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Cohuna Secondary College students tackle healthcare recruitment challenge

By Oliver Shedden

Aug 27, 2024

CCLLEN project officer Debbie Rogerson has overseen and developed both Youth Take Over programs this year. Photo: Jemma Jones Photo by Jemma Jones

Students from Cohuna Secondary College have embarked on a nine-week project to address a critical challenge in the Cohuna community.

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This is the second Youth Take Over project from the Campaspe Cohuna LLEN in 2024, having just completed one with St Augustine’s College Kyabram, in which 16 vocational students made promotional materials for We Are Vivid in the area.

The new project aims to address recruiting healthcare workers and retaining young people in Cohuna.

It will be conducted in partnership with CCLLEN and the Cohuna District Hospital, offering students a hands-on work experience.

This initiative is part of the students’ vocational major studies, focusing on enhancing literacy, numeracy, personal development, and work-related skills.

A vital component of this project involves community engagement. Students have collaborated with Northern District Community Health team members to conduct a survey assessing community awareness of hospital careers.

The survey, found on Facebook, the school newsletter, shop fronts, and community notice boards, offers participants a chance to win one of two $25 vouchers from Kimmy’s Café.

CCLLEN representative Debbie Rogerson highlighted the project's value for both the students and the local community.

“This project not only provides our students with valuable real-world experience but also supports our local healthcare system by promoting career opportunities in the community,” she said.

The feedback gathered from the survey will inform the students’ recommendations to the hospital, which aims to improve local healthcare recruitment and retention strategies in Cohuna.