A new program aims to upskill and increase primary care providers to help address the comprehensive health needs facing North Queensland’s families and children during their first 1,000 days. 

The Maternal and Child Health Workforce Uplift Program, funded by Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), has been developed to identify and grow the workforce, upskill health professionals, and support organisations with increased access to maternal and child health education and training. 

NQPHN is now inviting individuals and organisations to apply for financial support. 

The program is a collaborative initiative between NQPHN and Health Workforce Queensland, and aligns with the Better Health North Queensland Alliance First 1,000 Days Framework. 

NQPHN Chief Executive Officer Sean Rooney said eligible primary healthcare professionals and organisations providing services to rural and remote communities in North Queensland could now apply for financial support. 

“Professionals working in primary healthcare in northern Queensland can apply for funding to upskill in maternal and child health individually or as an organisation,” Mr Rooney said. 

“The Maternal and Child Health Workforce Uplift Program provides an opportunity for healthcare professionals to access financial support for education and training focused on better meeting the health needs of mothers and their children in their first 1,000 days of life.”  

Mr Rooney said workforce capacity and capability building in North Queensland was a priority for NQPHN. 

“The program offers a range of workforce opportunities for health professionals to develop new skills and contribute to increasing access to maternal and child health services for North Queensland communities,” he said. 

“Financial support is available for courses, face-to-face and online workshops, conference attendance, some undergraduate supports, and postgraduate professional development directly related to primary care child and maternal health capability development.”  

Health Workforce Queensland Chief Executive Officer Chris Mitchell said: “This is a very important support that will directly improve the health of mothers and babies by improved local access to training and ongoing supports, which have not been available until now.” 

Applications close 6 June 2025. For more information visit the Health Workforce Queensland website here. Those interested can apply here.