Good Health and Wellbeing
Promoting physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing for all individuals and across all stages of life is key to the creation of inclusive, equitable, and prosperous societies.
Through our research, partnerships and policies, we are contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Wellbeing.
Our research has led to improved patient and public health outcomes, innovative new spin out companies and health technologies, and reduced health inequalities for priority population groups.
Our policies, operations and teaching promote physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing for our staff, students and communities.
LOCAL AND GLOBAL IMPACT - OUR RESEARCH CONTRIBUTING TO SDG 3: GOOD HEALTH AND WELLBEING
See below for measurable, demonstrable, and beneficial change occurring beyond the university as a result of our research
Promoting health and wellbeing across our operations
La Trobe University forges strong local partnerships with Victorian health services. The Academic Research Collaborative in Health (ARCH) has partnerships with Alfred Health, Austin Health, Eastern Health, Northern Health, Mercy Health, Royal Melbourne, the Women's and Healthscope for clinical education, research, and workforce development. At the national level, La Trobe collaborates with prominent research institutes like the Florey Institute, Baker Institute, and others, and leads several research centres addressing public health, ageing, and disability that improve diagnostics, therapeutics and clinical outcomes across a range of diseases, as well as research centres focussed on building clinical capability and policy expertise to enhance individual and community wellbeing, reduce disease, and create equitable health solutions for all. Internationally, La Trobe partners with global agencies and universities—through grants, WHO-linked leadership programs, and joint PhD programs—to address global health challenges. The Department of Community and Clinical Health has partnerships across Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Germany, the Philippines and Saudi Arabia, whilst the Olivia Newton John Cancer Research Institute (ONJCRI) has over 100 collaborations from 14 different countries.
La Trobe University delivers a broad range of outreach programs and projects to promote health and well-being in local communities. Through the La Trobe Rural Health School, initiatives address nutrition, physical activity, mental health, and healthy ageing, while the Judith Lumley Centre leads community-based programs in maternal, child, and family health, including reproductive health and family planning. The Bouverie Centre provides counselling and family support services, and the Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre promotes active lifestyles and rehabilitation. Students also contribute through volunteering and placement opportunities, supporting schools, aged care facilities, and community organisations to improve health outcomes.
We facilitate programs and classes for local residents, schools, clubs and user groups in the local communities we serve - Melbourne's North and Bendigo. We offer many membership options, facilities and services to all members of the public, including public membership of La Trobe sports clubs which includes free access to our sports facilities. For more information, see La Trobe Sport.
La Trobe University provides students with free access to sexual and reproductive health information, education, and core care. The on-campus La Trobe Medical Centre offers bulk-billed GP services for students (including international students with OSHC), covering contraceptive and sexual-health consultations. La Trobe’s sexual health resource hub provides free guidance on contraception, STI testing, relationships and referrals.
La Trobe University actively promotes good mental health and provides students with free support services and signposting to professional care. The Health, Wellbeing and Inclusion Division delivers campaigns, workshops, and self-help resources to strengthen resilience, stress management, and overall wellbeing. Students can access free, confidential counselling on campus and online, offering short-term therapy, crisis support, and referrals where needed. The University’s Safer Community service addresses concerns such as bullying, harassment, or family violence, and provides pathways to mental health care. Together, these programs ensure that students are supported and encouraged to prioritise their mental health. For more information on our counselling service, visit About our counselling service.
La Trobe University has been a smoke-free environment since 31st May 2014, in support of our commitment to creating a safe, healthy and beautiful environment. All staff, students and visitors are prohibited from smoking on all University campuses, including outdoor areas.
Smoking includes the use of any tobacco products and e-cigarettes on all La Trobe University campuses.
This smoke-free policy is a real opportunity to improve the health and wellbeing of our community members and the environments we work, study and live in every day. For more information visit Smoke Free La Trobe.
La Trobe University actively promotes good mental health for staff and provides access to free mental health support. The university offers a comprehensive approach to workplace mental health and wellbeing, integrating initiatives that protect, promote, and support mental health. Visit Staff Health and Wellbeing for more information.