Our Mental Health and Wellbeing Team hosted the ever-popular Wellbeing Lounge, which saw a record number of visitors across the preceding expo day and the two-day conference. The Wellbeing Lounge allowed attendees to step back from the buzz of the conference, recharge, decompress and connect with new and familiar faces.
This year in the Wellbeing Lounge, favourite activities returned by popular demand, such as mindful colouring and Lego. The 3-Minute Angels gave delegates some much-deserved ‘me time’ with soothing neck and shoulder massages. We were also thrilled to welcome some special guests – wellbeing and therapy dogs Milo and Chilli from Miracle Paws.
So many of our delegates excitedly awaited their arrival; then they came to connect with them. These pawsome professionals filled the Wellbeing Lounge with smiles and calm. We even had to police our CRANAplus team, who wanted to take these gorgeous dogs home!
Our Wellness Connection Yarn was a new addition to the Wellbeing Lounge this year, drawing in engagement and much discussion as the responses grew over the conference. The Wellness Connection Yarn captured professional and demographic data and encouraged delegates to reflect on their wellbeing.
It provided insights into how people have managed their wellbeing when challenged and considered how they feel in the present. The overwhelming majority of people used strategies including physical exercise, support from family and friends, engagement with animals/pets and time outdoors to manage their wellbeing when it has been challenged.
Our team engaged in meaningful conversations about our services and resources, sharing how we support those working in rural and remote health. A significant addition this year was the option for delegates to book one-on-one sessions with our Bush Support Line Senior Psychologists, creating a safe space for professional support to address both personal and work-related challenges. As always, the Bush Support Line (1800 805 391) remained available 24/7 throughout the event, ensuring round-the-clock support.
Adding depth to this year’s program was a panel discussion led by Dr Nicole Jeffery-Dawes, Senior Psychologist for the Bush Support Line.
Titled ‘Exchanging Insights: Thriving in the Remote Health Workforce’, this session brought together experienced remote health professionals who shared their personal stories, challenges, and strategies for managing wellbeing when working in the unique and challenging environment of remote health. This discussion sparked meaningful conversations post-panel. Many attendees acknowledged how the panel members were seen as role models for normalising times when they have experienced vulnerabilities and challenges with their wellbeing, even though they have vast experience working in rural and remote environments. They felt empowered by the panel discussion to be OK with ‘not being OK’ and to prioritise their wellness journey using help and support when needed.
The conference also featured three breakout sessions dedicated to mental health and wellbeing, drawing in delegates eager to learn about the impacts of mental health
in remote health, and exploring innovative ways to support wellbeing in the challenging environment of rural and remote health. Adam Searby, Associate Professor at Monash University, shared insightful research on nurse alcohol consumption, including factors such as workplace environment, rurality and remoteness, and alcohol culture. Ann Vaughan, Health Services Manager at Harrow Bush Nursing Centre in Victoria, showcased her experience promoting wellbeing and positive connections in rural workplaces. Wayne Horwood, Psychotherapist, and Karen Cribb, Registered Nurse, both from IPL Queensland, discussed small changes in the workplace that can lead to excellent outcomes, improving wellbeing and openness to discuss suicide, specifically in remote mining locations. As part of the main conference program, Tiyana Gostelow from Safeside Suicide Prevention presented evidence-based suicide prevention skills applicable to the rural health workforce.
It was evident from the high levels of participation in these sessions and activities that workforce wellbeing is a priority issue for the rural and remote health workforce.
If you could benefit from mental health support, call one of our experienced rural and remote psychologists on the Bush Support Line. This service is available 24/7 for the rural and remote health workforce, their families and students on 1800 805 391.
Stephanie Cooper,
Bush Support Line Manager I Psychologist
