Inside Julia Creek's fight for rural health services

Published on 01 September 2025

Thirty years ago, Janene Fegan arrived in Julia Creek in the McKinlay Shire to complete what was meant to be a three-month nursing stint.

However, the grazing community in Queensland’s North West, spanning more than 40,000 square kilometres, quickly captured her heart and became her home.

Three decades on, Janene has raised her family in the town and is now the shire's Mayor. She and the council have been successful in supporting campaigns to recruit one of the most important roles in town – the local doctor.

Mount Isa is the health hub for the region, so it is critical the town has a doctor to ensure the community has the health care it needs.

The role is also supported by nurses and visiting allied health staff as well and emerging technology.

Mayor Fegan says those who have filled the role in the past know just how fulfilling it is.

“One minute you might be the GP, and the next minute you’re the A&E doctor.

In 2022, after more than a decade without a full-time GP, council supported a nationwide recruitment campaign, offering a new four-bedroom home as an incentive.

“The campaign advertised the town as well as the job,” she says.

The campaign went international. And it worked. Julia Creek secured a full-time doctor for two years and their successor has also just been appointed.

Mayor Fegan says those lucky enough to call the town home know its value.

“Julia Creek is a tightknit, inviting and safe community where everybody knows your name and is there to help when you need.”

Mayor Fegan says that community spirit is the key to the town’s recruiting success.

“We get them in, and then we keep them here – because we show them who we are. That makes all the difference.”