What Helps New Health Graduates Stay in a Rural Area?

Support, connection, education and a sense of community – that’s exactly what we set out to foster through the Cultivate Program with a group of young allied health graduates in the South West.

We believe that with the right mix of support, new graduates who are adjusting to rural life can put down roots, stay local in their healthcare professions, and help grow the South West workforce.

Over three months and seven sessions, the group came together for fortnightly meals, discussions and activities, with UDRH SW mentors Ari and Abigail who helped normalise the challenges of the new graduate experience while offering guidance and support. Along the way, the group built genuine friendships and meaningful community connections, enjoying board game nights, trivia nights and casual catch-ups together.

The program concluded with the group presenting a photo journal reflecting on the past few months as they settled into the community, engaged in a range of local events, sports and activities, and began establishing themselves in their new careers.

Hear what the participants had to say about the Cultivate Program:

“It’s given a group of people a way to go out and try to immerse themselves in the community rather than one person trying to do it themselves. So I think it’s definitely given me a lot more avenues to connect to the community.” 

“It’s knowing you’re not doing badly, you’re just a new grad. So, I think it was nice to know when I wasn’t doing anything wrong at work; it was just the fact that I was learning.”

“ I really valued Abigail and Ari and the years of experience and hindsight that they brought to the conversations as well. They were both extremely encouraging, non-judgmental, and did a really good job in fostering a welcoming environment I found self-reflection difficult, however extremely valuable.” 

Keep your eye out for next intake for cultivate program 2027!