In a boost for rural and remote Queensland, the ‘Melon Capital’ of Australia has welcomed their first provisional psychologist to town thanks to an educational partnership.
University of Southern Queensland Master of Clinical Psychology student Rachael Brice has recently commenced the inaugural placement in Chinchilla at Southern Queensland Rural Health’s new Aged Care Education and Training Centre based at Southern Cross Care Queensland’s Illoura Village.
Established last year, the facility is a partnership between Southern Queensland Rural Health and Southern Cross Care Queensland and gives nursing and allied health students an opportunity to work together at Illoura Village to enhance their rural education.
"It’s been an amazing experience to be the first student psychologist in Chinchilla,” Ms Brice said.
Southern Queensland Rural Health Director Associate Professor Geoff Argus said the partnership would see an increase in students coming to the town and grow the local health and aged care workforce.
“This initiative will make a difference for not only aged care residents, but also local health professionals and students on placement,” Associate Professor Argus said.
As for Rachael’s future aspirations, her excitement about permanently working rurally is getting stronger by the week.
“My experience in Chinchilla has been wonderful and shown me the huge impact that psychology can play in a rural setting – a setting that I plan to continue working well into my future career.”
The University of Southern Queensland is a premier provider of Psychology and Human Services degrees. Benefit from work integrated learning during your study, allowing you to gain real life experience in diverse service, community and welfare settings.
