For Zara, the seed of uPaged was planted in the hospital corridors — not boardrooms. As a nurse, she experienced the frontline realities of healthcare staffing: long shifts, rushed placements, and a system that often prioritised availability over suitability. That first-hand experience didn’t just shape her view of the industry — it sparked a fire.
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“I felt frustrated by the lack of control in the system, where nurses were placed in positions that didn’t align with their strengths or preferences, which also led to them not wanting to return to certain departments.”
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These frustrations weren’t just about scheduling or logistics. They were about care — and what happens when skilled professionals aren’t set up to do their best work. Zara saw an opportunity to create something different: a platform that prioritised autonomy, transparency, and quality placement — for both nurses and healthcare providers.
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That platform became uPaged, now one of Australia’s most innovative health-tech companies. Designed to meet the real needs of nurses and the real-time demands of hospitals, uPaged connects skilled professionals with roles that align with their preferences, availability, and expertise.
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“Our platform is focused on empowering healthcare professionals while offering healthcare providers an efficient, transparent connection with skilled nurses when they need them.”
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Zara’s belief in technology as a force for good was the perfect match for the challenge. She saw how other industries had embraced innovation to improve outcomes — and knew healthcare recruitment was overdue for its moment of transformation.
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“I’ve always been interested in the scalability of impact with technology, and its potential to improve traditional industries. Healthcare recruitment, in particular, has historically lagged in innovation, so when I saw an opportunity to bring about meaningful change, I knew it was the right place for me.”
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That change is already being felt. Nurses now have more control over where and when they work. Hospitals are reducing gaps in staffing without compromising quality. And uPaged continues to grow as a trusted partner in an industry where trust and timing are everything.
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Zara’s journey hasn’t just been about building a business — it’s about building a movement. One that champions flexibility, fairness, and a smarter way forward for the people at the heart of healthcare.

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Outside of the boardroom, Zara is equally intentional with her time. In 2024, she’s making space for the things that recharge her: reconnecting with her roots on the family farm in remote north-west Queensland, diving back into surf lifesaving, and soaking up time with her loved ones.
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She finds joy in the tactile — gardening, home renovations, and creating welcoming spaces. “I love creating spaces that bring people together.”
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True to form, she’s also leaned into new challenges — like learning the ropes of investing. Shares and Bitcoin are her latest interests, and she’s embracing the steep curve with curiosity and energy.
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“I’m currently on a big learning curve and finding it both fascinating and rewarding.”
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When asked for recommendations, Zara doesn’t hesitate. She points to 'The Almanack of Naval Ravikant' as a book that has deeply influenced her perspective on life, wealth, and happiness. For a film that leaves a lasting impression? 'CODA' — a story about communication, connection, and the power of understanding others.
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Zara’s story is a reminder that change doesn’t always start with a grand plan. Sometimes, it starts with a question: what if this could be better? And then, the courage to answer it.

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