:: Sun and Surf - Heidi Hughes

After completing her oncology training in Perth Western Australia, Heidi took up a position in a remote part of the country at the one hundred and twenty bed Port Headland Hospital serving the East Pilbarra Region. Previously patients requiring chemotherapy had to undergo an 1800 km journey to Perth for treatment. Heidi was able to make a real difference in people's lives. When the opportunity came along to be a part of the new North Coast Cancer Institute, Heidi realized at once that here also she could make a substantial difference to people's lives by bringing cancer services into rural areas.

The position at the Port Macquarie facility of the NCCI appealed to Heidi because it gave her a chance to use her training, be part of cutting edge research, didn't involve shift work and enabled her family to move to an area that is marvellous for children to grow up in.

Heidi says that she feels very lucky to have come here at this time. She knew the area having loved holidaying here as child. The idea of enjoying this great climate on the beautiful coastline was tantalising and now it is a dream come true. Heidi's husband is a builder and there is lots of work here. They feel that this is a place that is going ahead and will keep going ahead providing work opportunities for the children in the future as well as security for their Mum and Dad in the present.

Heidi has three children aged 11, 7 and 3 and they have plenty of space to play on the family's two and half acre property on the outskirts of town. Heidi thinks that is one of the many plusses of Port Macquarie, there is so much choice about where you can live - from in town, to beachside, to out of town like she does. It's only four hours by car to Sydney so it's easy to pack the family up and head off for a city weekend, or they can travel inland up to the tablelands with its different attractions and wild rugged beauty.

She is involved in Clinical Trials at the Institute and stresses that here you can follow your own interest and specialize. You will be fully supported to progress in your career and study. She feels honoured to be able to play a part in advancing research and helping people.

For those of you who might be considering coming to work here Heidi says that it is a very supportive learning environment based around advancing the science and using state of the art technology. You can enjoy stimulating work in a friendly team while living in a beautiful part of the world.