The Toowoomba Advantage for Psychologists

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 01:58:46 GMT

The Toowoomba Advantage for Psychologists

Emma Tippins believes the broader and more varied one’s life experiences, the better psychologist you will be.

This means taking some chances, moving geographically, working in different fields and meeting people from all walks of life.

Emma came to Toowoomba from Cairns six years ago on her journey towards becoming a General Registered Psychologist. Currently she is a Provisional Psychologist with Renew Psychology & Rehabilitation in Toowoomba and just weeks from achieving her goal.

“Toowoomba has given me great variety and experience,” she said. “I’ve worked in a mental health not-for-profit organization and in disability support for adolescents. It has been a fantastic foundation and inspired me to pursue a specialty in child and adolescent psychology.

“Around 80 per cent of my clients are neurodiverse with the youngest aged around five-years-old.”

Once she qualifies as a General Registered Psychologist Emma will be free to start her own practice – but she’s happy where she is.

“At this stage I couldn’t imagine working on my own! I absolutely love working in group practice! The support and supervision from senior staff at Renew is so valuable and I’m really grateful for this opportunity.

“I think it’s important for psychologists to be around other professionals and to collaborate and network within the sector as well as with social workers and occupational and speech therapists. This is much easier to do in Toowoomba than in big cities.”

Emma believes the demand for psychologists in Toowoomba is only going to grow.

“The sector is growing because more people understand the importance of good mental health and how psychology can help,” she said.

“However, there is still a stigma around accessing mental health support but I am hopeful that a positive trend will continue, especially for younger generations who appear more positive about accessing therapy.”

Community Collaboration

jai@clearpixel.com.au (Jai Warner) — Thu, 27 May 2021 06:38:14 GMT

The Mulberry Project Joins Toowoomba Showgrounds

A conversation under a Mulberry Tree was the impetus for a wonderful organisation that not only transforms unused land into productive gardens but also transforms lives.

According to The Mulberry Project Founder, Louise Noble, the organisation is all about engagement. Currently it is helping people tackle social isolation – especially Toowoomba’s migrant community.

“Around 85% of our participants are migrants and the others are a mix of people with different needs including change of career or returning to work,” she said.

The Project works with around six different ethnic groups. While each group has a different backstory, they share a common desire for cultural gardens where they can grow food that is important to their lifestyle.

It’s great when community groups join forces and collaborate. Toowoomba Showgrounds recently collaborated with The Mulberry Project to create extensive, productive gardens ready for the Toowoomba Show.

OTHER COMMUNITY GROUPS REPRESENTED:

Rotary Clubs x 6
Lions Clubs x 4
Zonta Club
Qld Country Women’s Association
Apex Club
Toowoomba Hospital Foundation
Toowoomba Hospice
Toowoomba Historical Association
Cancer Council Qld
Red Cross
Independent Retirees
Toowoomba Older Men’s Network
Royal Agricultural Society of Queensland
Australian Conservation Foundation
Toowoomba Clubhouse-Mental Health Support Service
Multicultural Australia Toowoomba Community Organic Gardens Assoc. Inc.
Catholic Care Social Services
Tony’s Community Kitchen
Toowoomba Base Services

Inset Photo: Ngandi Muherwa, came to Toowoomba three years ago from Congo. Together with other volunteers and students from local schools, he has created amazing moveable garden beds as well as hedges of corn and sunflowers.

St Vincent's Hospital

jai@clearpixel.com.au (Jai Warner) — Thu, 27 May 2021 06:32:47 GMT

St Vincent's Hospital

NAME: Dr Michael Curley

POSITION: Managing Radiologist

WHERE HAVE YOU COME FROM/TRAINED ETC?

“I graduated with my Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Queensland in 2007.“

This followed my previous studies in radiography as well as a career in sonography with the NHS in the United Kingdom.

“My clinical training as a radiologist was at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital before I joined Queensland X-Ray in 2014.“I have since completed further training in nuclear medicine and I am also a regular lecturer at the University of Queensland Rural Clinical School here in Toowoomba.”

WHAT’S GREAT ABOUT WORKING AT QUEENSLAND X-RAY’S NEW RADIOLOGY SERVICE AT ST VINCENT’S?

“Working in our new, purpose-built radiology service is so good for both our patients and our staff.

“We have brand new cutting-edge equipment and a lot more space to work in which makes it a lot more comfortable.

“The layout is much better for patient flow and being so close to the emergency department means we can communicate directly with the ED teams more easily than before.

“Patient waiting areas are more private and comfortable and many are noticing the positive difference.

“Our new digital screening rooms enable us to perform more procedures on patients who are quite unwell, and we have improved some of the patient monitoring areas as well.”

HOW DOES IT COMPARE TO THE CAPITAL CITIES?

“Our diagnostic imaging technology and reporting capability here at St Vincent’s Toowoomba is no different to what’s available in capital cities.

“Access to this state-of-the-art equipment, combined with the spacious facility, means we offer patients and their treating teams a very contemporary diagnostic service.

“We use the latest techniques and equipment including MRI, CT and nuclear medicine and all services are offered in a professional and sensitive environment.”

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT LIVING IN TOOWOOMBA?

“We’ve been here for six years now and my family and I really enjoy the relaxed lifestyle and the climate.

“We have such easy access to good schools, cafes and parks, and it’s so easy to catch up with friends as everything is close.

“It also means both partners can work as the logistics of kids are more manageable here than in a bigger place like Brisbane.”

Dreams Do Come True

jai@clearpixel.com.au (Jai Warner) — Thu, 27 May 2021 06:28:11 GMT

Country Living

Dreams Do Come True

Is it possible to live on a farm but still have a short daily commute to the city? The answer:

Yes – in Toowoomba!

Todd Rohl and Dr Clive Williams are great examples of how Toowoomba folk can mix city-style careers with country living.

For more than a decade they dreamt of owning a farm and breeding Thoroughbred Horses while maintaining successful careers - Todd as CEO of Toowoomba Chamber and Dr Clive as a prominent psychologist and author. So, they bought a property at Boodua, which is about 25km from Toowoomba, and everything fell into place.

“ Coming home to the farm is worlds away from our city life,” said Todd. “It’s peaceful and we have space to work with our horses and yet there’s a city on our doorstep with everything we could ever need. "

“ Acreage properties 30 minutes from the Brisbane CBD would cost a fortune. But here, prime farm land close to the city is still affordable so it’s a lifestyle that can be enjoyed by many. ”

City Living in a CBD Apartment

jai@clearpixel.com.au (Jai Warner) — Thu, 27 May 2021 06:25:18 GMT

Lea Emmett

City Living in a CBN Apartment

Lea Emmett lives above shops in an old style apartment in downtown Toowoomba.

“ You feel like you’re right in the middle of everything which is exciting! I’ve lived in the Toowoomba CBD for ten years and it’s fantastic. I walk everywhere, it’s easy to meet friends or go out for dinner and it’s also great for entertaining at home too. The CBD is not just for singles, my neighbours have two kids, a dog and a cat! ”