Western Downs Region

Latest News

Would you like to train for a Future in Health? New Courses Now on Offer in your area!

RHealth in partnership with Health Industry Training Queensland (HITQ) is offering funded training through the Skilling Queensladers for Work Productivity Places Program. Places are available for eligible participants to complete a full qualification in Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance, Certificate III in Health Support Services, Certificate III in Health Services Assistance or Certificate III in Home and Community Care.

Training will be starting in Chinchilla from 30 January 2012. For more information or to enrol, contact RHealth on 4638 1377 and visit the Training Page here for course brochures

Introducing RHealth's Good Food Choices Program

With 1 in 3 meals being purchased or prepared outside the home it is up to the community to create supportive environments for healthy eating and RHealth is leading this challenge with Good Food Choices, a Community Nutrition Program. This Pilot Program is up-and-running in Chinchilla and Kingaroy and aims to increase the consumption of healthy food outside the home.

Visit the Program Page here

The Region
Key towns in the Western Downs Region include Chinchilla, Dalby, Jandowae, Miles, Tara, Taroom and Wandoan. The Region is classified as remote, rural and regional and includes the Western Downs Regional Council area as well as a small section of the Banana Shire Council area at Taroom. The total land area for the Region is 38,004 square kilometres, which is more than half the size of the state of Tasmania.
 
Key Demographics
  • Total population: 32,569
  • Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander: 4.5%
  • Born overseas: 4.9%
  • Aged less than 15 years: 21.8%
  • Aged over 65 years: 13.0%
  • Australian Bureau of Statistics (2006 Census Data)
 
Health Services
 
RHealth Services
  • Regional Office located in Chinchilla
  • Chinchilla Chapter and Dalby Chapter
  • Allied Health services
  • Mental Health services
  • Fortnightly visits by Mental Health Accredited Social Worker in Chinchilla and Miles - available through GP referral
  • Visiting Specialist services available in Chinchilla
  • Healthy Lifestyles Officer based in Chinchilla, servicing the Western Downs
  • Community Nutritionist based in Chinchilla, servicing the Western Downs
  • Western Downs Communities Network - establishing member and current auspice of Network Coordinator  
  • Western Downs Good Food Choices  

Visit the Primary Health Care Services section for more information and visit the Events and Education section to see what is on in your area