William "Billy" Jarrett, 31, is thrilled to be back in the region, surrounded by family and familiar faces after a diverse and enriching career path. As a fourth-generation Mackay local, William, who hails from a family with deep roots in agriculture, is eager to contribute to the community that shaped him.
"It's great to be back in the region after all these years away," William said, reflecting on his journey from growing up in Mackay to working across regional Australia.
"I'm pretty happy to stick around for a long time."
A 2010 graduate of Whitsunday Anglican School, William's academic journey began with a passion for animals and rural life. He pursued his veterinary studies at James Cook University (JCU), graduating in 2015 and winning the prestigious JCU Cattleman’s Award.
Afterwards, William spent several years as a dairy and beef cattle vet, working in Northern Victoria and the Margaret River region of Western Australia. During this time, he discovered his interest in rural medicine, which would ultimately lead him to a career change.
"I really am interested in rural medicine, and I think a regional area with all of the smaller rural towns gives you a really good opportunity to get some training in rural general medicine," he shared.
This passion for rural healthcare was a driving force behind his decision to switch careers and pursue medicine. While JCU didn’t offer a four-year medical doctorate, he enrolled in a medical degree at Notre Dame University in Perth, completing his studies in November 2024 with distinction.
Having lived in places like Weipa, Kyabram, and Kununurra, he appreciates the challenges and rewards of working in remote areas.
"I’m not really going out of the Mackay Whitsundays for a long, long time," he said with certainty.
As an intern starting a 22-week stint at Proserpine Hospital, William looks forward to applying his training in rural medicine. He finds particular joy in connecting with people from all walks of life, especially the older generation.
"My favourite part of the job is definitely talking to people, particularly the older generation.
“I think it's all of our duty to look after our elders, no matter who you are," he said.
Having been accepted into the Queensland Health Rural Generalist GP program, William is committed to improving the lives of regional people.
"There's so much to achieve and so much to be part of in the rural and regional lifestyle," he added.
With his experience and enthusiasm, it's clear that William is keen to make a lasting impact in the Mackay region.
William "Billy" Jarrett, 31, a fourth-generation Mackay local, is excited to return to his roots and contribute to his community through rural medicine after a diverse career journey. Photos supplied
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