Weipa GP obstetrician Dr Jemma Nokes has been selected to attend the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine’s (ACRRM) Emerging Leaders Conference as a key part of the return of birthing services to the western Cape York region. Photo: Arnya Digital.
A Weipa doctor helping remote families welcome their babies to the world is being recognised as a leader of tomorrow in Australian medicine.
Weipa Hospital GP obstetrician Dr Jemma Nokes has been selected to attend the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine’s (ACRRM) Emerging Leaders Conference in Adelaide later this year.
Since moving to Weipa in 2024 to support the return of birthing services to the western Cape York region, Dr Nokes has dedicated her career to ensuring high-quality care for women and families in remote communities.
“Being part of the team that brought birthing services back to Weipa has been one of the highlights of my career,” she said.
“I’m passionate about ensuring women and families in rural, remote and First Nations communities can access high-quality, culturally safe care closer to home.”
Earlier this year, Dr Nokes took part in the Running for Premature Babies challenge on the Larapinta Trail, raising more than $5500 as part of a $50,000 collective effort towards much-needed neonatal equipment for Alice Springs Hospital.
Though the event was not specifically to support the Cape York region, she said her involvement was an opportunity to raise awareness of remote and rural facilities, network with fellow health professionals, and to ensure access to best practices and resources.
At the ACRRM Emerging Leaders Conference in October, she will again represent Weipa and Cape York, advocating for quality maternity services and improved healthcare pathways for the next generation of rural generalist doctors.
“I believe rural generalists are well placed to understand and connect with their communities by being present, listening and working alongside First Nations health workers and local healthcare teams,” she said.
“I’m passionate about building strong healthcare teams and creating opportunities that improve access to care for rural and remote communities.”
ACRRM president Dr Rod Martin said Dr Nokes’ work demonstrated the enormous impact rural generalists could have on communities.
“Helping re-establish birthing services in Weipa is a remarkable achievement and reflects Dr Nokes’ commitment to improving healthcare where it is needed most,” he said.
“The Emerging Leaders Conference will help her continue building the leadership skills needed to strengthen healthcare for rural, remote and First Nations communities.”
