Kimberley
Living in the Kimberley
The Kimberley region, located in the northernmost part of Western Australia, offers a unique and enriching living experience for psychiatry trainees and their families. The region is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, ranging from broad savannah grasslands and rugged ranges to golden beaches and spectacular tropical gorges.
The Kimberley is home to a rich cultural history, with approximately half of its population comprising Aboriginal people who represent more than 30 traditional language groups. This cultural diversity is reflected in the vibrant community life and numerous cultural festivals and events held throughout the year. The region's main towns, including Broome, Derby, Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek, and Kununurra, provide a range of everyday services and facilities, ensuring a comfortable and convenient lifestyle for residents.
The Kimberley offers a variety of recreational activities, making it an ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts. The region's sub-tropical climate, characterized by hot summers and warm winters, allows for year-round outdoor activities such as water skiing, fishing, camping, four-wheel driving, and boating. The Kimberley also hosts numerous sports clubs and recreational facilities, catering to interests in football, cricket, rugby, athletics, basketball, netball, and more. Additionally, the region's natural attractions, including El Questro Wilderness Park, Purnululu National Park, and Cable Beach, provide endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. With a supportive community, rich cultural heritage, and a plethora of recreational options, the Kimberley region offers a fulfilling and balanced lifestyle for psychiatry trainees and their families.
Related Links
WACHS Kimberley Health Services
WACHS Living in the Kimberley Videos
Living in the Kimberley Profile
Kimberley Mental Health (KMHDS) Website
WACHS MH Kimberley Profile (PDF)
Training in the Kimberley
The Kimberley Mental Health and Drug Service (KMHDS) provides a comprehensive range of mental health and alcohol and drug services, offering psychiatry trainees a diverse and enriching training experience. The service operates on a hub and spoke model, with resident Community Mental Health Professionals (CMHPs) based in larger towns such as Broome, Derby, Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek, and Kununurra, who travel to and cover other satellite sites. Trainees will have the opportunity to work in both community and inpatient settings, gaining experience in initial assessments, secondary consultations, and team meetings conducted face-to-face or via videoconference.
Broome’s Mabu Liyan Mental Health Inpatient Unit services the entire northwest of Western Australia, providing acute in-patient psychiatric care for referred patients from the Kimberley and Pilbara regions. Additionally, the service includes specialized programs such as the Broome Recovery Centre, Kununurra Safe Haven Café, and a co-located Drug and Alcohol team, ensuring a well-rounded training experience that prioritizes cultural safety and high-quality patient care.
RANZCP Training Posts
RPTWA’s Comprehensive Training Hub (CTH) in Broome offers accredited training posts across all stages of RANZCP training, including Acute Adult inpatient training in Stage 1 and Stage 2/3 experiences in Adult Psychiatry (AP), Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (CL) and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (CAP), including accreditation for Stage 3 trainees completing AP and CAP Advanced Training, and unique opportunities to provide psychiatric support to Kimberley Aboriginal communities in partnership with our Aboriginal Mental Health Workers (INDAU).