Townsville psychiatrist named state's top supervisor

Townsville University Hospital (TUH) psychiatrist and mental health service group acting chief training supervisor Dr Paula Matich has been named the best psychiatry supervisor in Queensland after winning the 2026 Queensland Psychiatry Trainees Association Star Supervisor Award.

The award recognises psychiatrists and clinical educators who demonstrate excellence in the supervision and training of psychiatry registrars, and whose mentorship has made a profound contribution to trainees' learning, wellbeing and future careers.

Dr Matich described the win as a proud moment for the hospital and for mental health care across north Queensland.

"It was a great privilege and a surprise, but a very lovely surprise, to win the award," Dr Matich said.

"I think winning the award is really a reflection of not only how we value supervision in Townsville and within the mental health service group, but also a reflection of our trainees."

Dr Matich is a James Cook University graduate who completed her entire medical training in Townsville from clinical placements through to internship, as well as psychiatry training and advanced training in child and adolescent psychiatry.

"Being able to complete my training in Townsville and now be in a position to serve the community through delivery of health services, has provided me with insights and experiences that I couldn’t have received anywhere else," she said.

One of Dr Matich's trainees and award nominators TUH psychiatry registrar Dr Milla Jackson said Paula was the kind of supervisor every trainee hoped to have.

"Paula creates a safe environment where you feel supported to ask questions, make mistakes, build confidence and become the clinician you want to be," Dr Jackson said.

"She genuinely cares about the wellbeing of her trainees, makes time for them even when she is busy, and always makes you feel that you are never facing a difficult situation alone."

Dr Matich said investing in junior doctors had flow-on benefits for the whole community.

"I think the future of our hospital is with our junior doctors and our trainees and investing time into those doctors will have benefits for the whole community,” Dr Matich said.