Peter Ryan’s journey in the world of pharmacy has taken him from the bustling streets of the capital cities to the remote corners of Australia’s Outback.

After 60 hours of night shift, locum nurse Greta Webb spent time telling us how much she has loved being a part of Rural LAP. A veteran of the program, Greta joined Rural LAP 13 years ago and confidently tells us that she has “been everywhere”. 

Mutkin Residential and Community Care is a not-for-profit, community-controlled organisation in Yarrabah, QLD. The facility was introduced to Rural LAP by chance in April of 2023 when a member from the Department of Health shared information on Rural LAP as a recommendation to assist with staff shortages.

Meet Stephanie Pierce, a Registered Nurse from New Zealand who joined Rural LAP over a year ago. Since joining the program, Stephanie has travelled to placements across Queensland, Tasmania, and South Australia, with Tasmania stealing her heart as it felt like a home away from home.

The Federally funded Rural Locum Assistance Program (Rural LAP) has placed its 10,000th health professional since the program began in 2011.

In the ever-changing healthcare landscape, the locum role has become increasingly vital, particularly in rural and remote areas where access to medical professionals can be challenging. 

Being a locum pharmacist allowed Swee-Wan Carpenter to indulge in her love for travel while exploring the vast landscapes of Australia.

Linda Cornwall recently completed a three-week placement as a Personal Care Worker in the remote Aboriginal community of Oak Valley.

Lauri Buckingham has worked as a registered nurse with the Rural Locum Assistance Program (Rural LAP) almost full-time for over ten years.

As most of us are heading off to bed, a new world is opening up for registered nurse Glenda George, on the night shift in an aged care facility.