Several allied health graduates have returned to Geraldton to begin their professional journeys rurally after completing final-year rural placements with the WA Centre for Rural Health of The University of Western Australia in 2024.
Their decision to come back to the region reflects the growing impact of WACRH’s placement program, which offers students immersive, hands-on experiences in rural health settings.
As these graduates step into roles across multiple health disciplines, their stories highlight how meaningful rural placements are shaping career choices and contribute to building a sustainable health workforce in regional Western Australia.
Rural Placement Motivations and First Impressions
Podiatrist John Bacus was inspired by the positive feedback from previous students and the professionalism of WACRH staff.
“The knowledgeable and friendly clinical supervisors, along with the excellent accommodation provided, made Geraldton an easy choice,” Mr Bacus said.
A standout moment for John was surfing with his supervisor after clinic hours — a snapshot of the region’s enviable work-life balance.
Provisional psychologist Alexis Pallister was drawn to the sense of community and the opportunity to work across diverse school settings.
“Visiting remote schools with as few as ten students was deeply meaningful,” Ms Pallister said.
“The dedication of teaching staff and the strength of these communities left a lasting impression.”
Optometrist Xin Ru Lim initially felt uncertain about rural life but was eager to challenge herself.
“The outreach trips to Mt Magnet and Gascoyne Junction were eye-opening,” Ms Ru Lim said.
“Seeing the limited access to healthcare firsthand made me realise the importance of rural health services.”
Speech Pathologist Rhiannon Harris completed a long placement that included all her final year clinical placements in Geraldton and found the experience transformative.
“I received real feedback on how my work positively impacted clients and it made me realise I could go rural and still be well supported,” Ms Harris said.
The WACRH Experience
WACRH’s rural placement program in the Midwest, Gascoyne and Pilbara regions of Western Australia, supports students from almost twenty health disciplines from universities across Australia.
Students engage in interprofessional learning, work alongside experienced supervisors, and receive cultural training from Aboriginal mentors — including on-country experiences and clinical yarning workshops.
The program also provides shared accommodation at no personal cost to students, access to vehicles and bikes, and opportunities to build connections with potential employers.
These elements combine to create a supportive and enriching environment that prepares students for careers in rural and remote communities.
Looking Ahead
All four graduates credit their placements with influencing their decision to return to Geraldton. Their stories reflect a broader trend: immersive rural placements can inspire graduates to stay and contribute to the communities they trained in.
WACRH Director Professor Sandra Thompson says the graduates are a testament to the power of rural placements.
“Their return to Geraldton strengthens the local health workforce and shows how meaningful placement experiences can shape career paths,” Ms Thompson said.
“Continued investment in rural placements is essential to ensuring regional communities have access to skilled, passionate health professionals.”