Violet Vines Marshman Centre for Rural Health Research

Transforming rural health outcomes through research, collaboration and community engagement.

Our Vision and Mission

VISION

To be a world leader in the elimination of disparities in rural health and wellbeing.

MISSION

To narrow the gulf between rural and metropolitan health outcomes, by facilitating high impact research that is rurally focused, collaborative and pragmatic.

Our Research

Working with health services and community members, we are forging pathways from local insight to local impact. We strive to undertake world-class research that makes a genuine difference to the lives of rural people.

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ReGEN Network

The ReGEN Network promotes collaboration and partnerships to advance innovative research, evaluation and knowledge translation of projects and programs that aim to reduce gender-based violence.

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Rural Health Consumer Panel

Australia's first and only consumer health panel with a dedicated focus on the lived experiences of rural health consumers.

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World-class centre

The Centre was established in December 2019 following a $3 million investment from the VV Marshman Charitable Trust.

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#3 worldwide for health and wellbeing

We’re ranked third in the world for advancing healthier communities and supporting health equity.

Times Higher Education (THE), 2026, Impact Rankings 2026: good health and well-being

World-class in rural health

The Centre is embedded within the La Trobe Rural Health School, the largest rural health school in Australia.

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Events

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News

Professor Rachel Winterton appointed Chair

La Trobe University has appointed Professor Rachel Winterton as the John Richards Chair of Rural Ageing Research.
JRC Oration highlights future of ageing rurally

The 2026 John Richards Centre (JRC) Oration brought together researchers, health professionals, community members and regional leaders for an engaging discussion on the future of ageing in Australia.
Ten years of partnership: SMARRT enters a new era

A decade of partnership in rural health research and innovation has been celebrated with the official relaunch of the Strategic Multidisciplinary Alliance for Rural Research Translation (SMARRT).