Healthy Outback Communities (HOC)
Healthy Outback Communities (HOC) is a new approach to health and wellbeing for Western Queensland's channel country region. It is currently being rolled out in the Barcoo Shire.
HOC will ensure residents have greater access to preventative health and wellness services and it will complement existing local clinics, Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) doctor days, and visiting allied health services.
Boulia, Healthy Outback Communities (HOC) is Coming for YOU!
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Boulia, mark your calendars for a day that promises to be much more than just fun!
On Saturday, 16 November, from 11 a.m, the Boulia Shire Hall will host the Boulia Family Fun Day with Healthy Outback Communities (HOC) and joining in. In a special treat for footy fans, former NRL star Darius Boyd will be joining us for an unforgettable day of football fun and inspiration.
Free Health Checks
HOC and Healthy Outback Kids will be offering complimentary health checks, making this event a fantastic opportunity to take proactive steps for your and your family’s well-being. Regular health screenings can detect concerns early, so make sure to take advantage of this valuable service.
Information Stands from Local Health & Community Services
Boulia’s local health and community service providers will have information stands, ready to answer questions, provide resources, and connect you to services available year-round. Whether you’re looking for support, advice, or simply curious about what’s available, these teams are here to help.
Activities for Kids and Football Fun with Darius Boyd
Alongside activities for kids of all ages, football fans will get to experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet and play with Darius Boyd. His presence brings an exciting energy to the event and underscores the importance of sports, physical activity, and resilience for healthy living.
Complimentary Food, Giveaways & Entertainment
Good food, great giveaways, and plenty of entertainment will keep everyone engaged throughout the day. This isn’t just a day out; it’s a gathering of community spirit, where neighbours and friends come together to celebrate and support each other.
So bring the whole family along for a day filled with fun, health, and community connection. Boulia, HOC is here for you — let’s make the most of it!
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Quick Links
Virtual Health and Wellbeing Hub
What’s happening in community
Why Healthy Outback Communities
Health Sector Resources
Health Engine - Barcoo book an appointment online
Health Engine - RFDS how to book an appointment
Virtual Health and Wellbeing Hub – now open!
Take stock of your health and wellbeing in three easy steps:
Led by RFDS (Queensland Section), the Hub is a free confidential telehealth service that:
- offers appointments for your Personal Wellbeing Plan, a regular check-up, or more complex health issues
- connects you to a HOC Wellbeing Team made up of RFDS doctors and nurses
- links to your health record and medical history the same way as visiting an RFDS clinic.
Fun Run N Ride, Jundah, 28 June
Healthy Outback Communities was delighted to be a sponsor of this successful and fun wellness event that attracted many local participants. Hosted by the Jundah Camel Races and Recreational Club. Watch out for this becoming an annual event.
Barcoo shire launch
In late April we hosted our very first Healthy Outback Community Day in Windorah, Barcoo Shire. This marked the official launch of HOC, and it was a wonderful day as over 100 people came together, including Barcoo residents, HOC Alliance partners, and health and community service providers.
NRL legend Darius Boyd joined in the activities and shared his wellness journey and there were free health checks, wellbeing information, arts and crafts and children’s activities.
Thank you to everyone involved in the event!
See the video of the Healthy Outback Communities Day, Barcoo
See the photos of the Healthy Outback Communities Day, Barcoo
Why Healthy Outback Communities?
On average, regional and remote Australians have shorter lives, higher levels of disease and injury, and poorer access to and use of health services, compared with people living in metropolitan areas.
Western Queensland channel country spans almost 220,000 sq km, equivalent to the size of Victoria, and 13% of the state’s total land area. The 1,100 residents of these communities do not have a locally based doctor or pharmacy. The communities rely heavily on the local nurse, visiting health services and the RFDS.
The HOC team connects residents to locally tailored wellbeing services to support physical, social and emotional wellbeing. HOC is established by the Western Queensland Primary Health Network and is delivered by an Alliance:
See the video explaining Healthy Outback Communities
Join the Healthy Outback Club
Staying healthy and well in the outback can be tough. We invite you to join this new Healthy Outback Club that has a focus on staying well rather than treating illness, and helps you get tailored support to foster a healthy lifestyle.
Health Sector Resources
Feedback
We welcome your feedback, either compliment, complaint or suggestions for improvement.
Contact
Email hoc@wqphn.com.au to stay connected with your local Barcoo HOC Team:
Jundah – Maree Pitman
Windorah – Abby Geiger
For more information about HOC contact Gayle Lancaster, HOC Responder, at gayle.lancaster@wqphn.com.au or call 0417 411 439
Paving our way towards healthier Western Queensland communities.
Credits
The WQPHN website was developed and is maintained by Michael R.G. Hughes of Extremely Geeky.
Disclaimer
While the Australian Government Department of Health has contributed to the funding of this website, the information on this website does not necessarily reflect the views of the Australian Government and is not advice that is provided, or information that is endorsed, by the Australian Government. The Australian Government is not responsible in negligence or otherwise for any injury, loss or damage however arising from the use of or the reliance on the information provided on this website.