Research from Michele Conlin, graduate researcher with the Violet Vines Marshman Centre for Rural Health Research, shows that understanding rural community health is about more than just data; it requires seeing things through the eyes of the people who live there.
“Health promotion often relies on population-level data and standardised approaches such as predesigned programs,” she explains. “But rural towns that look similar on paper can differ significantly when it comes to what actually shapes health and wellbeing.”
Michele’s study, undertaken as an industry PhD in partnership with West Wimmera Health Service, explored participant-led mobile interviewing, where residents walked or drove through their town responding to the question: What in your town helps or hinders community health?
“We found the approach generated rich, place-based data, capturing influences on health that may be missed by more traditional methods. These factors ranged from connection to place, the agricultural sector, farming demands, and interpersonal issues.”
Michele says mobile interviewing goes beyond collecting information by “strengthening relationships, supporting meaningful community engagement, and informing co-design, advocacy and policy discussions.”
The insights from her PhD are already informing practice, with findings shared with West Wimmera Health Service to guide local services.
