Kalgoorlie
Status: Large site, 12 penultimate students
Kalgoorlie-Boulder is almost 600 kilometres inland of Perth and being a "goldrush town" features some of the grandest turn-of-the-century architecture, character buildings, and modern public art.
Fun local activities include the Boulder Markets, sunset at the Soundshell, KB Creative pop-up shops, Parkrun, regular quiz nights at The Miners' Rest, shopping "LoKal" in the CBD, and a tour of the Super Pit.
One of the four original RCSWA sites established in 2002, Kalgoorlie is RCSWA's administrative headquarters. Staff and students work from a modern office within the Kalgoorlie Regional Hospital grounds featuring large conference and training areas.
Staff Profiles
Lead medical coordinator, kalgoorlie
Donald Howarth
Donald has spent four decades in rural medicine, beginning in Broken Hill NSW where he took a special interest in lead contamination research. He later moved to Esperance WA to work in General Practice and Anaesthetics. A highlight of Donald’s career was when he supported a UWA project in war-torn Hargeisa, capital of Somaliland, teaching very poor medical students. He was inspired by the clinicians who had left the country as refugees and returned from well-paid jobs in the West to re-establish healthcare in the country.
What I love about the RCSWA
Now retired from clinical practice, I have the pleasure of helping RCSWA students sculpt their brains into the fine medical minds of the future. They transfer energy and enthusiasm to us old clinicians and we hopefully transfer wisdom to them. It’s a nice role I find myself in.
medical coordinator, kalgoorlie
Wim Speelman
Wim has worked as a GP in tropical, metro and rural areas. After retiring from clinical practice, he was asked to be an RCSWA medical coordinator starting in January 2021. He believes a rural medical career is a unique opportunity to practice the full scope of medicine in a holistic way, and live on beautiful country among people who have a strong sense of community.
What I love about the RCSWA
All the students I have met so far are enthusiastic and eager to learn. The school organisation is supportive and gives the staff plenty of room to take on responsibilities as they wish.
ACADEMIC SERVICES OFFICER, KALGOORLIE
Malinda Holwill
Malinda is the primary point of contact for students, managing exams, accommodation and placements to ensure they have a great Goldfields experience. Prior to RCSWA, she spent five years working at the WA Country Health Service on infrastructure, accommodation, and medical recruitment projects. Malinda moved to Kalgoorlie-Boulder from Perth 14 years ago and considers it a family-friendly town where the community always comes together to support each other.
What I love about the RCSWA
On my first day, I joined the admin team from across the state in Perth for their annual catch-up. It was wonderful to be welcomed so warmly by the entire team. I am excited to support the students on their journey to become qualified medical practitioners.
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