When the Dr Deb Neal Wing opened in late 2024, providing state-of-the-art nursing labs, the campus faced a question: what to do with the old space? The answer was clear.
“We knew we had a strong presence of La Trobe researchers active in our region who regularly visit from across our campus network, plus a growing number of higher degree students based here in Mildura. Creating a space for them on campus would help build connections and demonstrate to the community that we are a leading research university right here in their hometown,” said Dr Sandy Connor, Head of Campus.
Dr Connor speaks from experience; she recently had her PhD conferred and will graduate in 2026 alongside two other local PhD students.
“My own journey has been a long one, and I feel incredibly proud to now be part of the researcher community here in Mildura. When you’re undertaking research on a regional campus, connecting with peers, even across different disciplines, is vital. That’s why I was passionate about developing the Research and Innovation Lounge.”
The lounge has quickly become a valuable space, regularly welcoming local PhD students and hosting more than 35 visiting researchers this year, many on multiple occasions. It is now also home to two new staff members employed through a locally focused Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) project.
Last month, La Trobe Mildura partnered with the Mallee Regional Innovation Centre (MRIC) to host Mallee Minds Meet, a networking event for researchers and those curious about pursuing research. MRIC is a collaboration between La Trobe University, University of Melbourne, and SuniTAFE, headquartered in Mildura.
“Mallee Minds Meet was about bringing together people living and working in the Mallee who are undertaking a research degree, hold a PhD, or are considering their next step. Regardless of university affiliation, everyone was welcome. It’s about fostering a research culture for the benefit of society and our region as a whole,” Dr Connor said.
The momentum doesn’t stop there. This year, a research project with roots in Mildura secured over $900,000 in Medical Research Futures Fund (MRFF) funding. The research team has co-designed an at home Heart Health Check Kit for rural Australians, working closely with Mildura consumers and clinicians. The feasibility of such an intervention will be tested in the Mallee. The project was funded through the Medical Research Future Fund Survivorship Care and Collaborative Research Prioritisation grant.
“In Mildura, heart disease prevention is a critical issue, as it is the leading cause of preventable death in the region, even surpassing cancer. The absence of a catheterisation (cath) lab for specialised cardiac procedures makes Mildura an ideal location for research and intervention in heart disease prevention. So we’re excited to have the project that has the potential to make a difference to the lives of regional Australians kick off in our region.”
Beyond its purpose, the lounge is a stunning space, featuring locally sourced furniture from Tilley’s Furniture and a striking image of a local vineyard as its feature wall.
“Our space is already the envy of researchers from Bundoora, proof that Mildura is firmly on the research map!” Dr Connor added.
