Growing local nurses: UniSQ graduates complete Charleville program

Five new registered nurses are strengthening healthcare services across regional Queensland after completing their degrees through the UniSQ End to End Bachelor of Nursing (Charleville) program.

The graduates – Ashleigh Wharton, Hayley Evans, Jayli Carrol, Aimee Kaarsberg, and Travis Simms – completed their studies locally through the Southern Queensland Rural Health Clinical Training Facility, removing the need to relocate for classes, placements, or residential schools.

Launched in 2022, the initiative enables students to qualify locally and transition into nursing careers in their region. The latest graduates were celebrated for their dedication, resilience, and commitment at a recent annual celebration event.

Charleville End to End Bachelor of Nursing Program Coordinator Dr Liz Ryan applauded each graduate as they embarked on their nursing careers.

“It was such an honour to see this stage of the students’ journey come to an end, and I am so proud that, because of their hard work and dedication, we can welcome five amazing registered nurses to the South West region,” she said.

“What makes this program so special is that it gives the South West the chance to grow its own nurses locally.

“Its success is a credit to the dedication of our students and the strong support of the local community, South West Hospital and Health Service, and Southern Queensland Rural Health.”

Several of the graduates have already secured positions in the region, reinforcing the program’s objective of strengthening the local health workforce.

Ashleigh Wharton balanced her studies while working as an operational officer and Undergraduate Student in Nursing in Quilpie. A proud Wangumarra woman and mother of three boys, she completed her degree while remaining closely connected to her community and family.

Hayley Evans combined part-time work in nursing and other roles with her studies, after first attending a UniSQ orientation event in Toowoomba and committing to pursuing a nursing career. She has secured a graduate nurse position in Roma.

Jayli Carrol joined the Charleville cohort after learning about the program three years ago. Managing part-time work alongside her studies, she will also commence a graduate nurse role in Roma.

Aimee Kaarsberg undertook her studies while working as an operational officer in Quilpie. After completing her final placement, she is set to graduate following the current trimester.

Travis Simms, the first male graduate from the Charleville cohort, balanced his degree with work as an Enrolled Nurse. He has accepted a graduate nurse position in Mitchell.

By enabling students to train locally and transition directly into regional employment, the Charleville End to End program demonstrates a practical model for building sustainable healthcare capacity in rural Australia – strengthening communities by investing in their own people.

Find out more about UniSQ’s End to End Bachelor of Nursing (Charleville) program.