La Trobe University’s Rural Health School hosted its annual Research Conference in Bendigo on 11 and 12 July, bringing together researchers, students, clinicians, and partners for two days of presentations, conversations, and insights how community-led, place-based research is informing national policy and changing lives on the ground.
Held at the La Trobe Rural Health School, Trent Dean, CEO of Gateway Health delivered an outstanding keynote address, reflecting on leadership, innovation and equity, and the challenges regional communities face.
A highlight of the Conference was the Violet Vines Marshan Oration, delivered by National Rural Health Commissioner Professor Jenny May about the future of rural health, calling for bold action, local workforce solutions, and smarter use of technology.
Other highlights from the Conference included:
Smarter Wound Care with AI
Khalia Borserio, PhD candidate in Public Health, presented work on AI-powered wound care tools being trialled by community nursing teams in the Loddon Mallee.
“People in regional areas are three times more likely to delay care,” Borserio explained. “AI can help nurses assess, monitor and manage wounds using just a smartphone - improving consistency and freeing up time.”
Wound care can account for nearly half of a rural nurse’s workload, and chronic wounds are more common in regions with high rates of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Borserio’s work shows how digital tools can reduce inequity by improving access to timely, quality care.
Who Listens to Children?
Dr Corina Modderman, Senior Lecturer and Discipline Lead for Social Work and conference co-organiser, shared research focused on child sexual abuse disclosure.
“Disclosure is often not one moment - it’s a series of attempts,” she said. “When we expect a clear, linear telling, we miss how children are already trying to speak.”
Modderman called for a shift toward survivor-informed, trauma-aware responses, built around the lived experiences of those most affected.
Active Ageing Through Walking Football
Stephen Cousins, Lecturer in Exercise Science, presented his research on walking football, a low-impact sport engaging older adults in rural areas.
“It’s inclusive, social, and fun — and participants report real improvements in health and wellbeing,” Cousins said.
This growing movement reflects how tailored physical activity programs can combat isolation and support healthy ageing.
Changing Minds on Aged Care
Associate Professor Sean MacDermott, Director of the John Richards Centre, discussed student attitudes toward working in aged care.
“We’ve seen investment in rural aged care placements, but their long-term impact depends on changing perceptions,” he said.
MacDermott’s research suggests that meaningful exposure to aged care can positively shift career intentions — a promising insight for addressing rural workforce shortages.
Sexual Violence in Regional Areas
Freda Haylett, Research Fellow within the Reducing Gender-Based Violence Research Group highlighted the heightened prevalence of sexual violence in rural communities.
“Isolation, entrenched gender norms, and a lack of services can silence survivors,” she said. “We need trauma-informed, locally led solutions.”
Her work is influencing policy and practice through a newly released paper on sexual violence in rural Australia.
Singing as Community Healing
Belinda Densley, PhD candidate, showcased the role of community singing facilitators in promoting rural mental health.
“They’re not just music teachers,” Densley said. “They’re community builders, creating safe, transformative spaces for expression.”
New Models of Rural Healthcare
Professor Spelten also presented findings from the Community Paramedicine project in the Mallee, where paramedics are trialling preventive, community-based care.
“It’s reducing ambulance callouts and emergency visits,” she noted. “This model shows real promise for stretched regional health systems.”
From digital health to aged care and arts-based healing, the conference reaffirmed the Rural Health School’s leadership in community-responsive research.
“This work is about impact,” said Modderman. “We’re listening to what rural communities need - and responding with evidence and action.”
For media enquiries contact Jess Whitty j.whitty@latrobe.edu.au
