24/06/2026
🌄 Our Nurse’s Stories – Jacky in Bedourie, QLD
In February 2025, I was asked to head out to Bedourie Primary Health Centre as a relieving Director of Nursing and I’ve continued to routinely complete contracts out there as I enjoy it. Bedourie has a population of around 127 people, including surrounding stations, and is located about 1600km west of Brisbane, near the NT border. It’s remote, but that’s part of what makes it so special.
The clinic is well established and a hub of the community. I work a 19 days on/9 days off roster, and I’m often the only healthcare provider in the community. The clinic it’s where people come for care, prescriptions, and support.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service runs clinic days every fortnight, and if I ever need advice or support, they’re only a phone call away. Retrieval Services Queensland coordinate transfers to Mt Isa, Townsville or Brisbane when needed. We also have regular visiting services like podiatry, dietetics, OT and more, so it really is a collaborative model of care, even in such a remote setting. I also manage the clinic, including ordering stock, organizing appointments, maintenance, transport paperwork.
What really stands out though is the community 🤍
I’ve been invited to local events, judged Christmas lights, and joined in on ANZAC Day activities (bingo, two‑up, and a cooked lunch!). Sometimes people just pop into the clinic for a cuppa, which says a lot about how welcoming Bedourie is.
And then there’s the outback itself ✨
The sunrises and sunsets are incredible, the night sky is full of stars, and there’s always wildlife around, sometimes right at the clinic door. I’ve also experienced flooding that turns the town into an island, with supplies flown in by helicopter, and let’s just say - I’ve seen some of the biggest bugs (and spiders!) imaginable.
It can be challenging being on call 24/7 and the only clinician on site, but it’s incredibly rewarding. I love the autonomy and knowing I can rely on RFDS when I need support.
I love it!!
Jacky, Acting DON
