Growing our own: A Community-led Approach to Building a Local Health Workforce

Kalie Ashenden; Rhys Millington

doi:10.47381/aijre.v35i1.780

Growing our own

A Community-led Approach to Building a Local Health Workforce

Authors

Kalie Ashenden Uni Hub Spencer Gulf https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9312-9945
Rhys Millington Uni Hub Spencer Gulf https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2758-9948

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47381/aijre.v35i1.780

Keywords:

community-led, rural health workforce, nursing, allied health, social work

Abstract

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.

Author Biography

Kalie Ashenden, Uni Hub Spencer Gulf

With qualifications in psychology, business, and counselling, Kalie is enthusiastic about adding value to health services in regional South Australian communities. Her 20-year career in leadership includes roles in health, aged care, veteran support, youth engagement and employment services. Kalie has a private counselling practice and considers herself lucky to also be part of the Uni Hub Spencer Gulf team. She is inspired by Uni Hub's work with partner universities, local schools and industry, and health networks, which contribute to the growth of a robust local health workforce.

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Published

11-03-2025

How to Cite

Ashenden, K., & Millington, R. (2025). Growing our own: A Community-led Approach to Building a Local Health Workforce. Australian and International Journal of Rural Education, 35(1), 84–89. https://doi.org/10.47381/aijre.v35i1.780

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Issue

Vol. 35 No. 1 (2025): Rural Education for Regional and Community Development

Section

RURAL CONNECTIONS: CELEBRATING SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES

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