Dean's welcome

In the La Trobe Rural Health School, we are dedicated to making rural health and wellbeing matter on local, national and international stages. Our mission centres on fostering social justice by directly engaging with the health and wellbeing needs of rural communities, while celebrating their unique strengths.

At La Trobe Rural Health School, rural means any region outside of a major metropolitan city, and we are proud to be embedded across La Trobe’s regional campuses in Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura and Shepparton. Our reach extends globally through our partnership with PSB Academy in Singapore, offering their students the opportunity to experience and contribute to the richness of Australian rural life.

As the largest rural health school in Australia, we graduate students from 13 diverse health disciplines, preparing them to enter and strengthen the rural health workforce. We aspire for our School to be known as the best and largest Australian rural health school, evidenced by our graduates’ impact as rural healthcare professionals and our highly regarded research.

The La Trobe Rural Health School is guided by a steadfast commitment to providing distinctive rural student experiences that intentionally support success. Developing an accessible, accountable and caring culture where the La Trobe values of connectivity, accountability, innovation and care shine through is a big part of how we support our students and staff.

We are committed to ensuring that all Australians – particularly First Nations people – can access high-quality, equitable healthcare and social services and that our graduates and research outcomes make a lasting, positive difference in rural communities. Our team comprises national and international leaders in rural health research, education and clinical practice, all dedicated to improving health outcomes worldwide and gaining recognition as leaders in our field.

The La Trobe Rural Health School is made stronger by our incredible team members. Without their dedication, we wouldn’t be able to serve our students or the rural communities where we live and work. Our leadership team places a priority on staff health and wellbeing, fostering an inclusive, safe and collaborative work environment that values connection, accountability, innovation and care.

We are committed to partnership in all we do, focusing on enhancing and complementing existing services rather than duplicating them. We also prioritise celebrating staff achievements and successes that exemplify the values of LRHS and contribute to our vision of rural health excellence.

Thank you for joining us on this journey to impact the health and wellbeing of rural communities, and to shape a healthier, more equitable future for all.

Professor Jane Mills
Dean, La Trobe Rural Health School