The Western NSW Health Research Network (WHRN) was formed in 2013 with the agenda of strengthening health research partnerships across Western NSW. It is an established incorporated network that supports health research conducted in Western and Far Western NSW.
WHRN is a collaboration between academic, health and other organisations including Universities, Local Health Districts, Primary Health Care Providers, Primary Health Networks (PHNs), Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, and non-government organisations.
Why is a Rural Health Research Network Important ?
Rural health networks play a pivotal role in the healthcare landscape, particularly in regions characterised by geographical isolation, limited healthcare resources, and a scarcity of healthcare professionals. These networks serve as a collaborative framework that integrates various healthcare services, enhances accessibility, and fosters the delivery of quality care to underserved populations.
Clinicians in rural and remote areas are incredibly time poor, there are simply not enough to meet the patient demand load. Yet research is essential to improve health outcomes for rural Australians and research also takes time.
A network encompassing researchers, clinicians and community is paramount to build research capacity, achieve much needed research focussed on rural and remote Australians and improve health outcomes in our community.
Our Achievements…
We have:
- hosted 11 annual Research Symposia (face to face and online) showcasing quality health research in Western and Far Western NSW with over 1650 attendances.
- recognised 26 Western NSW ‘Researchers of the Year’ awards from over 99 nominees and provided five $1000 prize grants to the ‘Aboriginal Researcher of the Year’
- provided supportive learning environments for research skills development for clinicians, Higher Degree Research (HDR) students, emerging and early career researchers.
- supported local and virtual research networking opportunities across Western NSW, and have engaged with the new NSW Regional Health portfolio Minister and Acting Coordinator-General of Regional Health.
Research Symposiums
Researcher of the Year
26
Pictured L to R: Catherine Hawke, Giti Haddadan, Samantha Jakinowicz, Melissa Nott, Levi Osuagwu, Karen Paxton, Catherine Keniry, Deborah Kenna
Our 2024-2025 Executive
| Co-Chair | Catherine Keniry, Charles Sturt University |
|---|---|
| Co-Chair First Nations | Deborah Kenna, Western NSW Local Health District |
| Deputy Chair | Vacant |
| Chair Scientific Committee | Melissa Nott, Three Rivers Department of Rural Health, Charles Sturt University |
| Secretary | Jo Hunter, Charles Sturt University |
| Treasurer | Karen Paxton, Three Rivers Department of Rural Health, Charles Sturt University |
| Communications Officer | Jo Hunter, Charles Sturt University |
| Public Officer | Levi Osuagwu, Western Sydney University |
| Education and Training Officer | Shannon Pike, University of NSW |
| Ordinary Members | Catherine Hawke, School of Rural Health, University of Sydney Giti Haddadan, Broken Hill University Department of Rural Health |
WHRN Networking Group Members
Includes the WHRN Executive plus the following representatives:
| Bila Muuji Aboriginal Corporation Health Service | TBC |
|---|---|
| Charles Sturt University | Julian Grant, Jodie Kleinschafer |
| Health Education Training Institute (HETI) | David Schmidt |
| Marathon Health | Matt Thomas |
| Rural Health Research Institute | Julaine Allan, Hazel Dalton |
| University of Sydney – School of Rural Health, Orange | Emily Saurman |
| Western NSW Primary Health Network | Gerald Chitsunge |
