Sky’s the limit for local health students

Physiotherapist Sky Holland can easily clock up 1000 kilometres of travel every fortnight, motoring around the Walgett Shire delivering vital healthcare services from cardiac rehabilitation classes to running a fracture clinic and fitting casts.

“Growing up in Lightning Ridge, I had firsthand experience on how limited our health system was compared to metropolitan areas, experiencing frequent flights with my father when he was unwell,” said Sky.

“This drove me to want to work in the medical realm and give back to my community to provide a service here.

“I now work as a sole practitioner between three rural hospitals – Walgett, Lightning Ridge and Collarenebri, working in acute, residential aged care and the outpatient settings on a daily basis.

“My workload is generalised along all clinical realms of physiotherapy, including musculoskeletal, orthopaedic, cardiorespiratory, neurological, gender health, geriatrics and occupational health.”

The talented 28-year-old is a former recipient of the CWA Barwon Group’s Medical Grant program and Sky wants to encourage any aspiring health students from the district to apply for the amazing opportunity.

This year the CWA Barwon Group has about $15,000 to distribute to eligible applicants who have completed their first year of study at university or TAFE, in any health field, and whose principal place of residence is in the Walgett Shire or Wee Waa, Pilliga and Goodooga districts.

“I’m so appreciative of the CWA’s support,” said Sky, who received an average of $1500 per year during her six years of study.

“Every dollar counts when you’re a student. It helped me buy the required textbooks, computer gear and help towards accommodation during placements.”

The CWA Barwon Medical Grant committee was formed in 1998 to raise funds to assist local people pursuing a medical career in any health profession from nursing to social work, podiatry, speech pathology, natural health studies and more.

The main aim of the grant program is to entice graduates to return to their regional roots and set-up practice in country areas.

The application process requires students to demonstrate a strong interest in regional healthcare, write an essay of up to 1000 words and take part in a panel interview.

There is also an additional $500 prize for the best essay submission describing the needs of rural health.

The essay prize is kindly donated by the CWA’s Northumberland Group.

When it comes to health professionals returning to the regions, Sky’s story is a shining example of the grant program’s success.

Proudly raised in Lightning Ridge, Sky completed all of her schooling in the opal mining town and was school captain at Lightning Ridge Central School in Year 12.

Sky’s medical dreams became a reality when she completed a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science at Lismore’s Southern Cross University in 2015 and then a Doctor of Physiotherapy at Bond University on the Gold Coast in 2017.

Gaining invaluable experience at metropolitan hospitals and clinics, such as the Gold Coast Private Hospital, John Flynn Private and the Commonwealth Games in 2018, Sky’s resume is very impressive for her young age.

In 2018, the outback beckoned and Sky returned home to the Walgett Shire to share her skills and improve the health outcomes of its rural residents.

While Sky had completed country placements during her studies, including an internship at Lightning Ridge, the chance to work in the remote region of North West NSW was an opportunity she grabbed with both arms and still cherishes to this day despite its many challenges.

“I am a sole practitioner, but coming out here was not a shock for me, I knew what I was in for,” said Sky.
“I wanted to challenge myself.

“I’m super self-directed and I’ve always been self-motivated.”

For Sky, no two working days are ever the same but she said her interaction with the district’s kind and resilient community members is what makes her job so rewarding.

“Yes, I never know what referral is going to land on my desk, I have so much variety in my role which is always a great learning experience, I’m grateful to have a good network around me.

“My patients are always so appreciative for my care and service.

“I love being able to help people who otherwise wouldn’t have this opportunity receive physiotherapy services.”

Before Sky took up the physio position, the many people in the Walgett Shire would often have to travel hours to Dubbo or other major centres for treatment.

Larger regional and metropolitan hospitals are now able to transfer or discharge patients closer to home for ongoing acute care or outpatient follow-up.

“Before it wasn’t always easy for people to travel all the way to Dubbo for rehabilitation or they wouldn’t want to go to Dubbo for ‘just an exercise class’.

“Now people can get their rehabilitation here.”

Sky also managed to fundraise $12,000 to buy the same physio equipment available in Dubbo for patients in the Walgett Shire.

“And as of September last year, I have started cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation classes.”

The passion Sky has for improving rural health is a pursuit she hopes to pass on to other medical students and help them discover the many benefits of working and living in the bush.

On top of her other titles, Sky is now also an educator in her role as a Clinical Associate Lecturer with the University of Sydney.

“I’m proud and honoured to have this title,” said Sky.

“I take on students from the University of Sydney and the University of Newcastle and so far they’ve loved their experience out here.

“It’s a bit of an eye-opener for some, but it’s good exposure for them and also a chance to show them different skills and how it’s different to the city.

“I would encourage anyone to come out bush, it’s a very rewarding opportunity.”

For more information about the CWA Barwon grant application please contact: Sue Scoles: 0428 511 102 or [email protected] or see classifieds.