Growing our own

Rural and regional Australia faces significant healthcare challenges, exacerbated by chronic workforce shortages and limited access to higher education opportunities. Uni Hub Spencer Gulf (Uni Hub) has undertaken a community-led initiative to address these gaps growing in our local health workforce. Established in 2019, Uni Hub delivers support for regional students pursuing university qualifications, focusing on locally delivered, industry-relevant education that meets the specific needs of regional communities. By partnering with universities, schools, and health networks, Uni Hub has grown from a single study centre with 15 students to five campuses supporting over 500 students, including more than 100 in health-related fields. Since 2019, Uni Hub has supported 16 local nursing and social work graduates, with an additional 70 graduates projected by 2027. Uni Hub’s model combines a whole-of-workforce perspective with dedicated student support services, including academic tutoring, placement coordination, and career guidance, ensuring students can succeed. Key to Uni Hub’s success is its focus on partnerships and advocacy. Collaborations with universities have increased accessibility to health qualifications, while persistent engagement with government has secured investment in regional training facilities. The initiative demonstrates a strengths-based, place-based approach, addressing critical workforce shortages while empowering local students to transform their communities. Growing a regional health workforce is complex, but Uni Hub’s model demonstrates that sustainable, community-driven solutions are achievable and impactful.