1 Message from
the Chair
This was the first year of a new strategic plan, which
signalled our intention to continue supporting the
existing rural health workforce, together with more
focussed support for the next generation of health
professionals.
RWAV has continued to work towards ensuring
sustainable health workforce solutions for communities
in rural and regional Victoria. During 2015-16, 109
health professionals commenced practice in rural
and regional Victoria through RWAV. Out of these, five
doctors commenced practice at Aboriginal Community
Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs).
We introduced two new pilot training programs in
2015-16 – ABCs of Practice Sustainability and Practice
Ready - to facilitate practice sustainability and improve
staff retention rates. Judging from the success of these
programs, they filled a gap in the market and
will be continuing in 2016-17. We’re looking forward
to expanding their reach into more rural and
regional areas.
We have welcomed two new members to the board
this year; Associate Professor Alastair Mah and Ms
Kaye Knight. Assoc Prof Alastair Mah has an in-depth
understanding of the hospital training environment
that will assist with the oversight of the new medical
workforce programs. Ms Kaye Knight is a physiotherapist
in Echuca, helping to expand our strategies to support
rural allied health professionals.
Board member Dr Wendy Bissinger’s term came to an
end this year. During her time, she provided in-depth
knowledge and experience working with Aboriginal
communities. Wendy was a valued member
of the board and we thank her for her contributions.
I would also like to extend a thank you to all of my
fellow board members for their continued commitment
and enthusiasm. As we roll out new programs and new
activities with an innovative approach to health access
and sustainability, we’re very much looking forward
to seeing what 2016-17 holds for RWAV.
Through workforce planning and stakeholder insights, we
also identified service gaps in rural and regional areas.
After securing Commonwealth Government funding, we
added two new outreach programs; a nutrition program
and a Coordination of Indigenous Eye Health program.
RWAV was also successful in its submission to administer
the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services’
rural medical workforce programs. This year, we
undertook a range of preparatory activities to ensure
that training posts are targeted to community needs,
and the program is aligned with other medical
workforce initiatives.
Rural Workforce Agency Victoria
Dr Sue Harrison
Chair
Annual report 2015—16
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