WHRN2025, held on November 3rd and 4th, at CSU Orange Campus, served as an opportunity for sharing innovative research and developing collaboration among health professionals, researchers, and community stakeholders in Western and Far Western NSW. With a record sold-out attendance of 175 delegates, and over 100 Abstract submissions, it was a demonstration of the importance of WHRN to the community and the impact WHRN has had, and will continue to have across our region. The feedback received from delegates throughout the event, and in the post-event delegate survey, was wonderful.
We were fortunate with the weather on Monday – and were grateful to commence proceedings with a Welcome to Country by Wiradjuri Elder, Ricky Ahsee from Orange Aboriginal Lands Council, emphasising the importance of Aboriginal perspectives in health research.
The first day featured a workshop titled “The Rural Health Research Journey in Western NSW: From Idea to Publication,” delivered by colleagues at Western NSW LHD. It was an extremely engaging session with over 60 delegates participating.
The inclusive session on Aboriginal health Research was well attended and delegates enjoyed the Pathways to partnerships introductory session by Co-Chair Deb Kenna and Aunty Kerrie Doyle – sharing the Yerin Dilly bag model:
Lynette Bullen shared her research journey, followed by a multi-organisational team speaking on establishment of Aboriginal voices at the centre of eating disorder research. This session set the tone for subsequent discussions on building effective research teams and utilising AI tools, and the framework of implementation science.
The speed-dating style networking session was fast paced and fun. Participants had the opportunity to engage with a variety of research networks during this session, which was sponsored by the USyd Networks and aimed at connecting collaborators from diverse backgrounds and expertise.
| USyd Networks | |
|---|---|
| USyd FMH Networks Overview | Prof Meredith Makeham/ Dr Cathy Barnett |
| Digital Health and Informatics Network | Dr Cathy Barnett (for Dr Liss Brunner) |
| Cardiovascular Network | A/Prof Georgie Luscombe / Dr Cathy Barnett |
| Cancer Research Network | A/Prof Helen McGuire / Dr Cathy Barnett |
| Academic Implementation Science Network | A/Prof Leanne Hassett / Dr Cathy Barnett |
| Community and Primary Health Care Network Cancer | Prof Meredith Makeham / Dr Cathy Barnett |
| USyd Centres | |
| Matilda Centre (Youth Mental Health and Substance Abuse) | Louise Thornton / Dr Cathy Barnett |
| Westmead Applied Research Centre | Kam Wong / Dr Cathy Barnett |
| The Leeder Centre – Health Economics & Data | A/Prof Martin Howell / Dr Cathy Barnett |
| Heat and Health Research Impact Centre | RECORDING / Dr Cathy Barnett |
| Centre for Disability Research Policy | Shane Clifton / Dr Cathy Barnett |
| Musculoskeletal Centre | Stephanie Beshara / Dr Cathy Barnett |
| Western NSW / Regional Research Networks | |
| WHRN Aboriginal Research Interest Group | A/Prof Georgie Luscombe |
| Care-Diabetes Partnership | Leah Pascoe, WNSWPHN |
| Rural Applied Drug and Alcohol Network | Dr Catherine Keniry |
| The Ageing Well Research Group, CSU | Deborah Magee |
| The Manna Institute | Dr Hazel Dalton |
| The Women’s Translational Research Network | Aunty Kerrie Doyle |
| NSW Regional Health Partners | Lisa McFayden |
| Facilitator, Prof Julaine Allan | |
The promised Networking Information can be found here: USyd Networking Session Slides
The Western NSW Researcher of the Year Awards Gala Dinner, held at Duntryleague, was a highlight of the symposium. Commencing with Aboriginal dance troupes from local Orange schools, guests were treated to 2 beautiful performances on the Duntryleague lawn, followed by a welcome to country by local Wiradjuri Elder and legend, Neil Ingram.
The Awards featured the Inaugural ‘Catherine Hawke’ Emerging Researcher of the Year award – awarded to CSU medical student Dr Amanda Wright. Dr Alice Munro delivered a special tribute to the WHRN Founder, Professor Hawke, and recognised the significant impact Catherine has had on research across our region, as well as medical education.
Best General Abstract:
Elsie de Klerk – Three Rivers Dept of Rural Health
What makes us Sing Out? The essential elements of a regional, inclusive dementia choir
Best Open Abstract:
Emily Murphy – Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association
Factors influencing the recruitment and retention of primary health care nurses in rural and remote areas: An evidence-based approach.
Best Emerging Abstract:
Cindy Earl – Murrumbidgee Local Health District
How to support clinical pathway use in emergency departments to treat cardiac symptoms: A project prioritising rural clinician perspectives
Best Student Abstract:
Leigh Davison- Marathon Health & Charles Sturt University
Evaluation of SW Connect: A virtual group supervision program for rural and remote social workers
Catherine Hawke Emerging Researcher of the Year
Amanda Wright
Aboriginal Research Leader of the Year
Professor Michelle Dickson
Health Research Academic Leader of the Year
A/Prof Kerrie Noonan – WNSWLHD
Clinical Research Leader of the Year
Rodney Hammond
On the second day, the symposium opened with an Acknowledgement of Country by Deb Kenna, followed by the official launch of the scientific program by A/Professor Melissa Nott. Dr Gerald Chitsunge delivered the WHRN Sustainability Plan, followed by a keynote address by Dr. Reakeeta Smallwood focused on “Holding space for ‘tricking the trickster’: Relational accountability and Aboriginal ethics in community health research,” emphasizing the need for ethical frameworks that respect Aboriginal cultural values in research practices. Reakeeta’s passionate delivery was inspiring to all in the room – and provided much food for thought. Reakeeta’s personal experiences and poem sharing was a highlight.
The scientific symposium showcased a diverse range of presentations, including emerging research on dementia care, virtual health initiatives, and the impacts of social prescribing in rural communities. Notable studies included an exploration of the essential elements of inclusive dementia choirs, the challenges faced by rural health practitioners, access for rural communities, and a retrospective study on emergency medical transport in rural settings.
Keynote speaker Professor Sharon Brownie discussed “Improving Health Equity and Access: The Power of Collaborative Networks,” reinforcing the significance of partnerships in enhancing healthcare delivery in rural areas. The symposium also featured lightning talks that provided a platform, over lunch, for emerging researchers to present their work, creating an environment of knowledge exchange and collaboration.
The event concluded with a closing keynote by Professor Tony Dreise, who addressed the theme of First Nations health research, focusing on the need to address systemic gaps in health outcomes for Aboriginal communities. Tony shared some tragic statistics including that 1 in 5 Aboriginal children will have at least one parent incarcerated in their lifetime.
Melissa Nott wrapped up WHRN2025 with awards for outstanding scientific contributions and a reflection on the importance of continued collaboration in rural health research.
Best Open Oral Presentation:
Diana Kubowicz, Alice Gordon & Wendy Holmes
Supporting Aboriginal Health Practitioners to Vaccinate Mob
Best Emerging Oral Presentation:
Luke Marks
Real-World Implementation of Nursing Professional Practice and Leadership Frameworks: A Scoping Review Highlighting Rural Healthcare Knowledge Gaps
Best Student Oral Presentation:
Jacob Stretton
Are Rural Australian STEMI patients disproportionately affected by LVEF Dysfunction?
Best General Oral Presentation:
Uchechukwu Levi Osuagwu
The Impact of the Bathurst Men’s Walk and Talk Program on Well-Being Outcomes in Rural Men – A Cross-Sectional Study
People’s Choice e-Poster:
Clare Sutton
Fatigue on the frontline: Paramedic insights into organisational influences
The insights gained from this symposium have the potential to significantly impact rural health outcomes in Western and Far Western NSW. By supporting collaborative networks and emphasising ethical and culturally appropriate research practices, the symposium highlighted pathways to enhance healthcare access and equity for rural populations. The ongoing research efforts discussed during the event are crucial for addressing the unique health challenges faced by rural communities and for promoting sustainable health initiatives.