Millicent has rolled out the red carpet in a bid to increase the local 400-strong workforce who provide medical and health care in the 
community.

Around 50 international health students and graduates visited the Limestone Coast over three days last week to meet representatives from various health facilities in Millicent and other major population centres.

The Future Healthcare Workers Limestone Coast Tour aimed to showcase the region to prospective employees and connect them with key stakeholders.

The students also heard presentations at Kingston, Mount Gambier, Naracoorte and Keith.

Millicent’s presentation was staged in association with Wattle Range Council and took the form of a mini-expo lasting two hours in the War Memorial Civic and Arts Centre.

There were numerous manned information stalls from organisations such as Resthaven, Gladys Smith Early Learning Centre and the Millicent and Surrounds Health Support Group.

Among those to staff a stall was Adelaide-based medical student Jake Plane who is currently undertaking a placement at the Medical Clinic Millicent.

The plentiful and diverse work opportunities for doctors, nurses and allied health professionals in Millicent were explained in formal speeches by three major employers.

They were Medical Clinic Millicent partner Dr Stephan Van Eeden, Millicent Hospital executive officer and director of nursing Michelle de Wit and Boneham Aged Care Services chief executive Michael Filsell.

Council chief executive Ben Gower was the master of ceremonies and he gave a personal account of the benefits of a rural lifestyle.

Mr Gower explained he had moved to Millicent from Adelaide around five years ago and had suffered a stroke in 2020.

He said the initial care was provided by Millicent Hospital staff and local ambulance officers who were personally known to him.

According to Mr Gower, his condition was promptly diagnosed by an Adelaide-based neurologist via a tele-conference and his recovery could immediately begin.

The tour was arranged by Study Adelaide in association with Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast.

Among the tour participants was Dr Brijesh Shukla who undertook his medical training in his native India.

Dr Shukla said he found the tour to be worthwhile.

“I am studying for my Masters in Public Health at the Torrens University and I hope to work in health promotion,” he said.

Study Adelaide spokesperson Jodie McDonald said her organisation was staging similar regional promotion tours for other in-demand disciplines.