Students explore allied health careers at Maryborough ‘Come and Try Day’.

Local healthcare, education and government partners unite to show career pathways for regional students.

Maryborough District Health Service and Goldfields Local Learning & Employment Network (Goldfields LLEN) are teaming up with local schools to deliver a unique hands-on industry immersion event aimed at inspiring the next generation of allied health professionals.

The Allied Health ‘Come and Try Day’ on Wednesday 20 August at Maryborough Hospital, brings together Year 9 and 10 students from Maryborough Education Centre and Highview College for a half-day of interactive learning.

Students will take part in practical workshops across a range of allied health fields including physiotherapy, exercise physiology, speech therapy, dietetics and occupational therapy.

They’ll also hear directly from local clinicians during a panel discussion, where professionals will share their career journeys and answer student questions.

Running for the second time in the Central Goldfields, the program is a strong example of collaboration between healthcare providers, education providers and government to strengthen career pathways and build a sustainable regional health workforce.

“In its second year of delivery, the Allied Health ‘Come and Try Day’ continues to provide Maryborough students with valuable, hands-on experiences that open their eyes to the diverse careers in this vital and growing sector,” said Dave Burton, Executive Officer, Goldfields LLEN.

“It’s inspiring to see local health services, education providers and industry professionals working together to create opportunities that can spark ambition and guide young people towards rewarding futures in allied health,” he said.

Allied health professionals make up nearly a third of the healthcare workforce and play a vital role in supporting physical, social and mental wellbeing.

With 27 professions recognised under the allied health umbrella in Victoria, the event helps students discover the diversity of rewarding careers available — many of which are less visible than traditional roles like nursing or medicine.

“We know that country kids who train locally are much more likely to return to rural jobs,” said Maddy Jeffrey, Allied Health Educator at Maryborough District Health Service.

“This program helps students see what’s possible in building a meaningful career right here in their own community, and that benefits everyone.”

Maddy began her own career as an occupational therapist and now works in the MDHS Learning, Education and Development (LEAD) team.

She said it’s important for students to understand there’s more than one way into the field.

“Most people think of doctors and nurses when they think of healthcare, but there are more than 20 other fields in allied health,” said Ms Jeffrey.

“We want students to know about the range of careers available, and that there are different ways to get there. A four-year degree is one pathway, but many of our staff started as allied health assistants or in nursing, or were inspired by personal experiences.”

The initiative is proudly supported by Rural Workforce Agency Victoria and aligns with the Loddon Campaspe Health Sector – Skills and Pathways Road Map (2021).

The roadmap calls for stronger links between industry, educators and training providers to address workforce shortages and shift perceptions of rural health careers.

Kate Temby, General Manager, Strategy and Partnerships at the Rural Workforce Agency Victoria (RWAV) said, “RWAV is dedicated to improving health service access for rural, regional and Aboriginal communities by supporting, recruiting and retaining the health workforce these areas need.

“Allied health is a cornerstone of that mission, delivering essential care that supports the physical, social, and mental wellbeing of our communities,” said Ms Temby.

“Allied Health ‘Come and Try Days’ are a powerful and engaging way for local students to discover the diverse career pathways in this growing field, connect with professionals and be inspired to make a difference.

“RWAV is proud to sponsor an event that sparks inspiration and helps build the future allied health workforce for rural Victoria,” she said.

Issued by MDHS in partnership with Goldfields Local Learning and Employment Network and supported by Rural Workforce Agency Victoria.