We are change-makers who care deeply about helping rural communities build and keep a strong health workforce
What Makes Us Tick
At Attract Connect Stay, our core mission is to address and overcome the unique challenges faced by rural healthcare and social care services in attracting and retaining skilled professionals. We believe in creating sustainable, thriving rural communities where health professionals [as well as other types of skilled workers relocating from out-of-region] not only want to work but also choose to live and lay down roots. Our passion lies in leveraging place-based, community-engaged, collaborative solutions and innovative strategies to close the gap in rural health access and resources.
Testimonials
Our Story
Founded by Dr. Cath Cosgrave, Attract Connect Stay emerged from ground-breaking research into the multifaceted factors affecting the attraction and retention of health professionals in rural settings. Recognising the critical role of belonging and community integration in retaining newcomer rural-based health professionals, Dr. Cosgrave developed the Attract Connect Stay Framework. This approach has reshaped how rural healthcare and social care workforce challenges are being addressed as well as leading to the development by Dr Cosgrave of the Attract Connect Stay Launchpad Program and the Establishing the Community Connector Program. Our story is one of commitment, innovation, and a deep-seated desire to make a difference in rural healthcare and social care across Australia.
Meet Our Team
Dr. Cath Cosgrave, Founder and Lead Consultant
Dr Cath Cosgrave is the lead rural workforce expert behind Attract Connect Stay and REFRAME. An accomplished researcher and Adjunct Research Fellow at QUT, Cath combines rigorous academic inquiry with practical, place-based approaches to strengthening rural and regional workforces. Her research has contributed to a deeper understanding of the professional, organisational, personal and community factors that influence whether people choose to work, connect and remain in rural communities.
Through Attract Connect Stay, Cath translates that evidence into practical frameworks, programs and strategies that organisations and communities can apply. As the lead expert within REFRAME, Cath provides the evidence-based foundation for the approach and guides its strategic direction, helping organisations move beyond short-term recruitment responses to understand and address the conditions that shape long-term workforce sustainability. Her work spans rural health and social care in Australia and internationally, combining research, workforce practice and community-based implementation to strengthen both workforce outcomes and the communities they serve.
Dr Cindy Dennis, Leadership, Strategy and Implementation
Dr Cindy Dennis focuses on leadership, strategy and implementation. She brings strong capability in developing people, aligning teams and organisations around shared priorities, and translating strategy into action. Cindy coaches and enables others to build the confidence and capability to lead change themselves, while providing the clarity, direction and accountability needed to maintain momentum. She is skilled at building trusted relationships across organisations and bringing the right people together to turn shared goals into practical outcomes.
Through REFRAME, Attract Connect Stay’s workforce sustainability approach, Cindy supports organisations to strengthen readiness, translate evidence into strategy and turn insight into sustained action.
Margot Davis, Regional Transformation, Liveability and Market Development
Margot Davis focuses on place-based liveability, regional transformation and market development. She brings more than 20 years of experience across strategy, marketing, regional and economic development, government, organisational transformation and place-based development. Margot works at the intersection of workforce, place and market opportunity, helping organisations and communities strengthen the conditions that make regions more attractive, liveable and sustainable.
Through REFRAME, Attract Connect Stay’s workforce sustainability approach, she supports regional liveability, transformation and engagement strategy, market development, partnership building and the design of integrated workforce solutions.
Karley Cameron, Community Connector Coordinator Coach
With a background in managing the Community Connector Program in the Southern Grampians for Western District Health Service, Karley applies her expertise in coaching, strategic planning, marketing and community engagement to support our nationwide Community Connector Impact Network’s initiatives.
Associate Professor Christina Malatzky (PhD), ACS Researcher from QUT
Christina is a sociologist and rural health researcher at QUT with expertise in organisational and rural studies, power analyses and place-conscious research. She is passionate about advancing spatial justice for rural communities and supporting the co-construction of rurally-orientated knowledges.
Peta Thomson, ACS and CCP Consultant from Bullseye Strategic Communications
Peta has headed communications, brand, product and event management divisions in the healthcare, medical equipment, aviation and entertainment sectors. Peta is supporting Attract Connect Stay and the Community Connector Program executing communication strategies and marketing activities.
Jacob Dowlan, IT Systems Administrator from JD Technology Services
Jacob is our “resident IT geek”. With a knack for innovative solutions and a customer-focused approach, he’s adept at navigating and solving diverse IT challenges. His contributions to ACS, including for example building the ACS website and creating a customised CRM for the Community Connector Impact Network, showcase his pivotal role in digitalising and streamlining operations, ensuring the ACS team stays connected and efficient.
Samara McQueston, ACS & CCP Administrative Assistant & Design Specialist
With a background in customer service and a strong foundation in health care administration, Samara provides virtual assistance to support the success of the Attract Connect Stay and Community Connector Programs and assists Dr Cosgrave in preparing resources for the delivery of the ACS training programs as well as online and face-to-face presentations and workshops.
Together, we work closely with rural health services and communities to implement effective, sustainable solutions.
Our Growing List of Clients
Our client list includes a wide range of rural health services, peak rural agencies, local government, NGOS and community organisations that committed to improving the attraction and retention of health professionals in rural areas.
From working with community collaboration to establish their Community Connector Programs or healthcare and social care organisations to embed the Attract Connect Stay Framework, our impact is visible in the thriving rural communities we’ve partnered with.
Our work, endorsed by clients such as Western District Health Service and the Greater Shepparton City Council, showcases the positive change we’re capable of driving in rural healthcare landscapes.
Community Connector Success Stories
Local Connect is part of the Attract, Connect, Stay family, focused on place-based solutions to attract and retain essential workers and their families in Glen Innes and Inverell. The initiative supports the growth of vibrant communities by addressing workforce needs through targeted programs that enhance liveability and community connection.
Welcome to Bundaberg, led by NGO Wide Bay Kids, supports the growing population by fostering connected communities. The initiative drives health, wellbeing, and lifestyle outcomes through community-led strategies. It aims to build a cohesive, inclusive region by enhancing local services and empowering residents to thrive in the Wide Bay area.
The Southern Grampians Community Connector Program is dedicated to strengthening local communities by addressing workforce challenges. Through collaborative efforts, it aims to attract, connect, and retain skilled professionals. This approach supports the growth of vibrant regional hubs while ensuring vital services meet the evolving needs of residents and their families.
The Mid Coast faces challenges in attracting health workforce professionals, impacting local wellbeing. A committed group of community leaders launched strategies to draw, connect, and retain skilled workers. By addressing healthcare shortages, this initiative builds a resilient workforce to meet the region’s growing needs and support the community’s long-term health.
We know the importance to personally welcome and connect new residents to our wonderful community. This is why we have developed the Community Connector Program a FREE service to businesses and new-to-area professionals.