University of Tasmania, Australia

Over 120 guests attended the Rural Clinical School Community Welcome to new and continuing students held at the UTAS Cradle Coast Campus.

Guests were welcomed by the Director of the Rural Clinical School Professor Timothy Skinner.  Other speakers who welcomed the students to the region included; Associate Professor, Robyn Eversole, Acting Director, Cradle Coast Campus,  Ms Sandra French, Deputy Mayor,  Burnie City Council, Mr Gavin Austin, Acting CEO, NWAHS, Mr Keith Cock, CEO NWPH, Mr Roger Jaensch, Executive Chairman, Cradle Coast Authority.

Aboriginal artist Judith-Rose Thomas provided the Welcome to Country on behalf of the original owners of the land.  An exhibition of her artwork was displayed on the evening.     

Ms Elvie Hales, CEO, Tasmania Medicare Local along with Dr Margret Oetterli presented the annual GPNW Simon Monks Memorial Award for Student Excellence 2011 to Year 5 student Rohan Church. 

Year 5 students Ms Anna Norris & Ms Helen Bills gave a presentation to their recent experience of an elective in Nepal.

Associate Professor Peter Arvier presented the UTAS Teaching Award to the Smithton General Practice represented by Dr Vernon Powell.

Rotary Club of Burnie president Mr. David McCarthy along with other members of the Rotary Club announced a new scholarship in Rural Medicine to be provided to a RCS Year 4 student in 2012.

The presentations were concluded with an opportunity for guests to enjoy an exhibition of student elective presentations, an art exhibition and RCS community engagement displays.