Training post spotlight
- Location: Kununurra, WA
- Accredited: 10+ years
- Training opportunities: General practice and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health AST + Emergency Medicine, Inpatient Care, Obstetrics, Anaesthetics at the hospital
If you're looking for a training post that offers broad clinical exposure, strong supervision and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, Wunan Health & Well-Being Centre in Kununurra should be on your radar.
Located in the heart of Western Australia's East Kimberley region, Wunan Health is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) delivering comprehensive primary healthcare to Kununurra, Wyndham, Halls Creek and surrounding communities. As part of the Wunan Foundation, the organisation operates as a social enterprise, meaning its work extends beyond healthcare to support Aboriginal community empowerment, employment and long-term social change.
For Rural Generalist (RG) registrars, this creates a training experience that is both professionally rewarding and deeply connected to community.
Why train at Wunan Health?
- Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO)
- ACRRM-accredited training post for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Advanced Specialised Training (AST)
- Shared hospital and GP training opportunities
- Dedicated cultural safety and cultural supervision program
- Strong exam success and Fellowship outcomes
- Supportive supervision and protected teaching time
A truly broad scope training experience
Wunan Health has been training ACRRM registrars for more than a decade and is known for providing diverse clinical exposure across general practice, First Nations health, chronic disease management, mental health, aged care, women's health and preventive medicine.
Registrars can also undertake shared positions with Kununurra District Hospital and Ord Valley Aboriginal Health Service, providing valuable experience across emergency medicine, inpatient care, Aboriginal health, obstetrics and anaesthetics.
One of the unique strengths of this set up is the continuity of care it offers.
Registrars may see patients in the emergency department, then continue caring for them in general practice, building long-term relationships while developing a deeper understanding of rural healthcare.
Supported to succeed
Wunan Health has built a reputation for creating a supportive learning environment where registrars are encouraged to thrive.
Protected teaching, study leave, dedicated supervisor time and strong collaboration between training sites ensure registrars receive the support they need throughout their training journey.
The practice is also one of the few training posts to provide a dedicated cultural safety program, including cultural supervision alongside clinical supervision. This helps registrars build confidence delivering culturally responsive care while working with one of Australia's most diverse and culturally rich communities.
The experienced supervision team is led by Dr Stephanie Trust, a Gidja/Walmajarri GP with extensive experience in remote primary care, Aboriginal health and rural medicine.
Why registrars stay
The strongest endorsement of any training post is the number of registrars who choose to remain after attaining Fellowship.
Since 2016, Wunan Health has supported more than 20 RG registrars through part or all of their training. Six former registrars have remained in Kununurra after Fellowship, with several continuing to work across Wunan Health, the local hospital and Aboriginal health services.
Former registrar and now FACRRM, Dr Kate O'Hare, says the supportive culture was central to her experience.
"I was welcomed in by a kind team, nurtured in those first few months especially and made to feel like a valued team member. Dr Steph was so supportive throughout my training and never made me feel like a burden."
FACRRM Dr Davina Oates agrees.
"I loved the work and the town so much I stayed on and became a Supervisor. We have an incredible track record of Wunan registrars passing their ACRRM exams. You can't do better than Wunan Health as a GP reg – it's got everything you want and need."
For registrars seeking exceptional clinical exposure, strong mentorship, cultural learning opportunities and the chance to become part of a vibrant community, Wunan Health offers a training experience unlike any other.
Meet the supervisors
Dr Stephanie Trust – (Principal Supervisor), Clinical Director, MBBS FRACGP, DAME, GAICD
A Gidja/ Walmajarri General Practitioner with a passion for remote primary health, Aboriginal health, aviation medicine and chronic disease management. She is a long-term supervisor and cultural mentor for GP registrars and medical students and a strong advocate for Aboriginal Health Worker Practitioners. Most recently Dr Stephanie was awarded GP of the Year at the 2024 WA Rural Health Excellence Awards. Dr Steph also currently chairs Rural Healthwest’s Aboriginal Advisory Committee.
Dr Alice Fitzgerald – (Additional Supervisor), General Practitioner, MBBS, FACRRM, FRACGP, RANZCOG Associate, MPHTM, GAICD
Dr Alice Fitzgerald is a proud Rural Generalist with advanced skills in obstetrics and is a dual fellow of ACRRM and RACGP. Dr Alice has been living in Kununurra since 2017 and after a break for travel and parental leave, re-established regular work at Wunan Health whilst continuing to support the obstetric/emergency department teams at Kununurra Hospital alongside supervising and training medical students through the Rural Clinical School of WA.
Dr Alice has been a supervisor of GP registrars since 2019 and is a strong advocate for supporting local trainees to work and thrive in the community. Dr Alice can provide shared antenatal care, women’s health, Implanon and IUD insertion/removal along with minor excisions and the usual scope of general practice work. Dr Alice enjoys supervising Rural Generalists as she had such a positive experience during training and am passionate about passing that experience on. Dr Alice loves the community in which she lives and works and supervising future rural generalists is important to her to try and sustain a future local workforce.
Telehealth supervisors:
- Dr Julia Matassa, General Practitioner, MBBS, FRACGP, FACRRM
- Dr Amanda Gibbons, General Practitioner, MBMS, FRACGP, RANZCOG Associate
Practice manager
Suzette Chemello has been at the practice since mid-2014. Suzette is the 2025 national winner of ACRRM’s Outstanding Contribution to Rural Practice Management Award. Part of her nomination, completed by a past GP registrar.
ACRRM President, Dr Rod Martin stated "Suzette's contribution goes far beyond administration. Known as the "heart of the practice," she fosters a workplace where staff feel supported, connected, and cared for — creating a positive environment that has underpinned the clinic's success and stability, and has kept her community connected".
About Kununurra
Interested in training in Kununurra? Explore more about the region and discover what life and training in the East Kimberley could look like.