A highly respected public health researcher, Virginia Dickson‑Swift brings more than 20 years of experience in applied research focused on improving health outcomes for rural communities. Over the past six years, she has led the Oral Health Research Stream within Centre, working in close partnership with rural communities, policymakers, service providers and peak bodies to ensure research is grounded in community‑identified needs and translated into practical, real‑world solutions.
Virginia has also played a key role in developing the Centre’s flagship Community Partnership Grants Scheme, which enables rural communities to design and deliver locally led projects that strengthen health and wellbeing. This work reflects her strong commitment to positioning the Centre as both a generator of high‑quality evidence and a trusted partner that supports community capacity and sustainable change.
“As Director, I’m looking forward to strengthening our partnerships, growing our policy influence, and leading the next phase of community-led innovation in health for rural Australians,” said Associate Professor Dickson‑Swift.
