On June 18, the CSDS team joined hundreds of students, teachers, and industry professionals at the 2025 #GoHealth Careers Expo. This event is a unique collaboration between CheckUP’s Health Gateway to Industry Schools Program, Queensland Health and health organisations across Queensland.
Held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, the expo offered a fully immersive experience that brought the world of healthcare to life. From mock clinical setups to live demonstrations, students had the chance to explore real-world career pathways and connect directly with those working in healthcare.
The crowd favourite
One of the most popular stops of the day? The CSDS Maternity team’s interactive birthing simulation. A long queue and a lot of excitement surrounded the station the entire day. Using a pelvis and baby manikin, students tested birthing techniques, asked questions, and explored what it takes to support safe, person-centred maternity care.
Jessica Pope, Midwifery Educator and the A/Program Director of the Queensland Maternity Education (QME) program, reflected:
One of my favourite moments facilitating the expo was seeing the excitement and curiosity from so many young people eager to explore careers in healthcare, especially in maternity care.
It was incredibly rewarding to witness their enthusiasm as they engaged with our hands-on interactive station featuring the Sophie & Sophie’s Mum birthing manikin.
Students were fascinated by the opportunity to simulate the birthing process, and it sparked so many great conversations about the realities and rewards of working in maternity care.
Mary-Ellen Russelhuber, CMCF Simulation Coordinator Regional, Remote & Rural Maternity Emergency Program (MEP), agreed:
My favourite part of the day was seeing the students’ enthusiasm, especially during the “birthing” activity with the manikin.
Their curiosity and the thoughtful questions they asked were absolutely fantastic.
It was really lovely to see such a passionate and focused group of young people who are already so engaged in shaping their futures.
Why events like this matter
Events like #GoHealth offer students a unique opportunity to explore, ask questions, and “try before they train”. It’s about making career pathways visible and real.
It was great to see the student’s enthusiasm and eagerness to get in and be a part of the birthing simulation. Many conversations were created from this, particularly about how to become a midwife and what the work/life balance looks like with this career.
We were also able to talk about the different types of avenues working within Maternity can take you, especially down the Education/Simulation pathways. The job doesn’t always have to be a clinical role, there is so many more opportunities as well.
Lancia Macey, Midwife and Student Facilitator CSDS
At CSDS, we’re proud to support the next generation of healthcare professionals through innovative, hands-on education that inspires and informs.
A huge thank you to the Metro North team for all of the work that went into bringing this massive exhibit to life!
