Finding My Way Back to Regional Healthcare

by Rosemary Wade

I left Melbourne in the early hours of the morning, surrounded by thick fog, with the city still quiet behind me.

As I drove past Lake Boga, the sun was beginning to rise, slowly revealing the landscape around me. I had forgotten just how beautiful rural Australia can be, with its open spaces, changing colours and the sense of calm that comes with leaving the city behind.

Arriving in Swan Hill gave me the opportunity to slow down, look around and take in some of the region’s history and its connection to life along the Murray River. I enjoyed seeing the paddle steamers and, of course, the Giant Murray Cod. However, what stayed with me most was the people.

Throughout the weekend, I worked with people of all ages who were experiencing a wide range of pelvic health concerns. These included bladder and bowel concerns, scar treatment, postpartum checks, birth preparation, pregnancy related pain, coccyx pain and persistent pelvic pain.

These are conditions that many people live with every day. Accessing further care can mean driving several hours to Melbourne. This journey may be difficult and expensive, and for some people, it can exacerbate the very symptoms for which they are seeking help.

My role was not only to assess and treat each person, but also to help them better understand what they were experiencing. We discussed the next steps in their care and simple, practical strategies they could begin using at home. Sometimes, having someone listen, offer reassurance and provide a clear direction forward can make a meaningful difference.

Every person who walked through the doors of Central Mallee Health brought their own story, experiences and way of life. Through every conversation, the strength of the local community and the genuine support people have for one another continued to shine through.

Access to healthcare in regional areas can be limited. Having grown up in regional Queensland and New South Wales, I understand this reality. Rural healthcare providers work incredibly hard to support their communities, often doing their absolute best with fewer services and limited resources.

Returning to a regional community and being able to contribute in my own small way felt like a true full circle moment. It genuinely filled my cup to give something back to a community that gives so much to its people.

Central Mallee Health truly sits at the heart of this community. That became even more evident while walking through the local pub with the clinic’s owner, Louise Bibby, who seemed to know every person and their story along the way.

When you walk through the doors of Central Mallee Health, it feels like walking into a warm embrace. The clinic is beautiful and welcoming, but it is the people who make it so special. The staff are passionate, compassionate and deeply committed to providing the very best care they can.

I left Swan Hill feeling incredibly grateful, not only for the opportunity to support people with their pelvic health, but also for every conversation, every story and every person who welcomed me so warmly.

This trip reminded me why access to regional healthcare matters so much and why I hope this is only the beginning.