Allied Health Expo gives students hope for future Territory careers
Charles Darwin University (CDU) and the Northern Territory’s health sector have joined forces to help allied health students forge their career paths to support better health outcomes for Territorians.
Hosted at Gulwa | Austin Asche Hall at the Casuarina campus, CDU’s Allied Health Expo connected industry and academia to create opportunities for students to learn about real-world experiences of their fields, and secure employment in the Territory’s healthcare workforce.
CDU Faculty of Health Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Dominic Upton said it was important to retain talent in the NT to build a healthcare community deeply rooted in local understanding.
"The partnerships between CDU and the NT’s health sector creates pathways for students to explore diverse career opportunities, from clinical practice to community health services and research,” Professor Upton said.
"At CDU, we prioritise student learning by providing immersive, hands-on experiences that prepare them to address healthcare challenges unique to the Northern Territory."
"We believe that by keeping talented healthcare professionals in the NT, we can create a more resilient and responsive healthcare system that meets the diverse needs of our population."
The expo represented a diverse range of allied health services, including audiology, dietetics, exercise and sports science, occupational therapy, psychology, social work, and more.
It also put a spotlight on mental health and wellbeing services, showcasing innovative approaches to address challenges and promote holistic care.
Attendees engaged in networking, interactive displays, demonstrations, and insightful discussions.
CDU Head of Health Sciences Associate Professor Nicole O’Reilly said the annual event gave students the leverage they need to work in their chosen fields.
“Even before they finish their studies, our students can make the connections they need through internships, graduate programs, and community health services tailored for student knowledge,” Professor O’Reilly said.
“CDU supports this essential transition from studying to the industry, so our students graduate and are ready to work in the local healthcare sector, and it lessens their worry of finding secure employment in a field they are sufficiently qualified in.”