community health services and long-term flexible care to local communities. Multi-purpose health services are located at Augathella, Dirranbandi, Injune, Mitchell, Mungindi, Quilpie and Surat.

The communities of Bollon, Morven, Thargomindah and Wallumbilla are serviced by Community Health Care Clinics which provide nurse-led health services.

In addition to medical and nursing services, the larger facilities provide public health services in maternity, pharmacy, radiography, pathology, physiotherapy, social work, occupational therapy, podiatry, speech therapy, oral health, mental health, child and family health, alcohol tobacco and other drugs, indigenous health, women’s health and community health.

Outreach services are provided to the smaller centres on a regular basis through visiting clinics which are integrated into the facility service model.

High and low-level residential aged care nursing beds are provided at the two aged care facilities - Waroona located in Charleville and Westhaven in Roma.

The Community and Allied Health team travel across the region delivering a suite of services including, alcohol and drug services, cardiac nurses, child development, continence advisory, dental, diabetes education, dietetics, mental health, podiatry, occupational therapy, optometry, physiotherapy, social work and speech pathology.

A Flying Specialist Service consisting of a Surgeon, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and an Anaesthetist are based at Roma Hospital and service all facilities within the South West Hospital and Health Service as well as other centres in the southern half of the state of Queensland.

Continue reading to discover how you can take advantage of the opportunities available in the South West.

South West Hospital and Health Service - October 2019 | Medical Officer Opportunities 3 Structure (mixture of full time and part time Medical Officers)

Roma based • 1 x Executive Director Medical Services

Roma Health Service Precinct • 1 x Director of Medical Services

Roma Hospital • 8 x Trainees/Rural Generalists/General Practitioners - advanced skills considered: »» General Practice - Obstetrics and Gynaecology »» General Practice - Anaesthetics »» General Practice - Surgery • 1 x Principal House Officers (Rotational) • 1 x Intern (Rotational)

Flying Specialist Service (Roma Based) • 1 x Clinical Director • 1 x Staff Specialist – Obstetrics and Gynaecology • 1 x Staff Specialist – Anaesthetics • 1 x Staff Specialist – General Surgery

4 South West Hospital and Health Service - October 2019 | Medical Officer Opportunities Mitchell Multi-Purpose Health Service • 1 x Medical Superintendent with Private Practice - advanced skills considered: • 1 x Trainee/Rural Generalist/General Practitioner »» General Practice – Mental Health »» General Practice – Emergency Medicine »» General Practice – Internal Medicine »» General Practice – Paediatrics »» General Practice – Indigenous Health

Surat Multi-Purpose Health Service • 1 x Trainee/Rural Generalist/General Practitioner - advanced skills considered: »» General Practice – Mental Health »» General Practice – Emergency Medicine »» General Practice – Internal Medicine »» General Practice – Paediatrics »» General Practice – Indigenous Health

Injune Multi-Purpose Health Service • 1 x Medical Superintendent with Private Practice

South West Hospital and Health Service - October 2019 | Medical Officer Opportunities 5 Charleville Health Service Precinct • 1 x Director of Medical Services

Charleville Hospital • 4 x Trainees/Rural Generalists/General Practitioners - advanced skills considered: »» General Practice – Obstetrics and Gynaecology »» General Practice – Anaesthetics • 2 x Principal House Officers (Rotational) • 1 x Intern (Rotational)

Cunnamulla Hospital • 2 x Trainees/Rural Generalists/General Practitioners - advanced skills considered: »» General Practice – Mental Health »» General Practice – Emergency Medicine »» General Practice – Internal Medicine »» General Practice – Paediatrics »» General Practice – Indigenous Health

Augathella Multi-Purpose Health Service • 1 x Medical Superintendent with Private Practice

Quilpie Multi-Purpose Health Service • 1 x Medical Superintendent with Private Practice

6 South West Hospital and Health Service - October 2019 | Medical Officer Opportunities St George Health Service Precinct • 1 x Director of Medical Services

St George Hospital • 4 x Trainees/Rural Generalists/General Practitioners - advanced skills considered: »» General Practice – Obstetrics and Gynaecology »» General Practice – Anaesthetics »» General Practice – Mental Health »» General Practice – Emergency Medicine »» General Practice – Internal Medicine »» General Practice – Paediatrics »» General Practice – Indigenous Health • 2 x Principal House Officers (Rotational) • 1 x Intern (Rotational)

Mungindi Multi-Purpose Health Service • 1 x Medical Superintendent, Private Practice

Dirranbandi Multi-Purpose Health Service • 1 x Medical Superintendent with Private Practice

South West Hospital and Health Service - October 2019 | Medical Officer Opportunities 7 Facility information

Roma Hospital

Roma Hospital has 39 beds and it is an exciting time to be part of the Roma Hospital Medical team with a new hospital currently being constructed.

Services offered include medical, emergency, maternity and surgical, antenatal, birthing and postnatal services, pathology laboratory, sub-acute rehabilitation, geriatric evaluation and management, wound management, telehealth and palliative care.

Allied Health services provided include paediatric speech pathology, immunisation clinic, a parent café, breastfeeding clinic, paediatric occupational therapy and physiotherapy

Retrievals are provided by Queensland Clinical Coordination and their partners.

Pathology and radiology services are offered five-days a week and provide 24 hours on-call, with ultrasound services provided 2-days per fortnight.

Community and Allied Health services include alcohol and drugs, chronic disease management, community nursing, dental, podiatry, dietetics, cardiac, occupational therapy and speech pathology.

Home and community care services, including domestic assistance, social support, nursing care, personal care, meals and home maintenance are available to eligible clients

Roma Hospital is supported by a private radiology provider, Alpenglow Australia. The team at Alpenglow provide X-rays, CT scans, ultrasound, echocardiographs and have the services of a visiting interventional radiologist.

Roma has regular visiting specialist services including, Ophthalmologist, Urologist, Orthopaedics, Cardiologist, Endocrinology Paediatrician, Geriatrician and Ear, Nose & Throat Specialist.

8 South West Hospital and Health Service - October 2019 | Medical Officer Opportunities Flying Specialist Service (Roma based)

This service provides both outpatient clinics and theatre to facilities within the Darling Downs HHS, Central West HHS and Central Queensland HHS.

Mitchell Multipurpose Health Service (MPHS) and Private Practice

The recently upgraded Mitchell MPHS includes the Mitchell Hospital, Primary Care Clinic and the brand-new long stay older person program facility.

The hospital has 12 acute beds and provides medical, accident and emergency, outpatients, pharmacy, antenatal and postnatal care, minor operations and palliative care services.

Clinics for dentistry, asthma and diabetes are also available.

Allied health services include occupational therapy, speech pathology, physiotherapy, social work, podiatry, dietetics, child health, psychology, community health nurse, substance abuse care, health promotion, young people at risk, women’s health, blue nurses, meals on wheels, HACC bus, community aged care packages, home maintenance, community options and ACAT.

South West Hospital and Health Service - October 2019 | Medical Officer Opportunities 9 Surat Multipurpose Health Service and Private Practice

The Surat Hospital provides patients with medical, accident and emergency, acute ward, outpatients, primary care, pharmacy and post and ante-natal services.

External health services include dental and women’s health clinics, community health, outreach allied health services such as occupational therapy, speech pathology, physiotherapy, podiatry and social work, and outreach services such as child health, health promotion, mental health, woman’s health and young people at risk.

HACC services to Surat include community options, meals on wheels, HACC bus, community aged care packages, day respite and home maintenance. Community aged care is also available as an aged care service.

Injune Multipurpose Health Service and Private Practice

The Injune Hospital provides accident and emergency, outpatients, acute ward pharmacy, primary care and long stay/respite care services.

Other health services include dental, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry, dietetics, speech pathology, child health, mental health, women’s health, social work, meals on wheels, Blue Care, St Luke’s nursing service, HACC bus, home care domestic assistance and ACAT aged services.

10 South West Hospital and Health Service - October 2019 | Medical Officer Opportunities Charleville Hospital

Charleville Hospital has 24 beds and provides 24 hour acute and emergency care, including maternity and theatre services.

The Royal Flying Specialist Service is based in Charleville and provides a retrieval service to the area.

Charleville Hospital has a Medical Imaging Department that provides X-Ray and ultrasound services Monday to Friday during business hours and on call for after-hours emergencies.

The Flying Specialist Service visits the facility every three weeks and also in emergency situations.

Community and Allied Health Services are available including: cardiology clinic, alcohol and drugs, child development, diabetes education, dental, mental health, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech pathology. Antenatal clinics are provided.

Telehealth facilities are available to connect patients with specialist clinical services in Brisbane and other regional areas via video-conference.

Charleville also has regular Visiting Specialist Services including, Ophthalmologist, Pediatrician, Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist.

South West Hospital and Health Service - October 2019 | Medical Officer Opportunities 11 Cunnamulla Multipurpose Health Service and Private Practice

Cunnamulla MPHS hosts medical, surgical, x-ray, indigenous health, emergency, outpatients and pharmacy services plus a renal unit located in the hospital grounds.

Outreach services to the hospital include podiatrist, radiographer, dentist, ophthalmologist and optometrist, physiotherapist, social worker, child health nurse, mental health services, women's health nurse, occupational therapist, population health services, ACAT and a dermatologist.

South West Hospital and Health Service also manages the general practice service in Cunnamulla.

12 South West Hospital and Health Service - October 2019 | Medical Officer Opportunities Augathella Multipurpose Health Service and Private Practice

The hospital provides accident and emergency, acute ward, outpatients, x-ray and pharmacy services to its patients.

Visiting services of dentistry, mental health, women’s health, podiatry, social work and optometry are also available to patients on a regular basis.

There is an extensive range of community based services and a primary care service is offered several days per week also.

Quilpie Multipurpose Health Service and Private Practice

Quilpie Multi-Purpose Health Service provides medical, surgical, accident and emergency, outpatients, palliative care, primary care services and pharmacy.

Visiting specialists to the hospital include paediatrician, dentist, Indigenous health services, podiatrist, ophthalmologist and optometrist, mental health specialist, occupational therapist, dietician and women's health nurses.

South West Hospital and Health Service - October 2019 | Medical Officer Opportunities 13 St George Hospital

St George Hospital is a 28 bed facility. The facility provides medical and emergency services, including minor surgical services.

Other clinics offered include accident and emergency, outpatients, surgical, X-Ray, pharmacy, wound management and palliative care. Retrievals for emergency are provided by the Royal Flying Specialist Service.

St George has an operating theatre and operates twice a month with an extra theatre day when the Ophthalmologist visits. Emergency surgery is also offered when required.

Maternity services are provided at the hospital, including antenatal clinics, postnatal care and birthing suites.

Telehealth facilities are available to connect patients with specialist clinical services in Brisbane and other regional areas via video-conference.

Outreach specialists regularly visit St George Hospital, including ophthalmologists, physicians, paediatricians, surgeons, gynaecologists and obstetricians, ear nose and throat specialists and ultra-sonographers.

Community and Allied Health Services provided include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, social work, podiatry, dietetics and nutrition, dentistry, diabetes education, early intervention parenting program, mental health, immunisation clinics, women’s health, aged care assessment, drug and alcohol services, Indigenous health and health promotion.

14 South West Hospital and Health Service - October 2019 | Medical Officer Opportunities Mungindi Multi-Purpose Health Service and Private Practice

Services available at the Mungindi Multi-Purpose Health Centre include accident and emergency, outpatients, pharmacy, respite care, long term residential, acute inpatient care, minor operations, Indigenous health care, palliative care, chemotherapy and radiology.

Clinics available include dental, immunisation, paediatrics, healthy weight program, child health clinic and parenting groups, foot clinic and teleconferencing with specialists.

Outreach allied health services include occupational therapy, speech pathology, physiotherapy, social worker, podiatry, optometry and psychology. Other outreach services available are alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, child health, health promotion, mental health, women's health, young people at risk and a dietitian.

HACC services provide community options and meals on wheels to those in need and other aged services available in Mungindi include nursing home type care (short and long term), respite care and ACAT.

Dirranbandi Multi-Purpose Health Service and Private Practice

Services available at the Dirranbandi Multi-Purpose Health Centre include accident and emergency, outpatients, pharmacy, respite care, long term residential, acute inpatient care, minor operations, Indigenous health care, palliative care, chemotherapy and radiology.

Clinics available include dental, immunisation, paediatrics, healthy weight program, child health clinic and parenting groups, foot clinic and teleconferencing with specialists.

HACC services provide community options and meals on wheels to those in need and other aged services available in Dirranbandi include nursing home type care (short and long term), respite care and ACAT.

South West Hospital and Health Service - October 2019 | Medical Officer Opportunities 15 Remuneration packages

SMOs/Rural Generalist Provisional Fellows/Rural Generalists Approximate Remuneration Package - as at 1/07/19

L13 L25 Remuneration Package* Fortnightly Yearly Fortnightly Yearly amount amount amount amount Base Salary $5,964 $155,589 $8,237 $214,897 Professional Development Allowance $805 $21,000 $805 $21,000 Motor Vehicle Allowance $805 $21,000 $977 $25,500 Attraction and Retention (35%) - $2,087 $54,456 $2,883 $75,214 Assigned Model Rural and Remote (10%) $596 $15,559 $824 $21,490 Inaccessibility Allowance $41,400 $41,400 Superannuation $821 $21,432 $1,135 $29,602 TOTAL REMUNERATION $11,079 $330,436 $14,861 $429,103 Plus On-Call 1:3 or 1:4 paid per occurrence Recalls Paid per occurrence Overtime Paid per occurrence Shift Penalties Paid per occurrence Locality Allowance Paid per location Leave Loading Up to 14% paid on leave Rent Free Accommodation Yes - as per HHS policy Utilities Subsidised Salary Sacrificing $17,000 grossed up taxable value Professional Development Leave 3.6 weeks per year Annual Leave 5 weeks per year Range of special leave types Yes Indemnity Yes http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/ Federal Government Incentives content/rural-regional-health-australia-list-programmes * Paid pro-rata for engagement period or part time employee ** - 100% paid after twelve month completion period and then 25% paid in three monthly instalments thereafter

16 South West Hospital and Health Service - October 2019 | Medical Officer Opportunities Medical Superintendent with Private Practice Approximate Remuneration Package - as at 1/07/19

MSR1-1 MSR2-2 Remuneration Package* Fortnightly Yearly Fortnightly Yearly amount amount amount amount Base Salary $5,964 $155,589 $6,888 $179,703 Professional Development Allowance $805 $21,000 $805 $21,000 Motor Vehicle Allowance $805 $21,000 $977 $25,500 Inaccessibility Allowance $41,400 $41,400 Superannuation $760 $19,838 $878 $22,912 TOTAL REMUNERATION $8,334 $258,827 $9,549 $290,515 Plus Agreed Private Practice Revenue Unlimited Leave Loading Up to 14% paid on leave Rent Free Accommodation Yes Utilities Subsidised Salary Sacrificing $17,000 grossed up taxable value Professional Development Leave 3.6 weeks per year Annual Leave 5 weeks per year Range of special leave types Yes Indemnity Yes http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/ Federal Government Incentives content/rural-regional-health-australia-list-programmes * Paid pro-rata for engagement period or part time employee ** - 100% paid after twelve month completion period and then 25% paid in three monthly instalments thereafter

South West Hospital and Health Service - October 2019 | Medical Officer Opportunities 17 Testimonial

Drs Laura and Michael Pfeffer Trainee Rural Generalists - Roma Hospital

“We spent our first two years as doctors at Rockhampton Base Hospital as a part of the Queensland Rural Generalist Pathway. For us it was just the right size to gain lots of experience with the core components of medicine, a dash of interesting cases and not too much competition from others wanting the same experiences. Outside of the hospital there was much to do as well. We bought a 4WD and enjoyed being close to the beach, with opportunities for snorkeling, swimming and sailing.

We were blessed to get our advanced skills training year together in Hervey Bay.

We chose Roma because we felt the size of the hospital was right for our level of training and there is great support from both generalists and specialists in town. It allows us to maintain our advanced skills and provides an approachable distance for our extended families to visit. We are having a really great time and everyone has been very welcoming. We have also been blessed with the arrival of our first child, Hannah this year. We have found our workplace supportive of our family and are considering how part time work serves a better work family balance for two doctors.

In our experience the work is hard and the hours can be long particularly with the on call but the job is rewarding. We enjoy the diversity of working in both the hospital emergency/ward, the GP and in our advanced skills. It makes for an interesting week. The best things by far about being rural GPs are the relationships we have formed, the short commute (we even make it home for lunch most days!) and the wider rural support network that we are developing.”

18 South West Hospital and Health Service - October 2019 | Medical Officer Opportunities Testimonial

Dr Talia Trigger Trainee Rural Generalist Surat and Roma Hospitals

“I am in my fourth postgraduate year after getting my MBBS at James Cook University. I am currently doing the Queensland Rural Generalist Program. I have already done my two years of core clinical training and my advanced skill training of one year in the Emergency Department, Rockhampton.

I currently work two weeks at a time as a Senior Medical Officer (SMO) in Roma, mainly in the emergency department and also in Surat, 80km from Roma, as a GP in a town of around 450 people.

In Surat, I am the only doctor in town. I work there under the remote supervision of my boss in Roma. I do all the primary care clinics when I’m there, located in the same building as the hospital, so I man both of them. We have 5 or 6 long term hospital residents who I look after. When I am in Roma I am mainly working in Emergency and on the ward. I do outpatients work with the visiting specialists and teach students.

At Surat, apart from standard GP clinics, I manage some walk-in emergencies in the hospital. On my first day out there on my own, I had a person in septic shock that needed to be choppered out. I am on-call but I only get called out 2 or 3 times a week. In Roma, I am mainly in Emergency because of my skills.

The scope of work is really manageable, with only a few major emergencies but we do get some sick ones that need retrievals. In Roma we’re lucky, because we have LifeFlight based there, so we can easily fly out people needing more help.

The visiting specialists also come there every week, so we have one day per week of a visiting surgeon, obstetrician and gynaecologist and some flying anaesthetists.

Personally, I love working in Surat with remote supervision. I am a bush kid. This is my dream.”

South West Hospital and Health Service - October 2019 | Medical Officer Opportunities 19 Location information

Roma Location: 265km east of Charleville 351km west of Toowooomba 480km north west of Brisbane Flights: Brisbane eighteen (18) services per week Population: 6,848 people (2016 census) Roma is a thriving rural centre, situated on the Bungil Creek. It is named after the Countess Diamantina Roma, the wife of Queensland’s first Governor, Sir George Bowen. Roma is a town of many firsts. It was the first gazetted town after Queensland separated from New South Wales in 1859, the first wine-making venture in Queensland and the site of Australia’s first oil and gas strike. Today, Roma continues to be home to a variety of industries including agriculture and natural resources. Roma offers a lively and friendly country lifestyle with city-like conveniences. Roma has three educational facilities: prep to year 12 state school, prep to year 12 catholic school and TAFE. Roma has a library, cinema and swimming pool. There are a variety of sporting facilities including golf, gun club, rugby, netball, archery, lawn bowls, PCYC, equestrian and tennis. Community groups include Lions, Apex, Toastmasters Club and RSL. For those who enjoy a race there is the speedway and turf racing. From the Roma Show, to the annual ‘Easter in the Country Festival’ and countless racing meets, Roma is the pinnacle of country cultural festivals. For more information visit: www.mymaranoa.org.au

DID YOU KNOW? Roma is home to the Roma Saleyards, the largest cattle selling facility in Australia

20 South West Hospital and Health Service - October 2019 | Medical Officer Opportunities Mitchell Location: 88km west of Roma 180km east of Charleville 566km north west of Brisbane Population: 1,311 people (2011 census)

Mitchell is a welcoming outback town situated on the Maranoa River. Whilst grain, beef and sheep industries continue to have a strong presence in the area, a steady increase of visitors to the area seeking the “great outback experience” has seen tourism become a significant focus of Mitchell.

With its historic colonial buildings, wide tree-lined streets and convenient location on the Warrego Highway make Mitchell the ideal take-off point for outback adventurers.

The water supply for the town comes from three bores. The water is hot when it emerges from the ground.

Mitchell has a prep to year 10 state school. There is a public library, heritage museum, and art gallery, many heritage listed buildings and the Great Artesian Spa.

South West Hospital and Health Service - October 2019 | Medical Officer Opportunities 21 Surat Location: 79km south of Roma 117km north of St George 448km west of Brisbane Population: 426 (2011 census)

Surat is a spirited country community situated on the Balonne River in South West Queensland. The town is a major producer of sheep, cattle, wheat and natural resources. It is well known for its scenic and tranquil surroundings, including a beautiful river walk and fantastic fishing opportunities.

Surat’s ideal position on the Great Inland Way, between Roma and St George, make it a key spot to experience a Cobb and Co. changeover station. Surat offers a relaxed country lifestyle in a friendly community.

Surat has a library and a prep to year 10 state school. Surat has great fishing thanks to the local Fishing and Restocking club. The club regularly restocks Surat’s gorgeous stretch of the Balonne River with Murray Cod and Yellowbelly Fingerlings.

DID YOU KNOW? Prior to 1924, The Cobb & Co Changing Station served to revive tired travelers and their horses. It would take days to travel the distances that now take only hours

22 South West Hospital and Health Service - October 2019 | Medical Officer Opportunities Injune Location: 91km north of Roma 569km north west of Brisbane Population: 362 (2006 census)

Injune is situated on the southern edge of the Carnarvon Gorge National Park; a part of the Great Dividing Range. From Injune there is easy access to spectacular countryside, many national parks, gorges and rainforests.

Formerly a hub for dairy and cattle industries, Injune now claims gas and timber as its key industries. The timber industry provides important employment with two mills producing cypress pine and exporting to the world.

Injune offers a hushed and relaxed country lifestyle within a beautiful location.

Information Centre provides an excellent source for information on the area. Injune has a number of historic buildings such as the old bank, the old garage and the steam train. The park has some interesting sculptures made using local materials.

Injune has a prep to year 10 state school.There is a library, historical railway and art space.

DID YOU KNOW: Many of the well-known past and present characters of Injune have been immortalised as metal silhouettes throughout the town

South West Hospital and Health Service - October 2019 | Medical Officer Opportunities 23 Charleville Location: 683km south west of Brisbane 254km north east of Roma Flights Brisbane seven days per week Population: 3,335 people (2016 census)

Known as the 'Capital of the Mulga Country', the district is rich in sheep, beef and cotton production. Charleville’s position on the Warrego River meant it became an important stop for bullock drovers, then Cobb & Co transport and eventually Qantas.

Today Charleville is the Southern Queensland base for the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the School of Distance Education. Charleville offers a relaxed and authentic country lifestyle.

Charleville comes alive in Bilby season from April to October. People from across Australia and the world come to be introduced to these endangered marsupials at the Bilby shows, presented by passionate volunteers from Charleville and the Save the Bilby Fund. Here, you can learn the animal’s habits and habitats and join the fight for its survival.

Whilst in Charleville be sure you visit the National Parks and Wildlife Visitors Centre before you trek off to Tregole, Currawinya, Lake Bindegolly or any one of the other national parks in the area. The staff will inform you of hazards, delights and histories in the area, ensuring a safe adventure.

DID YOU KNOW: Charleville is home to a Cosmos Centre, which houses an observatory perfect for viewing the Milky Way Galaxy

24 South West Hospital and Health Service - October 2019 | Medical Officer Opportunities Cunnamulla Location: 200km south of Charleville 806km west of Brisbane Flights Brisbane two services per week Population: 1,140 (2016 census)

Cunnamulla is a picturesque town situated on the Warrego River. The main industries in Cunnamulla are beef, sheep, wool, apiary, grapes, opal mining and tourism.

Due to its proximity to the Warrego River, Cunnamulla is also a terrific spot for fishing, water-skiing and swimming. With tree-lined streets and historic buildings, Cunnamulla offers an authentic country lifestyle with distinct old-world charm.

“Cause I’m the Fella, From Cunnamulla, Yes, I’m the Cunnamulla Fella!” Written by Stan Coster and sung by the late Slim Dusty, ‘The Cunnamulla Fella’ is the anthem of this true blue town. The meaning behind this song, hard work and easy living, is embedded in the town and the community. The song’s hero is immortalised in a bronze statue in the centre of town.

Cunnamulla has a prep to year 12 state school and a prep to year 6 Catholic school. Cunnamulla has an art gallery, library, swimming pool, Artesian Time Tunnel and Museum, river walk and bushlands. Bowra Sanctuary for birdwatching. Jet skiing, boating and kayaking on the river. Cunnamulla has a racecourse, target club, rugby, cricket and golf.

DID YOU KNOW: The Cunnamulla Bushlands are a 6 hectare site on the town’s outskirts and offer the opportunity to experience the region’s unique ecosystems via a looped walking track

South West Hospital and Health Service - October 2019 | Medical Officer Opportunities 25 Augathella Location: 85km north east of Charleville 750km north west of Brisbane Population: 449 (2015 census)

Augathella is a pretty outback town situated on the Warrego River in Queensland. What the town lacks in size, it makes up in true Australian hospitality and landscape, with dusty red soil and towering eucalypt trees.

The town is supported by sheep, cattle, kangaroo and timber producers. Augathella offers authentic Outback living to those with a sense of adventure. It’s rich history of bushrangers, jackaroos and kangaroos are a talking-point and be sure to make friends with your neighbours in the town. Augathella is a close-knit community that will provide endless support to fellow-residents.

There is a prep to year 6 state school, swimming pool, bowls club, polocross and an annual rodeo. Augathella has a library which is open a few days a week.

DID YOU KNOW? You can request to see a “Back to Augathella” film at the Moonlighter theatre. These films bring to life the town’s unique history as well as the lifestyles of the bush, bushrangers, shearing, rodeos and much more

26 South West Hospital and Health Service - October 2019 | Medical Officer Opportunities Quilpie

Location: 210km west of Charleville 956km west of Brisbane Population: 560 people (in 2011 census)

The economy of the area is based in the grazing and mining industries. The area has one of the largest deposits of boulder opal in the world and has extensive deposits of gas and oil. Quilpie is situated on the banks of the Bulloo River.

The opal altar, lectern and font of Quilpie’s St Finbarr’s Catholic Church is a must see. Get a fossicking license and head to Duck Creek or Sheep Station Creek to find some opals of your own. Red is the most precious colour although the oranges, yellows, greens and blues found in the opals are also spectacular.

An amazing art gallery is located in Quilpie where the colours of the outback are captured by some of Australia’s most renowned artists.

Quilpie State College caters for students prep to year 12. Students in years 11 and 12 can access the facilities while engaged in distance education.

Quilpie has a town library, swimming pool, golf course, museum and sports grounds.

DID YOU KNOW? Just 108km west of Quilpie, you can visit Eromanga, home to one of Australia’s most significant palaeontological discovery sites where several dinosaurs have been unearthed

South West Hospital and Health Service - October 2019 | Medical Officer Opportunities 27 St George Location: 512km south west of Brisbane, 387km south west of Toowoomba, 202km north west of Goondiwindi, 197km south of Roma Flights Brisbane two services per week, Toowoomba two services per week Population: 2,395 people (2016 census)

St George is a thriving rural town situated on the Balonne River in South West Queensland. It is a major agricultural region of wheat, sheep, cotton, cattle, table grapes, wineries and other horticultural crops. As the 'Inland Fishing Capital', St George’s many waterways flow with various species of fish, attracting anglers Australia-wide. St George’s Victoria Street provides an impressive display of colour in spring when the Bauhinia and Jacaranda trees bloom. St George offers a relaxed country lifestyle, ideal for the outdoor or fishing enthusiast.

St George has a Catholic primary school & a prep to year 12 state school. There is a variety of sporting opportunities including a swimming pool, rugby, tennis, cricket, lawn bowls, golf, netball, shooting and squash. Volunteer groups include the State Emergency Service and Auxiliary Firefighters.

Days off can be spent at the Beardmore Dam or the Jack Taylor Weir water skiing, jet-skiing, fishing or canoeing.

DID YOU KNOW? The shady St George Riverbank Walkway is a wonderful way to experience the town’s beauty whilst learning about interesting historical events

28 South West Hospital and Health Service - October 2019 | Medical Officer Opportunities Mungindi Multi-Purpose Health Service and Private Practice Location: 510km south west of Brisbane, 154km south west of Goondiwindi, 122km north west of Moree Population: 146 people

Mungindi is a small rural town located on the Queensland and New South Wales border. Meaning “waterhole by the river” in the local Aboriginal language, Mungindi is a popular fishing site, with freshwater crayfish and Murray Cod both abundant in the Barwon and Boomi Rivers. Being a border town, Mungindi experiences a unique set of challenges. In summer the town has two different time zones due to daylight savings in NSW. Mungindi offers a gentle and laid-back country lifestyle.

If you’re going to be a Mungindi local, the first thing you need to learn is to fish like a local. Fishing on the Barwon River is permitted beside the border bridge, catch yourself a Murray Cod.

The Racecourse Hotel, known to locals as the 'Two-Mile Pub', was established in 1908. It was Mungindi’s first business and has a history of providing local farmers with beverages to relieve a hard day’s labour.

There is a prep to year 12 state school and a kindergarten to year 6 Catholic school. There are a variety of sport and community groups including; Rugby, pony club, tennis, golf, campdraft and RSL.

DID YOU KNOW? Located in both Queensland and New South Wales, Mungindi has a New South Wales postcode. It is believed to be the only border town in the Southern Hemisphere with the same name on both sides of the border

South West Hospital and Health Service - October 2019 | Medical Officer Opportunities 29 Dirranbandi Location: 608km south west of Brisbane, 80km south west of St George Population: 711 people (2011 census)

Dirranbandi is a small country town situated on the Balonne River in Southern - Central Queensland near the New South Wales border. The town services one of Queensland’s wealthiest cattle, sheep, wool and cotton regions. Dirranbandi is the gateway to the “Culgoa Flood Plains National Park” and offers a quiet and relaxed rural lifestyle.

The town receives limited rainfall each year. As such it’s water supply is a mixture of treated water and untreated artesian bore water. The infamous Cubbie Station, the largest privately-owned cotton property in the Southern Hemisphere, has developed its own unique water harvesting system that stores and uses water efficiently.

The population fluctuates each year as seasonal workers come to work on the extensive cotton fields.

The Centennial Walkway is a path comprising of mosaic tiles commemorating the history of the town in a colourful, artistic style. Start at the Post Office and wind your way along Railway Street.

Dirranbandi has a P-10 State School, a civic centre, swimming pool, library, park and showground.

DID YOU KNOW? Dirranbandi marks the end of the South West rail line and was the destination of the very last mail train to operate in Australia

30 South West Hospital and Health Service - October 2019 | Medical Officer Opportunities Location Attractions

Roma Saleyards These are the largest livestock selling facility in the southern hemisphere, seeing over 4000,000 cattle a year. Auctions happen twice a week and are amazing to see. Free tours are available on sale days.

Big Rig & Parklands - Roma The Big Rig is a living memorial to the pioneers of Australia’s oil and gas industry. The exhibition is the perfect way to learn the history of the town through entertainment, dazzling visual displays and good old fashioned, friendly hospitality. Visit during the day or see the night time show. There is also a parkland with BBQ’s and pond.

Tourist Drives and 4WD adventures In the region there are eight established tourist drives. There are many roads and National Parks in the region to explore. Fantastic place for 4WD enthusiasts.

Carnarvon Gorge National Park Towering sandstone cliffs, huge rock overhangs adorned with Aboriginal rock art, vibrantly coloured side gorges. The park has four sections with diverse landscapes and rich wildlife.

Cobb & Co Changing Station Museum - Surat This was once the place where the life blood of industry and commerce flowed. The centre includes the Cobb & Co Store, aquarium, art gallery and museum. It is home to a 14-seater Cobb & Co coach.

Mitchell Artesian Spa Situated in Mitchell’s Aquatic Centre, the Great Artesian Spa contains two large pools of water from the Great Artesian Basin. The spa has been designed for easy access. A place to relax and lay back in the buoyant warm water.

Roma’s Easter in the Country Festival This is a five-day celebration of all things country. The festival offers a range of activities which showcase the country lifestyle.

Mitchell Camel and Pig Races Held every year the weekend before the Birdsville Races. The town of Mitchell puts on a big show with stalls, entertainment and racing.

South West Hospital and Health Service - October 2019 | Medical Officer Opportunities 31 Save the Bilby Fund – Charleville Located at the National Parks Research Station. From April to October visitors can have an up close and personal experience with Australia’s most famous endangered marsupial.

Cosmos Centre & Observatory – Charleville Experience the outback night sky. Guides share their knowledge and observe stars and planets. Day and night time activities.

32 South West Hospital and Health Service - October 2019 | Medical Officer Opportunities South West Hospital and Health Service - October 2019 | Medical Officer Opportunities South West Hospital and Health Service - October 2019 | Medical Officer Opportunities South West Hospital and Health Service - October 2019 | Medical Officer Opportunities