Connecting the Docs: A new Era of Growth and Impact
by Kellie Byron-Gray, Chair – Connecting the Docs
Reflecting on the journey of Connecting the Docs (CTD), I am filled with pride and gratitude. As a founding member and chair, it’s been an incredible experience to help lead this program—one that’s made a real difference in rural and regional healthcare across Victoria. We’ve grown from a small initiative to a key driver of sustainable healthcare workforce solutions, and it’s been inspiring to witness the impact we’ve had.
Our mission has always been clear: to support doctors in making a lasting difference in communities that need them most. When we first set out, the goal was simple—place the right doctors in the right communities, and help them thrive. But as we’ve evolved, so too has our strategy and vision for the future.
After a comprehensive planning day and review of our strategic model, we’ve set a bold new course. Our refreshed strategic plan is now operational, positioning us in the exciting space of commercialisation, growth, and innovation. We’ve redefined our objectives to ensure that CTD continues to grow, expand its reach, and deliver even greater value to the communities we serve. I’ve seen first-hand how much this program means to so many communities, and it’s thrilling to know we are not only continuing to address workforce shortages, but we’re also stepping into new areas that will drive us forward. Through new technologies, team growth, stronger partnerships, and operational improvements, we are enhancing our ability to place doctors more efficiently and provide them with the ongoing support they need to succeed.
One of the most exciting developments is the launch of our new videography series. This will be a pivotal part of our strategy to connect more deeply with both healthcare providers and the wider community. Through this series, we’ll bring the stories of doctors, patients, and the communities they serve directly to the forefront. These videos will highlight the incredible work our doctors are doing, the challenges they face, and the difference they are making in rural healthcare. It’s a powerful way to show the human side of healthcare, and we are thrilled to share these stories with you.
Equally important is our commitment to building stronger partnerships with our current stakeholders and healthcare partners. We’ve worked hard over the years to foster these relationships, and now, we’re taking it to the next level. By engaging more deeply with our partners, we’re aligning our efforts to ensure we are all moving towards the same goal—delivering sustainable, long-term healthcare solutions for rural communities.
To support these expanded efforts, we’ve introduced a revised operating model that streamlines our internal processes, enhances communication, and improves our response times. These changes enable us to be more agile, allowing us to better serve our healthcare partners and adapt quickly to emerging needs. This operational agility, combined with our focus on commercialisation and growth, ensures that CTD will continue to scale effectively and remain an industry leader.
The strategic shift we’ve made also includes embracing new technologies that will transform how we match doctors with communities, support career development, and ensure doctors stay in the places where they’re needed most. With digital platforms for ongoing support, we are setting the stage for a more responsive and effective healthcare workforce strategy. Our newly launched values of courage, teamwork, and dependability are the bedrock of everything we do. These were defined through a collaborative process with the Steering Committee. These new values reflect our commitment to bold, collaborative action and will guide us as we move into this exciting new phase. Our strength lies in collaboration—both internally and with our partners—and in the enduring relationships we build with doctors and communities.
Looking ahead, I am confident that the videography series, the refreshed strategy, and the operational changes we’ve made position CTD for an exciting future. We are building a platform that will not only address current challenges but will also innovate, grow, and scale to meet the demands of tomorrow. I’m deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished so far, and I’m even more excited about what’s ahead. The future is bright, and with our new approach, we are set to make an even greater impact on rural and regional healthcare in Victoria.
Together, with our partners, we are creating a stronger, more connected healthcare system that will serve rural communities for years to come.
Let us give you a snapshot of what’s been happening across our community
We are so excited to have launched our new feature film.
Shared on our website and all social media platforms, the videography describes our amazing program, attracting candidates and their families to the region.
Learn how we:
- Streamline recruitment across health services
- Create a culture of mentorship and support
- Enable seamless training and career progression
- Help health professionals settle into regional life
NAIDOC week
This year’s NAIDOC week is 50 years of honouring and elevating Indigenous voices, culture, and resilience. The 2025 theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy,” celebrates the achievements of the past and the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of our young leaders, the vision of our communities, and the legacy of our ancestors.
Our Health Service hosted several events to mark the occasion, continuing to strives to create shared cultural belonging, enabling everyone to have a spiritual connection to Country, so that we may walk together as one.
Echuca Regional Health ERH congratulates and celebrates Emotional Health and Wellbeing Officer Uncle Gilbert, who was recently awarded 2025 Victorian Male Elder of the Year.
Walk in clinic
The wonderful team of Nurses at our Swan Hill District Nursing Service have recently opened a new Walk in Clinic. Available between 1-2pm Monday to Friday this service provides healthcare for nonlife threatening injuries and illnesses to anyone over the age of 6.
Congratulations to all involved.
East Wimmera Health Service
East Wimmera Health Service is proud to form part of the Grampians Local Health Service Network from 1 July.
This is Victoria’s newly established Local Health Service Networks group health services within a geographical region and are
responsible for supporting collaborative care for their community, as close to home as possible.
East Wimmera Health Service is part of the Grampians Local Health Service Network alongside Beaufort and Skipton Health Service, Central
Highlands Rural Health, East Grampians Health Service, Grampians Health, MDHS – Maryborough District Health Service, Rural Northwest Health and West Wimmera Health Service.
Connect with Us
A career that excites, a place that inspires, and a network that supports. CTD are with you every step of the way.
View new and live opportunities here.