In the lead-up to delivering the Violet Vines Marshman Annual Oration, National Rural Health Commissioner Professor Jenny May has spoken with La Trobe Rural Health School (LRHS) about the future of rural health, calling for bold action, local workforce solutions, and smarter use of technology.
Professor May, a long-standing advocate for rural and remote healthcare, will use the Oration to reflect on what makes rural communities unique — and why those differences must shape how health services are designed and delivered.
“Rural communities are not a deficit story,” Professor May said. “They’re different - and that difference brings both challenges and extraordinary strengths. We need to stop trying to fit metro solutions into rural settings.”
Growing the Workforce from Within
With widespread rural workforce shortages, Professor May says now is the time to rethink how rural professionals are trained, supported, and retained.
“There’s good evidence that a place-based workforce is key,” she said. “We need to train people where they live and give them the opportunity to grow in their own communities. That’s how we build a sustainable future.”
“The people are already there. We just need to provide the right tools — like skills escalators, localised training, and better support pathways.”
Teamwork, Tenacity and Technology
Previewing her key themes for the Oration, Professor May said the future of rural health rests on what she calls the “three Ts”: teamwork, tenacity, and technology.
“No one discipline can do this alone. It’s about collaborative, team-based care. We also need tenacity — because this work is complex and long-term. And we need to be smart about how we use technology.”
She added that while technology opens new possibilities, it must never come at the expense of human connection.
“Technology can support and enhance care, but it can’t replace it. We’re still learning when we kind of care comes from relationships and deep understanding, and when a virtual tool is enough.”
Looking Ahead
Professor May says rural communities are clear about what they want.
“They’re not asking for cancer centres — they want good primary care, continuity, trust and respect. And that’s not too much to ask, is it?”
“We’ve got some powerful tools. What we need now is the leadership and the willingness to build rural health systems that reflect rural realities — and are shaped by the communities themselves.”
The Violet Vines Marshman Centre for Rural Health Research Annual Oration will be delivered on Thursday 10 July, 5.30pm and is a highlight of the La Trobe Rural Health Conference, bringing national focus to regional and remote health leadership.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of the leading voices in rural health policy. Book now
PHOTO: Far left, Violet Marshman graduating as a nurse in 1939.
