John Richards Centre for Rural Ageing Research
Making a difference to rural older people through research
We focus on improving the health and wellbeing of older people in rural communities through research that develops innovative solutions to key challenges.
Our Vision and Mission
Vision
To be a global leader in rural ageing and aged care research that makes a difference to the lives of older people living in rural communities.
Mission
To undertake research and knowledge exchange that is responsive, and adaptive to rural older people’s needs and changes of the environment.
World-class in rural health
The Centre is embedded within the La Trobe Rural Health School, the largest rural health school in Australia.
Global partnerships
Through international collaborations, we drive local innovation and enhance rural health care, creating broader global impact.
Learn more about our centre
Get in touch
Events
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La Trobe Rural Health School Conference 2026
Wednesday 01 July 05:00pm
La Trobe Rural Health School invites you to the LRHS Conference 2026: Intersections of Place, People and Health. -
John Richards Centre Oration: Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald
Thursday 02 July 05:30pm
We invite you to join us in conversation with Commissioner Fitzgerald to examine the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly ageing Australia including addressing ageism, discrimination and the impacts on our health and care systems in rural and regional Australia.
News
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Rural physiotherapy clinic cuts wait times
An innovative partnership between Primary Care Connect, La Trobe Rural Health School and the University of Melbourne is helping improve access to physiotherapy services in the Goulburn Valley.
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Exercise is medicine – but only when it reaches people as intended
Ahead of the inaugural Holsworth Oration, Professor Michael Kingsley unpacks why optimising exercise as medicine could transform health outcomes.
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La Trobe researchers secure $100K Medibank grant
La Trobe University researchers have been awarded $100,000 in competitive research funding from Medibank to advance the Virtual Diabetes Clinic