What is
Mareeba Health Workforce Alliance
The Mareeba Health Workforce Alliance was established in 2020 in response to the pressing need for a skilled healthcare workforce in the Mareeba region and surrounding areas. Recognising the unique challenges faced by rural professionals and communities, a coalition was formed to address these issues collaboratively.
In 2024 MCFHC in partnership with the National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA), successfully secured a grant from the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care under the Innovative Models of Care (IMOC) funding. The purpose of the grant is to support MCFHC to trial innovative multidisciplinary models of primary care in the Mareeba Shire and to evaluate whether they improve rural practice and lead to better health outcomes.
MCFHC is set to trial elements of the Primary Care Rural Integrated Multidisciplinary Health Service (PRIM-HS) model. This innovative initiative, developed in collaboration with the NRHA, aims to test flexible employment models, to attract and retain a skilled rural workforce. By fostering collaboration among local government, community members, and healthcare providers, the Mareeba Health Workforce Alliance aims to address the complexities surrounding health services in the Mareeba region.
This trial is a community driven approach that emphasises the importance of identifying local health needs and co-designing solutions. Priority areas include mental health, general practice, social services, and allied health professions. The grant will facilitate the co-design, development and testing of flexible employment options tailored to the needs of both healthcare providers and the Mareeba community. With a focus on enhancing health system literacy and increasing engagement, this project aims to establish a sustainable and effective model of multidisciplinary primary healthcare, ultimately improving health outcomes for all Mareeba residents.
The Mareeba Health Workforce Alliance is the advisory body for this grant in Mareeba.
Foster Training and Professional Development in Priority Health Areas
The Mareeba Health Workforce Alliance focuses on creating training programs and professional development opportunities that address critical health priorities, such as mental health and chronic disease management, ensuring healthcare professionals have the skills needed to meet our community needs.
Offer Scholarships and Traineeships to Aspiring Healthcare Professionals
By providing financial support through scholarships and structured traineeship programs, the Mareeba Health Workforce Alliance encourages local students and community members to pursue careers in healthcare, thereby building a skilled workforce for the community.
Collaborate with Local Organisations and Educational Institutions
The Mareeba Health Workforce Alliance partners with local health services, educational bodies and community organisations to develop innovative training pathways, enhance resource sharing and create a strong network, that supports the recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals in the Mareeba region.
Raise Awareness About Rural Health Careers
The Mareeba Health Workforce Alliance actively promotes awareness of the benefits and opportunities associated with pursuing a career in rural health, inspiring individuals to consider health professions as a viable and rewarding career path that contributes significantly to their community.
Enhance Retention Strategies for Existing Healthcare Practitioners
Recognising the importance of retaining skilled healthcare workers, the Mareeba Health Workforce Alliance implements strategies focused on job satisfaction, professional recognition and ongoing support to ensure that current practitioners feel valued and are motivated to continue serving the Mareeba community.
Ensure Community Involvement in Workforce Planning
Engaging the communnity in discussions and decision-making processes regarding health workforce needs. This helps to align training and services with the specific needs and preferences of locally based workers, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment to health initiativies.
Mareeba Health Workforce Alliance Members
