The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) is proud to see its Rural Generalists doctors playing a central role in the inaugural First Nations-led Single Employer Model (SEM) trial in Charleville, Queensland - a landmark initiative strengthening healthcare in rural, remote and First Nations communities.

The $2.4 million trial, delivered by Charleville and Western Areas Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health (CWAATSICH) in partnership with the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC), is the first SEM trial led by an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO).

ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says the College is proud to stand alongside community partners in delivering innovative, locally led solutions that grow the Rural Generalist workforce where it is needed most.

“This First Nations-led Single Employer Model trial represents exactly the kind of community-driven approach that strengthens and sustains a skilled Rural Generalist workforce,” Dr Martin says.

“ACRRM is proud that our doctors are at the heart of this initiative — training, working and embedding themselves within the Charleville community.

Two ACRRM Rural Generalist registrars, Dr Kate Cook and Dr Andrew Dalton, are the first to undertake training as part of the trial, gaining experience across CWAATSICH, the South West Hospital and Health Service, and the local GP practice, Acacia Country Practice where they will be supervised by ACRRM Fellows Dr Katie Chang and Dr Paul Chang.

“Dr Cook and Dr Dalton demonstrate the commitment Rural Generalists bring to rural and remote communities,” Dr Martin says.

“Training within an ACCHO under a Single Employer Model provides employment security, structured leave entitlements and strong community integration — making Rural Generalist medicine an attractive, viable and sustainable long-term career choice.”

Dr Martin says ACRRM is committed to working in genuine partnership with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations to support Closing the Gap and improve long-term health outcomes for First Nations peoples.

“When Rural Generalists train and practise within these services, we build clinical capability, continuity of care and deep community connection. That is how we create lasting workforce stability in rural and remote Australia.”

ACRRM looks forward to supporting the Charleville trial and seeing its outcomes inform broader expansion of the Single Employer Model across rural and remote communities nationwide.