Kingaroy hosts health professionals for PHN’s biennial medical conference

At the weekend, Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN welcomed health professionals from across the South Burnett and beyond to the 2025 Red Ant Round-up Medical Conference.

More than 30 GPs, practice managers, practice nurses, specialists, and more came together at Kingaroy Town Hall for a focused day of education and connection.

This year’s program covered various relevant and emerging health topics, including women’s health, voluntary assisted dying, and the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in general practice.

The event was timely with the changes to Medicare also commencing on Saturday.

The PHN’s Director – Primary Care, Peter Wallace, and Manager – Quality and Engagement, Sharon Pepper, provided an update on the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program, which will see an additional quarterly 12.5% incentive payment split between the GP and registered practice.

They also covered the changes to Better Access, a mental health initiative that gives Medicare benefits to people with a diagnosed mental disorder to access the mental health services they need.

The PHN has received overwhelmingly positive feedback about the day, with presentations on surgical management of obesity, by Dr Xavier Moar, and voluntary assisted dying, by Dr Sam Stevens and Karen McKellar, the highlights of the day for attendees.

“This is a fantastic local educational and networking event. I’m looking forward to the next one,” said one attendee.

“I recommend Red Ant Round-up because the topics discussed and information provided were practical and up-to-date,” said another.

“Red Ant Round-up is an opportunity for health professionals to share their experiences and celebrate those delivering healthcare in rural and regional settings,” said Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN CEO, Lucille Chalmers.

“We’re grateful for the valuable work health professionals do in caring for the health of communities in our region.”

With health professionals meet and greets returning across the region in early 2026, the PHN remains committed to supporting the health workforce to access locally tailored education, support and system integration.