Access to quality healthcare is essential at every stage of life—no matter where you live. For many rural and remote communities across Queensland, CheckUP’s network of outreach providers ensures that no one misses out, especially First Nations peoples who too often face barriers to services that city residents often take for granted.
In regional and remote areas, people are 1.4 times more likely to live with complex or chronic conditions than those in major cities (NRHA, 2023). This is why CheckUP partners with a range of providers to deliver services close to home, from speech therapy for young children to rehabilitation programs for older adults.
Starting strong: early intervention for kids
Speech pathologist Lorna Fox from Chit Chat Speech Pathology is one of many health providers making a regular journey to Palm Island. Since joining the CheckUP network two years ago, she’s been building strong relationships with families, schools and local health workers to support children’s communication and development.
“Getting buy-in from families is huge,” says Lorna. “When families follow through with strategies at home, the progress we see is a really big thing. Practice outside of session really helps.”
Lorna’s day often starts in local schools and ends in the clinic, working with both children and adults. Her commitment to consistent care has become a bridge between local knowledge and specialist support.
Hearing matters: ear health and education
In North West Queensland, Dr Lachlan Smith from Smith Eye and Ear has been providing audiology services in Mount Isa and Lower Gulf communities since 2021. His focus is on school-aged children—helping to detect and treat hearing loss early.
“A big part of my job is making sure kids can hear well enough to learn,” says Lachlan. “When hearing improves, school attendance, attention and behaviour often improve too.”
Recently, he screened 58 students at Good Shepherd Catholic School in Mount Isa, offering an essential service that’s helping children stay engaged in their learning.
Staying active and ageing well
Older adults are also benefiting from CheckUP-funded services. In Emerald, accredited exercise physiologist Grant Hancock from You Move Health & Rehab supports people to stay active, manage chronic conditions and recover from injuries.
One client shared how the service changed their outlook:
“My fitness and strength have exceeded expectations. I have confidence in ageing well and lowering my risk of chronic disease. I’m looking forward to continuing my health journey.”
Grant’s work is part of the Rural Primary Health Services initiative, ensuring that communities like Emerald have ongoing access to personalised care that supports independence and wellbeing.
The value of continuity
Continuity is key to quality care. CheckUP’s 2024 health provider survey found that:
- 36% of providers have delivered services for more than 10 years
- 31% for 5 to 9 years
- 33% for fewer than 5 years
These long-standing relationships are vital in maintaining trust and effective referral pathways within communities.
Working together for better outcomes
At CheckUP, we know that delivering health services in rural and remote Australia is only possible through genuine partnerships—with local communities, hospitals, health professionals, and support workers. Together, we’re working to ensure that quality healthcare is not defined by geography, but by need.
From early childhood development to ageing well, the journey to better health begins with connection—and continues through consistent care.
For media enquiries, contact [email protected] Visit Outreach Programs – CheckUP
Sources:
- CheckUP’s Health Provider Survey (2024)
- National Rural Health Alliance (2023)
About CheckUP
CheckUP is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of people and communities in need, especially those in rural, regional, and remote areas. We are committed to advancing equity in healthcare by strategically collaborating at both regional and local levels, ensuring that health and community services are more accessible and responsive to people who need them most. https://checkup.org.au/who-we-are/about-us
In rural towns across Australia, playgroups are more than just a space for children to play. They serve as vital Read more
For 100 years, Royal Far West (RFW) has gone beyond improving the health and wellbeing of country children, providing the Read more
Throughout 2024 clinicians spoke with families across Western NSW LHD who are caring for children with complex feeding and eating problems. Read more
In April 2025, members of the South Eastern NSW Peer workforce spoke for the first time at a headspace Youth Read more