Warren Blackwood

Immerse yourself in the serenity of the Warren Blackwood region, home to some of the South West’s most lush forests and tranquil river systems. The towns of Bridgetown, Boyup Brook, Balingup and Manjimup are the region’s main towns and are all within a short 25-minute drive of each other.

Warren Blackwood RCSWA launched in 2020. The office is located on Bridgetown’s main street, nestled between lovely cafes and the Memorial Park. It is accessible 24/7 and has internet, VC equipment and study rooms for students.

Accommodation

Warren Blackwood RCSWA has two four-bedroom houses, both an easy commute to Bridgetown Hospital and the RCSWA office. The first house is a spacious fully furnished home which sits on an acre, overlooking the Bridgetown agricultural showground. The house boasts a tutorial room, three separate study rooms and a large outdoor entertainment area with pool table and barbecue. The second is a newly appointed 4-year-old double brick home perched on a hill approximately 1km from town. It also has multiple study spaces and a kitchen masterpiece with views to match.
Transport

Both RCSWA Warren Blackwood houses come with their own car for students to use for transport between home and placements.
Health Services

Students will have access to five local general practices, community health, Aboriginal health and three district hospitals which between them cover obstetrics, emergency medicine, anaesthetics, and an array of regular surgical lists with visiting specialists.
Extra activities
There are plenty of walking and bike trails around Warren Blackwood and scenic places to kayak. The keen sports person will also enjoy choosing from an array of local sports including basketball, netball, hockey, soccer, volleyball, football, mixed martial arts, lawn bowls, yoga, pilates and swimming.

Students are also encouraged to volunteer within the local community, whether it be at the St John Ambulance, local Youth Action group or their Op Shop, or volunteering for sporting clubs or service groups. There are many opportunities for part-time employment, particularly in the hospitality industry.

To find out more about this beautiful region, check out the following links:
- Discover Warren Blackwood
- Things to do in the Southern Forests and Valleys

Staff Profiles

Lead Medical Coordinator, Warren Blackwood
Sarah Youngson

Sarah loves the multifaceted role of being a Medical Coordinator - she is an educator, academic, mentor and provider of pastoral care. Sarah believes her site's team is very supportive and works well together to make sure students feel valued and a part of the fabric of Warren Blackwood medical services. Sarah joined the RCSWA when the Warren Blackwood site opened in 2020 and has lived in the area for 10 years prior.

What I love about the RCSWA
I love the enthusiasm, collegiality, and support of the RCSWA. I love that each staff member is committed to improving the long-term health and wellbeing of their communities and that we are constantly seeking innovative solutions for challenges. It is a positive, inclusive, and stimulating team.

Academic Services Officer, Warren Blackwood
Toni Pantou

Toni looks after the administration at the Warren-Blackwood site but also finds herself doing many other things: she's either rostering, organising exams and preceptors, or organising local sport, prepping pizza dough, jump-starting cars, and rehoming the occasional mouse! Toni has lived in Bridgetown for more than 20 years and began with RCSWA when the Warren-Blackwood site opened in 2020.

What I love about the RCSWA
I love what it stands for, working with such a welcoming team, and getting to know a new batch of students each year.