Our team recently attended the National Rural Health Alliance Conference in Perth, the largest regular event focused on improving health and wellbeing in rural and remote Australia. It was inspiring to witness the incredible work being done in these communities, and we were proud to contribute to the conversation.
Key highlights from the conference:
Several members of the Royal Far West (RFW) team were actively involved in discussions and presentations at the conference, showcasing our commitment to advancing rural health outcomes:
- Jacqui Emery, RFW CEO, chaired multiple sessions featuring researchers and service providers with a focus on community co-design and improving children’s health.
- Danielle Taylor, RFW Head of Schools and Early Years Services, delivered a powerful presentation on how our work is positively impacting children’s learning outcomes, wellbeing, and boosting teacher confidence in supporting children with developmental challenges.
- Tayla Iellamo, RFW Multidisciplinary Team Leader, Community Recovery Services, presented alongside Tracey Parnell, Associate Head of School – Allied Health, Charles Sturt University. Together, they shared insights into how our team supported community wellbeing by integrating individual and organizational supports through a successful team wellbeing project, which was evaluated by CSU.
A vision for the future of rural health:
A significant moment during the conference was the unveiling of the Alliance’s election strategy: “Let’s Build a Healthier Future for Rural Australia.” As part of this they launched an e-petition to call for a 10-year National Rural Health Strategy.
This strategy would:
- Ensure fairness for rural Australia by guaranteeing minimum access to healthcare.
- Support continuity of care for all Australians across the lifespan.
- Reinforce commitments to Closing the Gap for First Nations people.
- Invest in the rural health workforce and local community health care solutions.
You can support this initiative and help shape a healthier future for rural Australia by signing the petition here.
As we reflect on our time at the National Rural Health Alliance conference, we are energised by the potential for meaningful change. The knowledge shared and the connections made will help drive our continued efforts to support the health and wellbeing of children and families in rural and remote areas.