Community-Led Solutions for Rural Health
Australians in rural and remote areas have poorer health outcomes than those in our cities. They wait longer to see a doctor, are forced to travel further for care, and often miss out altogether. Yet only 2.5% of national health research funding focuses on rural Australia (Dept Health 2023). The needs and experiences of these communities get overlooked in policy and planning.
Centre for Rural Health Research
With deep roots in the regions, La Trobe is ready to help change that. As Victoria’s only state-wide university, we’re embedded in communities across the state. We are home to Australia’s largest Rural Health School and the Violet Vines Marshman Centre for Rural Health Research (VVMC).
The VVMC works side-by-side with rural communities to understand what matters most and turn that knowledge into action. Its research is practical, co-designed, and focused on results. By combining rural data with community voices, VVMC delivers real-world solutions in areas like oral health, primary care and workforce shortages.
Case study: rural children in out-of-home care
Children in out-of-home care in rural areas are among the most at risk of poor oral health. Fewer than 10% have ever seen a dentist, despite being eligible for free care (McLean 2022). VVMC is working with carers, health services and communities to develop and deliver a co-designed oral health promotion model, tailored to community need. Already underway in Loddon and Mildura, it’s ready to expand, with a scalable, national model for change.
Backing rural research
This project shows what’s possible when regional research is driven by community experience. It’s one example of the work VVMC is leading to close health gaps and create lasting change in the regions. With your help, we can grow this impact by backing the kind of rural research that’s overlooked and underfunded - building healthier, fairer communities across Australia.