Health
Care for Community: Explore Careers in Health
Discover the Greater Whitsunday Health Industry.
Health is at the heart of our communities — it’s a people-focused industry that supports wellbeing, saves lives, and offers rewarding careers that truly make a difference.
The Greater Whitsunday region is home to a wide range of health services spanning hospitals, aged care, allied health, mental health, and community support. It includes six public hospitals and several private and multi-purpose healthcare facilities, ensuring a broad range of services and career opportunities across urban and regional centres.[1]
With a growing and ageing population, the demand for skilled professionals is rising—creating opportunities not only in clinical roles, but in technology, support, administration, and public health.

Why Consider a Career in Health?
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Make a Real Impact
Work in an industry that changes lives every day, where your role—no matter the level—contributes to individual and community wellbeing.
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Diverse Roles for All Interests
Whether you’re into science, people, data, or hands-on care, there’s a place for you in health. From nursing to nutrition, pathology to physiotherapy, the roles are varied and rewarding.
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Always Evolving
Health is one of the fastest growing sectors in Australia. Innovations in digital health, AI diagnostics, telehealth, and personalised medicine are reshaping how care is delivered.
Industry Insights
Did you know healthcare is Australia’s largest and fastest-growing industry, employing over 2.2 million people. That’s one in every seven working Australians helping to care for our communities, support wellbeing, and advance medical innovation. And it’s not slowing down with the industry expected to add approximately 585,000 jobs by 2034! Some of the biggest growth areas include aged and disability care, mental health support, nursing, and allied health services like physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech pathology. [2]
Looking at our region, did you know Mackay Base Hospital is one of the largest and most advanced regional hospitals in Queensland? Not only does it deliver a wide range of healthcare services to the Greater Whitsunday region, but it also serves as a major teaching and training hub. With access to cutting-edge facilities and dozens of clinical specialties—from emergency and paediatrics to surgical and mental health care—students and professionals can build careers, upskill, and gain real-world experience right here in the region. [3]
Exciting Career Opportunities in Health
Health is more than hospitals—it’s a vast ecosystem of professionals supporting care across communities, homes, clinics, and digital platforms. No matter your interest or background, you’ll find a path that fits. Here are some of the spaces where you could build your career:
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Clinical & Allied Health
Help people recover, stay healthy, and live better by providing hands-on care, rehabilitation, or treatment. Whether you’re in scrubs, on the wards, or in a therapy room, you’re making a direct impact every day.
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Aged, Disability & Mental Health Support
Support people with varying needs to live fulfilling, independent lives. This work is all about building strong connections, providing personal care, and helping individuals navigate daily life with dignity and confidence.
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Public & Community Health
Work at the frontline of prevention and education — from running health programs to supporting community outreach and tackling health inequalities.
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Health Administration & Support Services
Keep the health system moving behind the scenes. This includes coordinating patient care, managing records, and making sure services run smoothly and efficiently.
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Digital Health & Innovation
Be part of the future of healthcare through AI, data, virtual care, and medical technology. This space blends problem-solving with purpose, shaping how care is delivered.
Explore what a future in
Health could look like
Explore the Heart of Health Careers!
Curious about what it’s really like to work in health? Let’s take a closer look at the opportunities and how they could shape your future.

Real People, Real Impact: Stories from the Frontline
Meet local health professionals who are building fulfilling careers and helping create healthier communities across the region. These dedicated individuals are the everyday heroes of our healthcare system—committed to caring for others, embracing innovation, and strengthening the wellbeing of the Greater Whitsunday region.
Find Out More About Health and Potential Careers
The health industry is vital to the wellbeing of our region—offering a wide variety of career paths and opportunities to truly make a difference. Check out these resources to see how the sector is growing and how you can be part of it:
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Choose Your Own Health Career
Explore the growing world of health careers—featuring in-demand roles, future growth areas, key skills, career pathways, and real-life stories.
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Healthcare is Everywhere
Check out this interactive resource that allows you to explore the healthcare system and the variety of jobs within the health industry.
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Health Career Case Studies
Careers in primary health care are diverse and rewarding. Hear from real people in the field and discover if it’s the right fit for you. See where a health career could take you.
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Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
Discover the aged care and disability services sector and find out how to kick-start your career here.
Want to learn more about study and career pathways?
Explore regional options and find out who to contact for more information here.
Step into a world of care, connection, and purpose—could you find your future in Health?
Keep exploring to see where your future could take you
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Doctor
Diagnose and treat illness, support health and wellbeing, and make a real difference in people’s lives every day.
As a doctor, you’ll assess patients, order tests, provide treatment plans, and offer ongoing care. Depending on your specialty, you might work in general practice, emergency care, surgery, paediatrics, or mental health. You’ll communicate clearly with patients, explain diagnoses, and make decisions in high-pressure situations. Technology and innovation are improving how care is delivered, with digital health records and AI-driven diagnostics enhancing accuracy and efficiency.
In the Greater Whitsunday region, Doctors are vital in delivering quality care across urban, rural, and remote settings. You may work in hospitals, private practices, Aboriginal medical services, or community clinics, contributing to healthier communities through a wide range of healthcare services.
What you might do day-to-day:
- Diagnose and treat illness and injuries
- Order and interpret tests and scans
- Create and manage care plans
- Provide advice and referrals to specialists
This role suits people who:
Are calm under pressure, detail-focused, and committed to helping others.Pathway:
Becoming a doctor takes dedication and time. You’ll start with a medical degree and a hospital-based internship, then continue training in your chosen specialty — building knowledge and experience every step of the way. -
Physiotherapist
Support people to recover from injury, manage pain, and improve movement and function.
As a Physiotherapist, you’ll assess physical conditions, develop targeted rehabilitation programs, and guide patients through exercises to restore function and prevent future injury. You may work with people recovering from surgery, managing chronic conditions, or aiming to improve their physical performance. New technologies such as wearable motion sensors and digital progress tracking are enhancing care and making treatment more accessible.
In the Greater Whitsunday region, Physiotherapists support local communities through hospitals, private clinics, aged care, sports facilities, and outreach services—often playing a key role in helping patients access high-quality recovery and mobility support.
What you might do day-to-day:
- Assess and diagnose movement issues
- Develop and deliver treatment plans
- Use hands-on therapy and exercise-based rehab
- Educate patients on injury prevention
This role suits people who:
Are compassionate, observant, and passionate about helping others move better.Pathway:
You’ll need to study a physiotherapy degree at university. Along the way, you’ll complete hands-on clinical placements to build real-world experience and skills. -
Nurse
Deliver frontline care by assessing patients, providing treatments, and supporting recovery in clinical and community settings.
As a Nurse, you’ll plan and deliver care, administer medication, monitor progress, and work as part of a health team. You may specialise in areas such as emergency, aged care, mental health, paediatrics, or midwifery. The role requires strong communication, clinical judgement, and adaptability. Nurses are key to providing compassionate care, advocating for patients, and adapting to changing health needs every day.
In the Greater Whitsunday region, nurses are in demand across hospitals, aged care, Aboriginal medical services, and outreach programs—playing a vital role in rural and regional care.
What you might do day-to-day:
- Assess, plan, and deliver patient care in collaboration with doctors and healthcare teams
- Administer treatments and monitor responses
- Keep accurate records and communicate updates to the healthcare team
- Support patient education and prevention
This role suits people who:
Are compassionate, adaptable, and work well under pressure.Pathway:
Start with a Diploma of Nursing through VET or study a Bachelor of Nursing to become a Registered Nurse. -
Dietitian
Support people’s health and wellbeing by offering expert nutrition advice and personalised meal plans.
As a Dietitian, you’ll assess dietary needs, develop nutrition programs, and educate individuals or groups. You may work with people managing chronic illnesses, allergies, or general health goals. Dietitians are found in hospitals, aged care, sports programs, schools, and community settings. They play a vital role in helping people make informed food choices, tailor nutrition plans, and support healthier lifestyles every day.
In the Greater Whitsunday region, allied health professionals like dietitians are in demand across healthcare, aged care, and community support services.
What you might do day-to-day:
- Assess dietary needs and goals
- Create tailored meal and nutrition plans
- Deliver health and nutrition education
- Support management of health conditions
This role suits people who:
Enjoy science, health, and helping others thrive.Pathway:
Most Dietitians study a degree in dietetics or nutrition. You can also start with a VET course in allied health or nutrition support to build experience. -
Support Worker
Provide essential care and assistance to people needing support with daily tasks, independence, and wellbeing.
As a Support Worker, you’ll help clients across aged care, disability services, youth and family support, and mental health. Tasks include personal care, household assistance, community engagement, and emotional support. You’ll work closely with health professionals and families to ensure quality care. Advances in technology like electronic care plans, mobile apps for client monitoring, and assistive devices are improving service delivery and client independence.
In the Greater Whitsunday region, support workers are in high demand to meet the needs of a growing and diverse community, providing vital care in homes, care facilities, and community centres.
What you might do day-to-day:
- Assist with personal care and daily activities
- Support community participation and social inclusion
- Help manage health and medication routines
- Maintain records and communicate with care teams
This role suits people who:
Are caring, hands-on, and motivated to make a positive difference in others’ lives.Pathway:
Certificate III in Individual Support is common, with opportunities for traineeships and on-the-job training. -
Radiographer
Use advanced imaging technology to help diagnose and treat medical conditions.
As a Radiographer, you operate X-ray, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound equipment to capture images of patients’ bodies. You work closely with doctors and other health professionals to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. The role involves preparing patients for scans, ensuring their safety, and maintaining imaging equipment. Innovations like three-dimensional imaging, artificial intelligence-assisted image analysis, and digital record systems are transforming the field, improving accuracy and patient care.
In the Greater Whitsunday region, allied health professionals such as radiographers are in high demand to support regional hospitals, clinics, and health services with vital diagnostic imaging.
What you might do day-to-day:
- Operate imaging equipment safely and effectively
- Prepare and support patients during scans
- Collaborate with medical teams to interpret images
- Maintain equipment and follow safety protocols
This role suits people who:
Are detail-focused, patient-centred, and enjoy using technology.Pathway:
Most Radiographers study a Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science or a similar degree, which includes hands-on clinical placements to gain real-world experience. -
Health Project Officer
Coordinate and manage health projects that promote wellbeing and improve community access to services.
As a Health Project Officer, you’ll plan, implement, and evaluate projects focused on health promotion, disease prevention, and community education. You may work with local health providers, government agencies, and community groups to deliver programs that address key health needs. Technology plays a growing role, with digital data collection, online engagement tools, and project management software helping track progress and impact.
In the Greater Whitsunday region, Health Project Officers are vital in supporting diverse communities to improve health outcomes and increase access to services in both urban and remote areas.
What you might do day-to-day:
- Develop and coordinate health initiatives and programs
- Liaise with stakeholders and community members
- Monitor project progress and prepare reports
- Use digital tools for data collection and communication
This role suits people who:
Are organised, community-focused, and good at problem-solving.Pathway:
There are multiple avenues into this role, starting with certificates or short courses in community services, health, or project management. Many progress to diplomas, degrees, or university studies in areas like community health, public health, or related fields.