Annual Report 2014-2015 | Page 4

1 Message from the Chair This was the first year of a new strategic plan, which signalled our intention to continue supporting the existing rural health workforce, together with more focussed support for the next generation of health professionals. RWAV has continued to work towards ensuring sustainable health workforce solutions for communities in rural and regional Victoria. During 2015-16, 109 health professionals commenced practice in rural and regional Victoria through RWAV. Out of these, five doctors commenced practice at Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs). We introduced two new pilot training programs in 2015-16 – ABCs of Practice Sustainability and Practice Ready - to facilitate practice sustainability and improve staff retention rates. Judging from the success of these programs, they filled a gap in the market and will be continuing in 2016-17. We’re looking forward to expanding their reach into more rural and regional areas. We have welcomed two new members to the board this year; Associate Professor Alastair Mah and Ms Kaye Knight. Assoc Prof Alastair Mah has an in-depth understanding of the hospital training environment that will assist with the oversight of the new medical workforce programs. Ms Kaye Knight is a physiotherapist in Echuca, helping to expand our strategies to support rural allied health professionals. Board member Dr Wendy Bissinger’s term came to an end this year. During her time, she provided in-depth knowledge and experience working with Aboriginal communities. Wendy was a valued member of the board and we thank her for her contributions. I would also like to extend a thank you to all of my fellow board members for their continued commitment and enthusiasm. As we roll out new programs and new activities with an innovative approach to health access and sustainability, we’re very much looking forward to seeing what 2016-17 holds for RWAV. Through workforce planning and stakeholder insights, we also identified service gaps in rural and regional areas. After securing Commonwealth Government funding, we added two new outreach programs; a nutrition program and a Coordination of Indigenous Eye Health program. RWAV was also successful in its submission to administer the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services’ rural medical workforce programs. This year, we undertook a range of preparatory activities to ensure that training posts are targeted to community needs, and the program is aligned with other medical workforce initiatives. Rural Workforce Agency Victoria Dr Sue Harrison Chair Annual report 2015—16 5