Events & Training

Discover what happens inside the University Centre for Rural Health Northern Rivers, meet the people behind our work and experience rural health education in action.

Free community event

For 25 years, we’ve worked alongside communities, students, health professionals and partner organisations to support better health outcomes across rural and regional Australia.

Now, we’re opening our doors.

Join us for the UCRH Community Open Day and discover the rural health education, research, training and partnerships happening right here in the Northern Rivers. Come for an hour or stay for the day as you explore our facilities, meet our team and take part in interactive activities for all ages.

Whether you’re curious about what happens inside UCRH, work in health or community services, are exploring future study, or simply want a different day out, you’re welcome.

Get hands-on

This is your chance to step inside spaces that are usually used by health students and professionals and see how practical, hands-on training helps prepare people for real healthcare settings. Throughout the day, you can:

• watch realistic birth and high-fidelity healthcare simulations
• learn basic life support
• visit the Teddy Bear Hospital
• explore the Corridor of Memories and learn about UCRH’s first 25 years
• meet staff, students and health professionals
• talk with our partner universities and community partners

You’ll even enjoy a free coffee and sausage sizzle!

The Ultrasound Vascular Access Workshop is a practical, hands-on training program designed for healthcare professionals who want to improve their skills and confidence in ultrasound-guided venous cannulation.

This workshop focuses on using ultrasound to accurately identify and access peripheral veins, improving first-attempt success rates, reducing patient discomfort, and enhancing overall procedural safety. Participants will gain a solid understanding of ultrasound principles and how to apply them effectively in clinical practice.

Course content includes key anatomy and physiology relevant to vascular access, fundamentals of ultrasound imaging, vein assessment and selection, and appropriate equipment and device choices. Learning is reinforced through structured, hands-on practice using simulation models in a supportive environment.

Guided by experienced instructors, participants will practise probe handling, vein identification, and ultrasound-guided cannulation techniques with real-time feedback to build confidence and competence.

This workshop is ideal for clinicians who regularly perform venous access and want to improve accuracy, efficiency, and patient outcomes through the use of ultrasound technology in everyday practice.

DOWNLOAD FLYER HERE

DOWNLOAD FLYER HERE

Advanced Life Support (ALS) Courses – ACCCN Accredited

The Australian College of Critical Care Nurses (ACCCN), a member organisation of the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC), accredits our Advanced Life Support (ALS) programs. These courses offer high-quality education in Adult, Paediatric and Instructor-level resuscitation.

The ACCCN National Advanced Life Support Education program provides practical, evidence-based training for healthcare professionals, including nursing, medical and defence force staff. It suits clinicians who work in critical care environments or who regularly care for critically ill patients.

Because the program builds on existing ALS knowledge, participants should already be familiar with core ALS practices. During the course, you will develop the skills and confidence to lead an ALS team effectively. Before enrolling, please review the ACCCN ALS Team Leader Assessment Criteria to understand the expectations and assessment requirements (download here).

Moreover, all content aligns with current recommendations from ANZCOR, the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR), ensuring each course reflects the latest evidence and best practice.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Nurses: Every ACCCN ALS course counts toward CPD hours.

Medical Officers: Courses carry CPD endorsement from:

Australian College of Rural & Remote Medicine (ACRRM)

Australian College of Emergency Medicine (ACEM)

Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA)

College of Intensive Care Medicine (CICM)

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)

The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP)

ACCCN encourages clinicians to complete annual re-certification for both Adult and Paediatric ALS programs. In addition, all participants receive access to an interactive program manual and a range of online learning resources to support their preparation and ongoing development.

DOWNLOAD FLYER HERE