What’s Happening?
Primary healthcare professionals from across Central Queensland will meet at Rockhampton Leagues Club last weekend for the CQ GP Conference.
The hosts are Hillcrest Rockhampton Private Hospital, Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service, and Mater Rockhampton. Country to Coast Primary Health Network is also part of the joint initiative.
The program combines clinical education, professional development and networking for people working across primary healthcare services.
Why It Matters
Regional healthcare depends on strong connections between general practices, hospitals and community providers. The conference creates a shared forum for exchanging knowledge, building relationships and discussing ways to improve access.
These links can support high-quality, connected care closer to home for patients across Central Queensland.
Local Impact
Attendees will travel from Rockhampton, Gladstone, Emerald, Yeppoon, Biloela and surrounding communities. This regional mix allows professionals to compare local needs while building practical links across different services.
Dedicated sessions recognise the important work of practice nurses and practice managers in effective healthcare delivery. They will focus on professional development and leadership, alongside clinical learning and networking.
By The Numbers
- More than 130 general practitioners, practice nurses and practice managers are set to attend the Rockhampton conference.
- A two-day education stream will provide clinical updates and professional development for general practitioners and practice nurses.
- Practice managers will have a dedicated one-day conference within the broader weekend program.
- The conference is in its third year and has become a major regional learning and networking event.
Zoom In
Local and visiting experts will deliver a broad program of clinical and professional presentations. Topics include emerging healthcare trends, patient care advances and issues relevant to primary healthcare practice.
Fiona Hebbard, Chief Executive of Hillcrest Rockhampton Private Hospital, said the event showed the value of regional cooperation.
“The CQ GP Conference has become an important forum for bringing together healthcare professionals from across Central Queensland to share knowledge, strengthen relationships and discuss opportunities to improve access to care for our communities.”
“The ongoing partnership between Hillcrest, CQHHS, Mater Rockhampton and Country to Coast PHN highlights our shared commitment to supporting primary healthcare and ensuring patients receive high-quality, connected care closer to home.”
Zoom Out
The conference builds on Central Queensland’s long history of professional cooperation across health services. By linking primary care with public, private and community organisations, it supports a more integrated health system.
Its focus also reflects the changing healthcare needs of communities across the region. Organisers regard it as a major professional development and networking event for primary healthcare workers.
What To Look For Next?
The weekend program may strengthen working relationships between general practices, hospitals and community health organisations. Those connections could improve coordinated care, particularly for patients seeking services closer to home.
Continued cooperation between the four hosts may shape future programs around Central Queensland’s changing healthcare needs.
