Building health workforce capacity in Northern Australia

• Published in: Microbiology Australia 2022-10, Vol.43 (3), p.93-97
• Main Authors: Johnston, Michael, Smith-Vaughan, Heidi, Bowman-Derrick, Sophie, Hopkins, Jayde, McCrory, Kelly, Collins, Raelene, Marsh, Robyn, Griffiths, Kalinda, Mayo, Mark
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health; biomedical; capacity building; First Nations; health sciences; northern Australia
• ISSN: 1324-4272; 1324-4272
• DOI: 10.1071/MA22031

The Menzies Ramaciotti Regional and Remote Health Sciences Training Centre (Menzies-Ramaciotti Centre) is located within the Menzies School of Health Research (Menzies) in Darwin, Northern Territory (NT). The Menzies-Ramaciotti Centre is contributing to the development of a local health workforce in the NT, including a strong biomedical workforce. The Centre facilitates health workforce career progression for regional and remote youth, with a focus on career development for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (First Nations) youth. The Centre works in collaboration with a range of industry and education partners, who also have strong workforce development goals and a commitment to serving a vital community need to build pathways into work and study with First Nations peoples. Part of the Centre’s focus entails delivery of high-quality training in biomedical sciences, including theoretical and practical skill development in microbiology, laboratory techniques, immunology, public health, data science, allied health, and health research. The Centre uses a non-linear, strengths-based approach to training with a multiplicity of entry and exit points including high school work experience placements, traineeships, vocational placements, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate placements.