Summary
The future of rural healthcare research was on full display when South West Health hosted its inaugural Better Rural Care Research Symposium in Roma on 9 September 2026.
Bringing together clinicians, researchers, students, consumers and health service partners from across Queensland, the symposium provided a unique opportunity to celebrate innovation, share ideas and showcase the growing research culture across the South West. Held at the Explorers Inn, the event welcomed 52 attendees in person and five participants online, highlighting strong interest in research and quality improvement across rural and remote healthcare.
The symposium's theme, "Big dreams, sure steps", reflected a shared commitment to building research capability and empowering local clinicians to explore innovative solutions that improve health outcomes for their communities.
Research Governance Coordinator, Nikkie Kajewski, said the overwhelming response demonstrated the enthusiasm that exists across the workforce to engage in research and learn from one another.
"The symposium was about showing our staff that research isn't something that only happens in metropolitan centres or universities. Research can start with a simple question, a local challenge or an idea to improve patient care," Nikkie said.
"What we saw throughout the day was a genuine passion for learning, collaboration and finding better ways to deliver care for our rural and remote communities. It was incredibly inspiring to bring so many people together to share their experiences and celebrate the amazing work already happening across South West Health."
Attendees heard from a diverse range of presenters, including local clinicians, researchers, university partners and First Nations voices, with many highlighting the value of hearing directly from South West staff who are leading research and quality improvement projects in their own communities.
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees describing the event as inspiring, insightful, and relevant.
One attendee shared, "I am inspired and plan now to commence my research journey. I look forward to next year and plan to have the beginnings of a project to share."
Another praised the event's delivery, noting that "the program was exceptionally put together, well organised and professionally run."
A particular highlight of the symposium was the celebration of local achievements through the Better Rural Care Research Awards. The awards recognised individuals who are making a significant contribution to research and innovation across the South West, while also encouraging others to take their first steps into research.
For Nikkie, the success of the symposium was not measured solely by attendance numbers but by the conversations, connections and ideas that emerged throughout the day.
"People left feeling inspired, connected and excited about what's possible. If even a handful of attendees go on to start a research project, join a study or explore a quality improvement idea because of this event, then we've achieved something really meaningful," she said.
The symposium also highlighted the importance of partnerships between South West Health, universities, other health services and community members, demonstrating how collaboration can strengthen research opportunities and ultimately benefit patients closer to home.
South West Health Executive Director Medical Services and Clinical Governance Dr Carl de Wet said the symposium represented an important milestone in the organisation's research journey.
"The Better Rural Care Research Symposium showcases the talent, curiosity and innovation that already exists within our workforce. By supporting our clinicians to ask questions, explore ideas and pursue solutions, we are helping create better rural care for the communities we serve," he said.
The symposium forms part of South West Health's broader commitment to strengthening research capability, fostering partnerships and translating local ideas into better outcomes for rural communities.
Following the success of this year's event, planning is already underway to build on the momentum and establish the symposium as a flagship annual event for South West Health.
Staff interested in becoming involved in research, quality improvement projects or learning more about available support and mentoring opportunities are encouraged to contact the Research Team at SWHHS_Research@health.qld.gov.au or via Research Expression of Interest.
As the inaugural symposium demonstrated, big dreams really do begin with sure steps, and the future of rural health research in the South West is brighter than ever.