Health experts gather to discuss innovative health practices and strategies
The University of Wollongong's (UOW) Shoalhaven Campus will host the 2025 UOW Rural Health Research Conference this weekend, bringing together healthcare professionals, researchers, and community stakeholders to address the unique challenges facing regional communities.
The two-day conference, running Friday 14 March to Saturday 15 March, will focus on "Multidisciplinary and Community-Engaged Approaches in Rural Healthcare" – a timely theme as rural communities continue to face significant healthcare disparities and workforce shortages.
Federal Member for Gilmore, Mrs. Fiona Phillips MP, will deliver the Welcome Address, highlighting the importance of rural health research in addressing the region's ongoing challenges. Professor Russell Roberts, Professor of Management and Leadership at Charles Sturt University, will serve as the Keynote Speaker, bringing his extensive expertise in rural mental health and leadership.
Interim Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Eileen McLaughlin said access to quality healthcare continues to be a significant concern for regional communities.
"This conference provides a crucial platform for sharing evidence-based solutions that can be implemented to address the healthcare challenges specific to rural and regional Australia," Professor McLaughlin said.
"Through our regional campuses and the nursing programs they offer, and our end-to-end rural Doctor of Medicine course, UOW remains dedicated to supporting local communities. Our researchers are contributing passionately to addressing critical health challenges faced by people in rural and regional areas.
The conference will feature research presentations across four critical themes. Participants will explore Digital Health solutions for remote communities, strategies for Rural and Regional Workforce Development, Innovations in Care Delivery models, and approaches to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health outcomes.
The event builds on the success of previous conferences, which have highlighted issues such as healthcare access inequities, mental health service gaps, and the ongoing challenges of attracting and retaining healthcare professionals in regional areas.
Professor Andrew Bonney, long-term general practitioner on the South Coast and Associate Head of School Research Strategy for UOW's Graduate School of Medicine said the conference is about bringing together diverse perspectives to develop practical health solutions.
"Rural communities face the dual challenges of historically worse health care outcomes, across all age groups, and poorer access to health care compared to their metropolitan counterparts. But these challenges are not insurmountable.
"By connecting researchers, healthcare providers, and community members, we can address the complex challenges facing rural healthcare delivery and work toward more equitable health outcomes for regional communities."
Professor Liz Halcomb from the School of Nursing said the UOW regional campus nursing programs play a key role in building the local workforce and supporting the health of rural communities.
"It's more than just training skilled professionals; it's about leading research that tackles the unique challenges faced in these areas," Professor Halcomb said.
"We're committed to improving healthcare and ensuring that rural communities have access to top-quality care for years to come."
