A recently launched campaign is showcasing the rewarding careers and lifestyle opportunities on offer across northern Queensland’s primary health care sector.
The Want to live and work in paradise? video series highlights real-life stories from health professionals working in diverse communities and making a difference, while enjoying an enviable lifestyle.
Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), in partnership with Health Workforce Queensland, launched the campaign in a bid to attract health workforce – including GPs, allied health, peer support workers, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island health workers, among many others – to the region.
NQPHN Chief Executive Officer Ben Tooth said the campaign was designed to inspire health professionals to consider northern Queensland as both a career and lifestyle destination.
“We are proud to share the voices of health professionals who live and work in our region,” Mr Tooth said.
“Their stories show that a career in northern Queensland offers more than just a job – it’s about connection to community, diverse opportunities, and the chance to live in one of the most beautiful parts of Australia.”
Health Workforce Queensland’s Acting CEO Zena Martin welcomed the initiative.
“We know that attracting and retaining skilled health professionals is critical to improving health outcomes for our communities,” she said.
“This campaign paints a true picture of what it means to live and work in northern Queensland – combining professional development with the adventure, culture, and lifestyle that makes this region unique.”
Cairns region
Gurriny Yealamucka Health Services (Gurriny) Director of Operations Brad Johansen relocated to Yarrabah with his family three years ago.
“I’ve always been in the field of wanting to help others. So, whether that’s through health, exercise, nutrition, we can actually make a difference in people’s lives day to day,” he said.
“If you’re someone that wants to genuinely make a difference in people’s day-to-day lives, then this is a great spot to come.”
Mossman Medical Centre general practitioner Dr Nicole Rumney said delivering healthcare within the area provided a diverse mix of presentations, from Indigenous health to visiting tourists.
“You have the ability to make a really big difference. That’s one of the biggest drawcards and why people love it so much,” she said.
“The lifestyle is great. I feel like it ticks all the boxes of a really wonderful balance of having a really nice life but then incredibly rewarding work.”
Mission Medical general practitioner Dr Daniel Bakhsh said living in the rural town provided him with the opportunity to “dig into” more complex medical issues than he would elsewhere.
“Because you’re more removed from tertiary health centres in Cairns and Townsville, you end up almost bridging the divide between being a more metropolitan GP and then being a specialist,” he said.
Townsville region
Munoz Medical GP and mother-of-three Dr Sonali de Silva moved to Townsville from Sri Lanka.
She found the location not only provided access to any services she required but also supported a positive work-life balance.
“I’m already beginning to feel very homely here. If you want to start your life in Australia, just go for it. Even if it’s a rural job, you should go for it,” she said.
Mackay region
LiveLife Pharmacy pharmacist Mark Boukarroum joined the team on a locum stint – and loved it.
“It’s just fun. It’s like working with people on holiday and being part of a rural community and living in such a nice place,” he said.
“Airlie Beach is beautiful … the scenery is amazing.”
Barefoot Medicine Whitsundays practice manager Bel Gater moved to the Whitsundays 25 years ago from the Living Desert, Broken Hill – chasing “water and trees”.
“Up here, it is all work-life balance. Work hard during the week, and then on the weekends, play hard, go fishing, do whatever makes you happy,” she said.
“You still get to have a fulfilling career, make money, live the dream, buy a house, raise your children, but you also get the lifestyle as well.”
NQPHN partners with Health Workforce Queensland to provide packages that support healthcare professionals’ relocation to northern Queensland.
Health professionals interested in exploring opportunities can learn more and watch the series here.