Helping families welcome their babies closer to home is one of the achievements Dr Jemma Nokes is most proud of. 

The Rural Generalist Obstetrician, based in Weipa, played a key role in the successful return of birthing services to the Western Cape York region in 2024 and has now been selected to attend the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine's (ACRRM) Emerging Leaders Conference in Adelaide from 18–20 October 2026. 

Dr Nokes says restoring local maternity services has shown what can be achieved when healthcare teams work closely with communities. 

"Being part of the team that brought birthing services back to Weipa has been one of the highlights of my career," Dr Nokes says. 

"I'm passionate about ensuring women and families in rural, remote and First Nations communities can access high-quality, culturally safe care closer to home." 

Originally trained as an engineer before pursuing medicine, Dr Nokes says her career has always been driven by solving complex problems and finding practical ways to improve people's lives. 

Today she combines that systems-thinking approach with a passion for Rural Generalist medicine, helping strengthen maternity services, improve healthcare pathways and support the next generation of Rural Generalist doctors. 

"I believe Rural Generalists are well placed to understand and connect with their communities by being present, listening and working alongside First Nations Health Workers and local healthcare teams," Dr Nokes says. 

ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says Dr Nokes' work demonstrates the enormous impact Rural Generalists can have on communities. 

"Helping re-establish birthing services in Weipa is a remarkable achievement and reflects Dr Nokes' commitment to improving healthcare where it is needed most," Dr Martin says. 

"The Emerging Leaders Conference will help her continue building the leadership skills needed to strengthen healthcare for rural, remote and First Nations communities." 

Dr Nokes says she hopes the conference will provide new ideas, practical leadership skills and lasting professional connections that she can bring back to Cape York. 

"I'm passionate about building strong healthcare teams and creating opportunities that improve access to care for rural and remote communities," she says.