Professor Winterton is also the recently appointed Director of the John Richards Centre for Rural Ageing Research and Director of Graduate Research within the La Trobe Rural Health School. An internationally recognised rural gerontologist, her research focuses on enhancing the health, wellbeing and participation of rural older people, with expertise in the role of the volunteer and community sector in supporting healthy ageing.
Working in partnership with governments, health services and community organisations, Professor Winterton's research has shaped policy and practice across Australia. In 2019, she was called as an expert witness to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, and she continues to lead research that supports the development of age-friendly health care and communities in rural Australia.
A leading scholar in critical rural gerontology, Professor Winterton has secured competitive funding from the Australian Government, the Australian Research Council and philanthropic organisations, and has published extensively in leading international journals. In 2025, she delivered the prestigious David Wallace Address at the Australian Association of Gerontology Conference, recognising her outstanding contribution to the field. She also serves as Convenor of the Australian Association of Gerontology's Rural, Regional and Remote Special Interest Group and Co-Chair of the National Volunteering Research Network.
Dean of the La Trobe Rural Health School, Professor Jane Mills, said Professor Winterton's appointment recognised her exceptional research leadership and commitment to improving health outcomes for rural communities.
"Rachel is one of Australia's leading rural gerontologists, whose research has transformed the way we understand and respond to the needs of older people living in rural, regional and remote communities," Professor Mills said.
"Her work exemplifies the La Trobe Rural Health School's commitment to research that delivers meaningful benefits for communities. Through strong partnerships with government, health services and the community sector, Rachel has consistently translated evidence into policy and practice that improves people's lives."
"As the John Richards Chair of Rural Ageing Research, Rachel will continue to strengthen the Centre's national and international reputation, while mentoring emerging researchers and driving innovative, collaborative research that addresses the challenges and opportunities of an ageing rural population."
Professor Winterton said she was honoured to be appointed to the Chair and looked forward to building on the Centre's strong legacy.
"It is a privilege to be appointed as the John Richards Chair of Rural Ageing Research. I look forward to continuing to work with colleagues, partners and communities to progress research that supports rural healthy ageing."
The John Richards Centre for Rural Ageing Research is internationally recognised for its research into ageing in rural, regional and remote communities. Through collaborative, community-engaged research, the Centre works to improve the health, wellbeing and quality of life of older Australians while informing policy and practice at local, national and international levels.
