Bundaberg is set to host the Queensland Regional Medical Specialty Conference for the next three years thanks to Bundaberg Regional Council’s support.
Led by Dr Anthony Murray from Town and Country Orthopaedics in Bundaberg, the conference will bring together regional medical specialists and general practitioners to discuss the challenges of regional medicine.
Dr Murray said the conference would offer an opportunity for ongoing continuing medical education, discussion around current and emerging medical topics and best practice.
“We hope to bring people together to contribute to what will hopefully be a key part of Bundaberg’s medical history, by strengthening our regional and local connections and discussing regional medicine together,” he said.
“It gives those medical practitioners, both local and from further afield, who normally wouldn’t get an opportunity to meet face-to-face, with a format of teaching, education and open discussion.
“It also gives an opportunity for us to display Bundaberg to those doctors, healthcare providers and medical students that may be considering our fantastic town as a career move and the opportunities that exist in subspecialty medicine right here, as opposed to classical metropolitan areas.”
Council has waived fees and will provide in-kind support for the conference to be held at the Bundaberg Multiplex Sport and Convention Centre, pledging sponsorship of up to $28,000 in value over 3 years.
Mayor Helen Blackburn said the event was expected to attract up to 200 delegates, bringing significant advantage to the Bundaberg Region.
“Supporting events like the Queensland Regional Medical Specialty Conference is a high priority on Council’s economic development strategy for the multilevel benefits such events bring to the community,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“This conference will be a huge boost for local medical professionals, providing opportunities for education, networking and the sharing of ideas with fellow practitioners.
“It will also showcase the region’s lifestyle and liveability to out of town medical professionals and create opportunities for medical and clinical recruitment.
“This is in addition to the economic benefits for the region from the increase in tourism and associated spend at local businesses by visiting delegates.”
Dr Murray said Council’s support was vital to getting the conference off the ground.
“The Bundaberg Regional Council has been nothing short of spectacular in their belief in this vision, to provide a spectacular regional showcase of healthcare to our local partners,” he said.
“We are fortunate in Bundaberg to have council leadership that has foresight to support a system of recruitment and retention of the very best medical and allied health staff.
“Council allowing us usage of the Multiplex centre, and in kind support has shown both generosity and insight.”
The Queensland Regional Medical Specialty Conference will be held on Saturday 28 March at the Bundaberg Multiplex Sport and Convention Centre.
The conference will have over 25 speakers including specialist hip and knee replacement surgeon Dr Anthony Murray, specialist respiratory physician Dr Rebecca Byrnes, radiation oncologist Dr Gerry Adams and specialist general practitioner Prof. Brad Murphy.
Tickets are on sale now at https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1515222.
I think we need to sort out the flights to and out Of Bundaberg to attract more meducal staff here
A great idea to get them together when that seldom happens, they usually only get to talk by phone or email etc., never in-person.
By allowing the doctors free use of the Multiplex Centre that advertises Bundaberg.
This sounds like a really needed shot in the arm! I’m glad that there will be many in attendance! Great plans!