Thursday, March 20, 2025

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Celebrating Women Powering Our Health Services

Earlier this month, Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) celebrated the dedication of the more than 3,300 women who play a vital role in delivering healthcare across the region.

From frontline professionals to behind-the-scenes specialists, these women are the backbone of the health service—saving lives, driving innovation, and shaping the future of healthcare. As part of International Women’s Day (March 8) and Queensland Women’s Week, teams across Mackay HHS wore purple to show their support and acknowledge the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women in health.

Among those recognised was rural operations manager Amelia Elliott, a shining example of leadership and career progression in health support.

Amelia’s journey in Queensland Health began over a decade ago as a business manager at Roma Hospital, where she gained firsthand experience in the vital role rural hospitals play in small communities. Since moving to Mackay in 2017, she has held multiple business management roles at Mackay Base Hospital before returning to her passion—rural healthcare.

Now, as Mackay HHS rural operations manager, Amelia’s work spans seven rural hospitals, ensuring seamless patient care through patient travel assistance, HR guidance, corporate governance, financial practices, and funding opportunities. She played a key role in the 2023 refurbishment project at Collinsville MPHS, which upgraded aged care facilities with ensuite bathrooms, improving comfort and dignity for residents.

A crucial part of her role is bridging the gap between rural facilities and Mackay Base Hospital, ensuring patients across Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday communities receive the care they need.

During Queensland Women’s Week, Amelia encouraged other women to consider careers in rural health, highlighting the strong teamwork, diverse opportunities, and meaningful impact of working in these essential roles.

Mackay HHS was proud to recognise and celebrate the incredible women who make healthcare possible, honouring their expertise, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of local communities.

Amelia Elliott

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