Driving social resilience in regional Queensland
The Wellness Bus, an RACQ Foundation grant recipient, is helping regional Queenslanders access vital health services.
For Queenslanders living in remote communities, medical services can be limited which often means travelling hundreds of kilometres to receive medication and treatment.
With a background in oncology, Dr Adrian Wiegmans is based in Brisbane and first thought about introducing a travelling health service after research revealed a concerning divide in outcomes for cancer patients outside of metro areas.
What started as an idea to provide resources for cancer patients quickly expanded into the Wellness Bus – a solution aimed at combatting rural health inequity.
Fitted out with a team of medical professionals, including Dr Wiegmans and his wife, Elisa, an acupuncturist, the bus provides allied and mental health services for rural Queensland communities.
“The idea started with the purpose of making a difference and ensuring health services and information are accessible to all Queenslanders, no matter where they live,” Dr Wiegmans said.
“My wife has unfortunately had a breast cancer diagnosis of her own, and it spurred us to help those in regional areas who have limited access to the same health advice and services we knew so much about.
“Through the Wellness Bus we hope to not only provide a better experience for those going through cancer treatment but also improve general health in rural communities.”
Another driver for Dr Wiegmans is being able to offer a safe space for those wanting to have a chat.
“A lot of our primary producers living and working in these Queensland communities experience severe weather and social challenges, so the Wellness Bus also aims to provide a calm and safe environment for connection and conversation,” he said.
“We know through research that when people are more relaxed, they make clearer decisions, are more informed and can better connect with their communities, which is why mental health support is essential.”
Ahead of a two-month circuit, Dr Wiegmans hopes to welcome 250 Queenslanders into the mobile clinic and expects its reach to only continue to grow.
“We currently have partnerships with eight shire councils who have the infrastructure to support the bus but are about to become self-sufficient which will allow us to travel further,” Dr Wiegmans said.
“Thanks to funding from the RACQ Foundation, we are currently installing off-grid solar which will allow us to travel into communities straight after a natural disaster and provide on the ground support.
“We’re also currently working on an AI driven service to provide resources and advice for regional communities even after we’ve left.
“For us, the collaboration with the RACQ Foundation just makes sense, given RACQ is a Queensland-centric organisation who are known to help the community.”
RACQ Foundation Manager Bridgette Muller said Queensland’s largest Club was proud to support not-for-profit groups helping local communities.
“With our State set to face more frequent natural disasters, the RACQ Foundation is shifting focus to support more resilience-based projects through its community grants program,” Ms Muller said.
“We’re proud to play a small role in extending the reach of the Wellness Bus, who are working to build social resilience across Queensland.”
During its two-month journey, the Wellness Bus will travel to Charters Towers, Barcaldine, Dysart, Quilpie, Mitchell, Goondiwindi, Kingaroy and Biloela.
Apply for an RACQ Foundation community grant here.
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