COOEE! Co-Chairs Report Welcome to the NRHN – get involved! We are so excited to welcome YOU as a 2007 member of the NRHN. You join another 5500 multidisciplinary
In this Issue:
health students from rural health clubs all around
• Co-Chairs Report
Australia, in a network that is passionate and committed
• Executive Support Officer Update
your university’s rural health club, you become a member
• Rural Health Club Reports
and the dedication of NRHN members, the network is
• 2007 Forum Summary
2007.
• ARRWAG CEO Update
The year has already kicked off with a flurry of activity
• Portfolio Reports • Mental Health Guide Launch
to promoting rural and remote health. As a member of
of the NRHN. Through the work of the rural health clubs
steam-rolling ahead and we want you to get involved in
and enthusiasm. In early February, the 2006 & 2007 NRHN exec team spent some long hours in Melbourne at the official exec handover. Many strategies were concocted although there was still plenty of time for sampling Melbourne’s culinary delights! We would like
Photo: Courtesy of SHARP Rural Health
to thank the 2006 Co-Chairs, Angela Titmuss (RAHMS)
Club, at the NRHN Forum
and Craig Smith (FURHS), as well as Litsa Kane (NRHN
harnessing good intent
April 2007
Cooee! April 2007
Co-Chair’s Report
Welcome to Cooee!
each rural health club met with the exec in Albury for our 2007 NRHN Council Face to Face meeting. It is always nice to put a face to a name which is difficult when our vast spread means we rely on teleconferences! It was a fantastic meeting with many solid directions for 2007 NRHN activities developed. We were
Executive Support Officer), and Linda Nink
impressed by each representative’s input
(NRHN Project Support Officer), for their
and genuine commitment to the NRHN and
leadership and dedication to the network as
their clubs. Plenty of passionate ideas flowed
well as their amazing productivity!
throughout the day which bodes well for the next 12 months. We look forward with much
The 2007 NRHN exec team is truly
anticipation to working with this year’s brilliant
multidisciplinary. Having previously been the
NRHN council!
NRHN Secretary, 2007 Co-Chair Nick Moore (RAHMS), is studying 5th Year Medicine at
Finally, we encourage you to get involved
UNSW and spending the year at the rural
in the NRHN and your rural health club’s
clinical school at Albury. Claire Seiffert (ARMS),
activities. Go on a rural high school visit, take
2007 Co-Chair, is a qualified Physiotherapist
part in Croc Fest, attend speaker evenings or
and is now studying 3rd year medicine at the
join your club’s committee. You will make so
ANU. Our 2007 Secretary is Felix Ho (RUSTICA)
many new networks and undoubtedly broaden
who is in his 2nd year of Paramedical Science
your understanding of rural and remote health
at the University of Tasmania. Finally, we are
issues. You’ll also have some fun and find a
fortunate enough to have Litsa Kane from
friend or two - perhaps even more!!!
ARRWAG on board again as our ESO for 2007. March saw the inaugural and successful 2
We work for you and want you to thrive in
day NRHN forum in Albury which over 300
your rural health endeavours. If there is
student delegates attended. The passion,
anything we can help you out with or if you
ideas and experiences that were shared was
have any fantastic ideas please feel free to
overwhelming and we hope that every club
contact anyone on the exec or your club’s
will benefit from their members’ attendance.
NRHN Council member. We love to chat (and
The enthusiasm carried over into the National
drink coffee!) and look forward to meeting you
Rural Health Conference held later in the week
throughout 2007!
at which there were over 1200 delegates. We
Nick Moore and Claire Seiffert
thank the Department of Health and Ageing for funding our forum and attending the NRHC.
The National Rural Health Network
A major aim of 2007 will be to determine a
is supported by financial assistance
successful future conference model and to
from the Australian Government.
determine the potential for future conference funding.
Prior to the forum, NRHN representatives from
NRHN Office -
What do our ESO & PSO really get up to?
Litsa Kane, ESO & Linda Nink, PSO Although we both love being called students and would love this to continue we thought we
DoHA (Department of Health and Ageing) to
studying. So… if your club needs some help
run the NRHN and fund 7 of our 19 rural health
planning an activity, or you just don’t know
clubs (soon to become 12 of 24 clubs!). We’re
where to begin and need some guidance, or
based in ARRWAG’s Melbourne office, and we
you want to get your message out to fellow
work full time to ensure the NRHN meets its
NRHN-ers… we’re here to help you! So
objectives. We provide a high level of support
give us a buzz (03 8825 4500) or drop us an
to you all. We work closely with ARRWAG
email linda@nrhn.org.au or litsa@nrhn.org.au
and DoHA to make sure that our contractual
– we’re both always up for a chat (in particular
obligations are met while also providing
we welcome those that come with lots of
support to the NRHN exec and council.
compliments …)
It’s often forgotten that all of our members are
Plus, we’d love to meet you in person. So if
full time students and part time (or for some
you have a club activity or need another pair
full time!) volunteers that share an amazing
of hands for a CrocFest or RHSV let us know as
passion for health in the bush. Our role is to
we’d love to be there… yet another opportunity
help you harness this passion and support
for us to be young and dynamic students (well
you however we can to make sure you have
sort of!).
should put an end to the lie and let you know what we really do...
We’re employed by ARRWAG (Australian Rural and Remote Workforce Agencies Group), Litsa as the Executive Support Officer (ESO) and Linda as the Project Support Officer (PSO). ARRWAG is the organisation that holds the contract from
wonderful rural health experiences whilst
we’ve covered scholarships, post-graduate
health workforce nears retirement age, they are
ARRWAG:
training opportunities, mental health and
starting to see the health system reform that
Australian Rural and Remote
wellbeing initiatives, accommodation support
needs to happen.
Workforce Agencies Group
and financial incentives. We provide an overview of schemes for rural GPs, urban
They know they must offer more appealing
GPs interested in rural practice, and Overseas
work environments to attract and retain
Trained Doctors in rural and remote areas of
young professionals to rural areas - or they
Supporting you to study, live and work
Australia. Check out the Supports Guide on our
won’t be able to retire. They know temporary
in rural practice
website www.arrwag.com.au. Once you know
sweeteners won’t work to keep you living and
A while ago, Tony Abbott, the Minister for
what help is available, you can actually access
working in the bush - so we know a major
Health and Ageing, mentioned that he was
the support that you need!
cultural shift is coming with your generation.
Dr Kim Webber, CEO
You can effectively voice your opinion and
bewildered by the myriad of programs available to support rural doctors - he called it ‘the
Make your voice heard
the Australian Rural and Remote Workforce
jigsaw’. We thought if he didn’t know about all
Some days, do you feel like a little cog in a
Agencies Group (ARRWAG)can help ensure your
the supports available, then it was unlikely that
big wheel that is rolling in a state of perpetual
voice is heard by the key decision makers and
doctors did!
motion? We can all feel overwhelmed
influencers. You have the ability to negotiate
sometimes by the size and complexity of the
for a better healthcare system that can address
So we were determined to put the jigsaw
health sector - particularly in environments
the needs of coming generations of the rural
together. We have developed an easy
like big city hospitals. Yet as students and
health workforce. So keep in touch through the
reference guide that outlines the supports
the future rural health workforce, you have a
National Rural Health Network and let us know
available to high school students, university
unique opportunity to influence the direction
what you think.
students, registrars and interns. For example,
of the health system. As the baby boomer
Cooee! April 2007
ARMS: Australian National University, ACT
ARMS Show Visits Program - The
and centre of fine wool growing
local hospital, meet members of
in Australia. Located 60km north
the local community and local
of Canberra, it has a population
political candidates.
of around 5000. Despite its close proximity to the Capital, Yass
Not only a great learning
maintains a colourful country
experience, but an opportunity
atmosphere, and like many other
to relax and enjoy the festivities.
country towns shares in challenges
From giant pumpkins to
to healthcare delivery.
woodchopping to bare back bronc
Yass Show and Rodeo.
riding, the show offered a variety
The purpose of the visit was two-
of experiences which are an iconic
Having recently returned from
fold, to run a free community
part of country towns and country
Albury (NRHN Forum and NRHA
blood pressure assessment and
living. The visit achieved several
Conference) with a renewed sense
to provide students with further
things - it allowed students to
of commitment to rural health,
experiences of rural Australia.
contribute towards increased
members of ARMS immediately
Under the supervision of local
public awareness of hypertension,
put into practice their enthusiasm.
doctors we were able to screen
provided an opportunity to learn
On 17 March a committed team
some 150 patrons, many of whom
about the country lifestyle and
from the ANU Rural Medical
had not visited a GP in over two
finally, marked the first time ARMS
Society visited the Yass Show and
years! Throughout the course of
members had visited Yass.
Rodeo. Yass is an historic town
the day we were able to visit the
AURHA: Adelaide University, SA
The start of 2007 has been
The Stars.
school as a rurally focused doctor.
student attendance at the NRHA
eventful for AURHA. We began the
This event saw a group of AURHA
Other events coming up for our
conference, which has helped
year with a successful membership
students and guests from the uni,
club include Getaways Night,
increase enthusiasm amongst our
drive - our annual Welcome
sponsors and UniSA students travel
Quorn Clinical Skills Trip for the
members!
BBQ where the freshers met our
to the lovely Howard Vineyard in
fourth year med students, a Clinical
A very keen planning committee
committee.
the Adelaide Hills for a night of
Skills trip in Victor Harbor for the
has already started work towards
Events held include the Royal
fantastic food and wine, and great
first years and a couple of RHSVs
sending AURHA members to
Flying Doctors Service BBQ
company. This event sold out and
– everyone attending Kangaroo
CrocFest in Port Augusta and Alice
at Adelaide Airport, RHSV
everyone who attended very much
Island on 1 May is very excited
Springs later in the year along with
Recruitment Night, attending the
enjoyed the speech from Kris
about the trip away!
ROUSTAH and FURHS. Watch this
NRHN Student Forum and NRHA
Bascomb, a rural GP trainee. She
Thanks must also go to the
space for more news on this great
Conference, and lastly the
spoke about the pathway she has
NRHN for the amazing job they
event!
inaugural AURHA Dinner Under
taken during and since medical
did at organising the forum and
BREAATHHE: University of Newcastle, NSW
maybe not now but it is something that we can work towards. We want everyone on campus to hear about BREAATHHE - we want to get our face out there. We want our club members to know what is
CARAH: Charles Darwin University, NT in assoc. with Flinders Uni, SA
LARHC: La Trobe University, VIC
happening and our communication BREAATHHE has been having an exciting few months. In many ways we are refinding our feet and getting our club going again. With an almost entirely new executive, we have a fresh outlook on the direction of the club and our future. The NRHN and NRHA conferences in Albury linked us with other students and infused us all with ideas and passions concerning rural health. In particular, how we as students can influence change and encourage rural health issues in our uni and later in our careers.
has improved. We want to have fun, and we want to get educated NOW. We have planned 2 skills nights, a first aid course, a mental first aid course and information evenings. We want to have a road trip to Tamworth where many people have placements. We want to touch base with them
CARAH members attended the
LARHC started 2007 with an
NRHN Forum and NRHA
increase in members and
Conference in Albury in March.
enthusiasm through our first year
This was a great opportunity for
students at La Trobe. Our first
CARAH members to get together
event in 2007 was participation in
and also meet members from
the annual Relay for Life, which
across Australia.
was well attended by our mem-
and let them know they are still supported by us even when (or perhaps especially when) they are on placement. We have socials planned: a bush dance, a dinner cruise, a relaxation
bers and definitely enjoyed! This has injected some new enthusiasm into CARAH and we
Planning is underway for some
are very excited about the
of our upcoming events which
possibilities in 2007.
include an African cultural night amongst other social activities.
session during STUVAC. We are getting club members involved
Several club meetings have been
Hence, since coming back from
in club decisions. Until now our
held so far, and we look forward
Albury, we have had meetings
planning has been from executive
to some new executive members
almost fortnightly to discuss
involvement to help get some
taking on more senior roles. We
and process everything we have
general directions and passions
also look to continue to increase
learnt. We opted for regular short
down on paper. We will call for
our membership and further
meetings to make sure our plans
all members to help us plan,
strengthen LARHC!
and passions are kept on the
organise, and be passionate
ball and in the forefront of our
about BREAATHHE, but also most
minds. They have been exciting:
importantly rural health. It’s
getting to know each other we
exciting stuff. At the moment it
have decided is an important
is hard to see everything that is
part of working as a team. We
happening, but it is there. Our
held an appreciative enquiry
passion for rural health after the
- brainstorming on no budget,
conference is still growing as we
time, or difficulty limitations
realise the potential we, as a club,
about anything and everything
have to make an impact. It will be
concerning our club. The exciting
a long process but we are excited
thing - everything is doable -
about it.
Cooee! April 2007
FURHS: Flinders University, SA
FURHS is now up and running for 2007! Orientation days were again a
14 FURHS members were lucky enough to attend the NRHN forum and
successful venture this year – gaining 123 new members.
NRHA conference. Everyone was greatly inspired from this trip and have all come back energetic and full of fresh ideas.
The RFDS (Royal Flying Doctors Service) orientation BBQ was held
Our first official event for the year was the “Shindig”! It was held on the
earlier this year, with approximately 60 FURHS members attending,
16th of March. There were approximately 150 students that attended
mainly med students. This BBQ included bacon and egg breakfast, some
the event; however there wasn’t as much diversity among disciplines as
information about the importance of rural health and the opportunity for
would’ve been liked. The features of this event included a rural photo
the attendees to sit in the plane and look at the equipment. This was
competition, a hay-bale stacking game & yummy yiros, snags & veggie
a worthwhile event for students to attend as they will now have the
patties to feed the hungry mouths! The opportunity was also taken to
opportunity to fly with the RFDS some time throughout the year.
elect new reps for our committee, with majority of positions being filled.
MARHS: Charles Sturt University, Albury, NSW NRHN/NRHA Conference – A Wonderful Week In Albury
Ten lucky students from MARHS had the good fortune to be able to attend the NRHN and NRHA conferences in our hometown of Albury. There was a lot of excitement and expectation leading up to the conferences and they did not disappoint. The whole week had a great atmosphere about it which was conducive to the sharing of knowledge and new
ideas and also conducive to having
people and some lucky MARHS
fantastic NRHN produced mental
a lot of fun.
members were even fortunate
health guide, ‘When The Cowpat
enough to receive job offers whilst
Hits The Windmill’. The release of
attending the conference.
this guide was made additionally
One of the most beneficial things to come out of the conferences
impressive by an entertaining
was the chance to network. At
Another highlight was the
and informative speech by the
the NRHN conference MARHS
keynote speakers that attended
chairman of Beyond Blue, the Hon.
members were able to meet
during the week. The calibre of
Jeff Kennett.
Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry and
these speakers was outstanding,
Allied Health students from as
each one inspirational in
For such a jam packed week to
far away as Broome and Hobart.
different ways. Working with
have run so smoothly a lot of
It was interesting to hear about
the underlying themes of health
organisation and planning must
some of their differing experiences
in rural and remote Australia
have, and did, go in. With regard
and views of rural placements and
and mental health issues, these
to this, the MARHS club would
current rural health practices. And,
speakers conveyed a mountain of
like to thank all those people
at the NRHA conference we were
knowledge that was pertinent to
who worked tirelessly to make
able to meet health professionals
all the students who were present.
the conferences as good as they
who are presently “out there and
were for us. It was agreed by all
doing it”. It was an invaluable
However, it’s arguable the event
that the week was a fantastic
learning experience to be able
that stole the show for the whole
experience on both a personal and
to listen to and speak with these
week was the unveiling of the
a professional level. Thanks.
OUTLOOK: University of Melbourne, VIC
med students entered the 50km “Trek for Timor” event. Although sore and tired, it was great to have stepped up to the challenge,
MIRAGE: University of Sydney, NSW
and raised $25,000 towards East
conferences back to back, but those lucky enough to go came back with a new invigoration and commitment to rural health. People were inspired by speakers
Timor’s Health Services!
and presenters and encouraged by
Hitting the Bush
the number of passionate people
We continued to REEP (Rural Early
from all around the country.
We welcome our newly elected
Elective Placements) the benefits
It’s another great start to another
committee and farewell with
of time hanging out and learning
great year for MIRAGE. As usual
The year then moved on to our
gratitude the 2006/07 committee.
in the bush with experience
the year starts in mid January
annual Welcome dinner, a chance
Being seen and heard! We are the
ranging from surgery to
with the 3 year medical students
to relax and enjoy the few
font of all knowledge or at least
immunisations, home assessments
going back, including around 30
moments where there are no
willing to provide lunch while we
to the town nightlife! Rural
students who started at our rural
exams on the horizon. This year
answer all member’s questions!
Clinical School Open Days continue
clinical schools in Orange, Dubbo
we had it at the Marlborough
Getting pretty It can’t be all hard
to be a great opportunity for
and Broken Hill campuses. For
Hotel (the Marly) in Newtown,
work so we sat down to a civilised
students to not only check out the
the first time since the inception
just down the road from the
meal and enjoyed the Apollo jazz
Clinical Schools but also to have a
of the RCS there was an over
main campus. This is a chance for
band. For those with more pretty
great time.
subscription of students. The
people who didn’t sign up during
things than they could possibly
Outlook and Moovin’ Health got to
RCS has done an excellent job in
O-week to join and a chance
wear we held “Rags for Snags” to
get nice and dirty at Croc Fest with
developing and promoting the
for all our members to come
raise $$$ and collect clothes for St
painted injuries, glitter bug hand
program and we at MIRAGE can
together, and a chance for people
Vincent De Paul.
wash, fantastic questions and
take pride in our small role in
to share their experiences from
Learning Lots Dr Margaret Garde
thankfully no serious injuries with
this result, originating from our
Albury.
from Portland had many things to
a tendon hammer (little respect
promotion of rural health and the
The following week we had our
share about her work in Aboriginal
for the notion of gentle!).
rural lifestyle.
annual scholarship information
health and to feed the body as
Getting friendly
well as the brain we had a bush
We are looking forward in the
The official MIRAGE year starts off
scholarships are explained to
tucker inspired BBQ which was
coming year to getting friendlier
at Orientation week on the front
students and time is given to
for many their first experience of
with our allied health students, as
lawns of the university in front
ask questions. This is part of our
kangaroo and emu!
well as RWAV, Moovin Health and
of the historic Main Quadrangle.
promotion of the opportunities
Getting Going Trek 4 Timor:
the NRHN. Check out our beautiful
We had another successful week
available to students who wish to
Inspired some months ago, at
newsletters at
despite protesters speaking out
“go bush”
a presentation given by Desley
www.outlook.asn.au to hear many
about our Army reserve members.
Beechy, about the appalling health
more tales!
The next week saw a number
MIRAGE enters April with many
of our members head down to
great events on the Horizon. We
Albury for the NRHN and NRHA
are looking forward to our first
conferences - this included the
Rural High School Visit and our
10 sponsored places by the NRHN
great annual tradition - when the
and a number of MRB scholars
bush hits the harbour - something
making their way down through
uniquely Sydney, a Harbour Cruise.
the conference program. It
Looking forward to a great year
is a gruelling week with two
ahead.
situation in East Timor, a team of
rd
day where the plethora of rural
Cooee! April 2007 Our aim to promote RAHMS to
felt that they had learnt a lot.
also run a John Flynn Scholarship
the new contingent of 1 year
This conference was an incredibly
information session to highlight
medical students saw the largest
valuable experience for us as a
the experiences of some of our JFS
enrolment of medical students
club as it gave our members the
scholars and application process.
into RAHMS in many years.
opportunity to network with many
In closing, RAHMS want all
Many new faces including 1st
health students and professionals
you NRHN addicts out there,
years have joined the executive.
across the country.
especially those in NSW, to keep
End of phase, clinical, science
Our revitalised executive have
The week after the return from the
an eye out for us in the future
practical and end of phase exams
flourished in their new roles,
conference and our 3rd week of the
– we’re planning something BIG!!!
are nothing compared to the
taking what our predecessors have
year, the party atmosphere was
Something filled with fun and of
rollercoaster that has become the
done in the past, looking to build
still kicking on as RAHMS held our
course a lot of ruralness! Oh…
Rural Allied Health and Medical
and improve the standing of our
first social event of 2007. Many
and in this process we plan on
Society of UNSW. To start 2007 off
club.
RAHMmers hit the Royal – a short
including our neighbours in the
we have had a massive reshuffle
Credit for this reinvigorated
stroll from our beloved Prince of
NRHN as well!
of our executive; an action packed
excitement of rural health must
Wales hospital, for drinks, nibblies
week of rural health in Albury; and
also go to the NRHN/NRHA
and best of all some good old
a night of festivities at our local
conferences held earlier in the
chit-chat. It was impressive again
– the Royal.
year. Every RAHMS member that
to see our newest members join
The energy that has come into the
attended came back to UNSW
the RAHMS veterans during the
club this year has been amazing.
enthused about rural health and
course of the night. RAHMS has
now jam-packed and enthusiastic
the “Chicky-Chicky” a national
of our new skills-nights being
exec there are many upcoming
dance.
coordinated by Andrew Scott, our
events in the works and our
Upcoming Events
Junior NRHN rep. Combined with
first ever co-chair presidents are
The upcoming joint RHINO and
St John’s Ambulance these events
inundated!
TROPHIQ weekend in Rockhampton
are aimed at training students to
NRHN conference
will be even bigger and better
work together and acknowledge
In March RHINO students ventured
this year with the smooth
the individual skills each discipline
out of Far North Queensland to
amalgamation of GUMS into the
provides to effective health care.
attend the NRHN conference in
annual event.
The usual infamous events will
Albury, NSW. Inspirational guest
The Rural High School Visit
still take place including Trivia
speakers and an exceptional
program is also up and running
Night, the Cocktail Party and the
academic program kept our
with Richard Brown and Francine
Semester II Trip. But with fresh
minds busy during the day before
Riley from Health Workforce
minds come fresh ideas and
being entertained by grown men
Queensland offering strong
the RHINO exec is committed to
running around with stockings on
support and advice for the
breaking all the records in 2007!
their heads by night. Education
continuation of this valuable
We’re off to a good start!
didn’t cease at nightfall with the
event. Also, planning for CrocFest
Queensland boys teaching us how
on Thursday Island is well
to really do the “Eagle Rock”!
underway with our enthusiastic
Many a student left the conference
ATSI rep, Jane Theodore, taking
motivated to one day practice in
on this massive task. Further, in
rural health and enthused to make
the works is the implementation
RAHMS: University of NSW, NSW
RHINO: James Cook University, QLD
Sign-on BBQ RHINO is off to a brilliant start in 2007 with the sign on BBQ bringing in over 90 new members – most of whom joined for lifelong membership to receive their well used RHINO stubby cooler. Snags quickly disappeared into impoverished students hands after an excruciatingly competitive electoral meeting of the RHINO executive committee following the distressing loss of our first ever allied health president. With a
st
ROUSTAH: University of South Australia
It’s been all hands on deck around ROUSTAH of late. Some of our Nursing students (plus a Physio student BBQ chef) took part in the RFDS’ barbecue breakfast and information session at the RFDS hangar (Adelaide Airport) - some flipping eggs and bacon, some lucky enough to score a plane ride with patients around the skies over Port Lincoln and Mildura. A few ROUSTAH jocks
RUSTICA: University of Tasmania,
We’ve been busy little beavers down under
get the low down on all the money people
down under. Here’s the highlights:
are willing to give us as an incentive to
23 February – Med 1 Orientation Day: With
undertake rural placements.
UTAS having its largest ever MBBS intake this year, we saw O’Day as a great opportunity
23 March – Rustica Welcome: This year’s
to swell our membership lists – which we
welcome was one of our biggest ever, with
did during an absurdly over catered BBQ that
over 65 people attending a subsidised $5
yours-truly (Matt VZ) cooked on a beautiful
dinner at our local pub. Don’t tell anyone
Hobart day.
but we gave a free drink to everyone too,
and cheer leaders were invited to make fools of themselves whilst having an absolute ball and sharing knowledge with like minded people at the recent NRHN forum & NRHA conference in AlburyWodonga.
Planning nights for 2007’s RHSVs, as well as initial
not sure how Andrew (treasurer) wrote that 28 February – Societies Day: Well VSU
one off. A large number of first year students
certainly didn’t seem to dampen the
attended, which is very promising for the
massiveness of Societies Day this year. In
future of the club, especially with most of
a chaotic 3 hours we managed to sign up
the executive undergoing a Diaspora from
another 200 plus members and serve many
Hobart in the next 3-9 months.
drinks resulting in lots of fun.
planning meetings for Croc Fest Port Augusta (and Campfire to follow Croc Fest) and Croc Fest Alice Springs are well in progress, generating much excitement and enthusiasm. ROUSTAH members are also looking forward with much anticipation to sharing an evening of dinner, wine and entertainment at the Howard Winery in the Adelaide Hills with AURHA members. The club will wholeheartedly be supporting members as they embark on rural, and for some, very remote field placements throughout the year and we anticipate hearing about their experiences. Coming soon, we expect a welcome night for members will invigorate all with the prospect of some exciting opportunities to ‘Getaway’ from the city and get involved in Rural Health through ROUSTAH. There has also been much thinking and jotting of ideas
28 March – Rustica/IMPACT Medical Electives 6-10 March – NRHN Forum/NRHC: I’m sure
Night: Another very well attended event
somewhere in this newsletter there’ll be
– especially by first years, who seem very
ample reporting on the academic aspects
keen to find out all their options early,
of the week, so I’ll stick to what I liked
still 3 and a half years away from their
best, the social events. The evenings were
elective period. While a lot of the evening
fantastically organised – kudos to the social
was related to overseas, there were some
committee, I only hope the next NRHN forum
interesting presentations on rural/remote
can be as good. So what did I learn in my
Australian placements, such as the NTGPE
week on the big Island? Many things:
program run by RUSC.
• The Chicky-Chicky dance rocks – check it out on you tube, relive the memories. • Kiwi’s suck at poker. • Albury’s 1:30 lockout policy sucks. • Health professionals/students need to be more inter-disciplinary – it can be beneficial for everyone.
for publicity of ROUSTAH aimed at new Allied Health Students. We’re all looking forward to the ‘doing’ part of this with much anticipation.
15 March – Scholarships Night: A great info session for Med and Pharmacy students to
Cooee! April 2007
SHARP: University of Wollongong
SHARP started 2007 with a lot of momentum after a bit of planning over the holidays so we were well prepared to project SHARP within our university this year…and, ready to welcome students at the new graduate school of medicine. Visit to Shoalhaven Medical Campus: There’s nothing that a bit of chocolate and cake (complete with plastic cows and coconut grass) can’t fix! This proved to be the case, to some degree, on Valentine’s Day when SHARP presented itself and the NRHN to the med students at the Nowra Campus. Shannon from RAHMS came down to lend a hand and we
on the NRHN council/executive and was equally great to meet so many students with a common motivation. SHARP delegates
a chance to chat and we even had a live video link to the main Wollongong campus. Orientation Week Membership Drive: SHARP had a busy O-week, with a presentation to all first year students studying a health degree. This was followed by a faculty BBQ run by SHARP members. Clubs and Societies Day was also a big success for SHARP with over 100 members recruited. Albury - NRHN and NRHA: Firstly…it was great to finally put a face to the name for everyone
Sunday the 6th of May at Nanga Bush Camp, Dwellingup. Our second meeting was held
had an awesome time. We were
on Monday 16 April at FJ Clark
energised by all the keynotes
Theatre at the University of WA.
speeches, presentations and skills
More than 170 students attended
sessions. Thanks to the NRHN for organising a brilliant forum! The experiences, info and ideas shared taught members of SHARP about how important a preventative and holistic model of health care is in the area of Rural and Remote Health. SHARP BBQ- Meet and Greet: The SHARP Albury Mob put its new knowledge to good practice at the SHARP BBQ and membership drive with information and anecdotes from Albury being shared with all members. We had about 150 people turn up to the BBQ and it marked SHARP’s first gathering of all its members in 2007.
SPINRPHEX has had a fantastic start to the year with 28 members attending the NRHN Forum and NRHA Conference in Albury, NSW, and coming home with the coveted crystal windmill trophy for their Superhero performance to Mariah Carey’s ‘Hero’. The Monday after the NRHN Forum and NRHA Conference was SPINRPHEX’s first meeting of the year which was held in co-operation with WAALHIIBE at the Perth Dinghy Club. SPINRPHEX has signed up more than 300 members for this year and they listened to presentations about the NRHN and mentoring program True Blue Dreaming while
managed to sign up every student as new members. Everyone had
SPINRPHEX: University of WA
be held from Friday the 4th until
We have a busy calendar set for 07 with UOW hosting the Tertiary Indigenous Games. First up however: our own bush dance at the Yallah Roadhouse...
enjoying their dinner and then chilled out to the beats of African Drumming Band, Shangara Jive. A fundraising raffle was held during the evening for a free ticket to our annual conference, which will
to learn about Aboriginal Health and Culture and also to take the red hot opportunity to get their hands on a ticket to our annual camp which is our most awaited event of the year. A Multi-Disciplinary Night is being held on Monday 23 April as a combined event between SPINRPHEX and WAAHLIIBE and will be held at Curtin University. The night has the theme of ‘Wobbly Boots in an Outback Town – A Rural Community in Need’ and focuses on lifestyle disorders such as diabetes and other social problems such as financial hardship. Our Mental Health Night is also coming up on Monday 14 May at Notre Dame University, so there is lots on the horizon for both the SPINRPHEX Executive and their enthusiastic members!
TROHPIQ: University of Queensland, QLD
It’s been a very busy couple of months to begin 2007 for TROHPIQ. New
sessions, the cell block bbq and pool, and the RFDS were highlights. A
executive members have begun in the tradition of trohpiq, filling the void
combined UQ/Griffith trip to Roma for the Roma Race meeting occurred
left by the other executives who have gone to rural clinical school nodes
the same weekend substituting horses to extend the alliteration above.
and then can’t manage most of their executive tasks remotely. A new
Then the next weekend a skills day and bbq in Brisbane was very well
management committee embraced their jobs organising the events that
attended and students practiced suturing, plastering and more airway
fill the 2007 calendar.
management skills.
So far in 2007, there was the great time for all the 20 or so students
In the next month, there will be another trip to Toowoomba and Oakey.
from SE Qld in Albury, thanks to all those who had an organising role. The
Planning for the annual Rural Health Student Conference in Rockhampton
annual Fraser and Coral Coast trip to Bundaberg and Hervey Bay was held
and Great Keppel Island is well underway, expanding this year to include
the weekend after the Albury conference, a record turnout of 40 students
health students from many universities in Queensland.
enjoyed central Queensland hospitality, hospitals and beaches. Skills
WAALHIIBE: Curtin Uni & Edith Cowan, WA
There we were, in the middle of nowhere. We needed
massages. Most importantly it was a weekend when
to reach the other side of the river. We had some
friendships were forged. With the fun had, and the
rope, some plastic drums, some planks of wood and
friendships forged we set about to planning the year.
some oars. No one was coming to help us. We would
With more and newer events than ever before, this
have to work as a team!
year promises to be full of great experiences and
We were at Lake leschenaultia, just outside of
opportunities for all members.
Chidlow, on the annual WAALHIIBE and SPINRPHEX
Many thanks extended to Mike, our camp leader, Phip,
team building weekend. It was an amazing weekend,
for busing us all up there, and Sue for all her help
filled with a variety of problem solving tasks, group
in organising the weekend and getting all that food
discussions of the year to come and formidable
ready!
Cooee! April 2007
WARRIAHS: Charles Sturt University, NSW What a terrific start to 2007! Right from the
a fabulous experience which we have managed
coming to the uni to find out about CSU health
word go an almost fully new exec team have
to share with the rest of our club through
courses, while we promote rural health. We
come up with some great plans and initiatives
stories and the odd hilarious photo. A significant
will also be running one of the popular cadaver
for our best ever year. Our first success came
benefit from the conference was learning about
trips to CSU in Albury. This offers students
in week 1 of the semester, when we almost
the need for an increased multi-disciplinary
an educationally unique experience and a
doubled our membership at clubs sign up day.
approach to health care, which particularly
great opportunity to meet and socialise with
Our second achievement was our WARRIAHS
affected WARRIAHS as we have purely allied
WARRIAHS sister club MARHS.
commencement dinner, with heaps of people,
health members, and are almost lost in a sea
a great feed, new friends and great games
of medical students. The social events were an
Now to exciting future plans for this year - a
we had a ball! Another event which requires
excellent way to meet people from different
new logo design, a new banner to replace
a mention is the recent NRHN conference
clubs and many friendships were formed.
the last one that mysteriously disappeared,
in Albury, which seven WARRIAHS members
RHSV road trips, Crocfest (which everyone is
attended. Four dietetic students presented
Next on the agenda is the health expo in May.
very keen about) and of course a number of
in the “Nutrition-feast for some, famine for
We are anticipating a big turn out, with high
excellent social events such as a trivia night,
others” section of student presentations. It was
school students from all over the Wagga area
mid-year formal dinner and a cocktail AGM.
and Caitlin Cheshire, Allied Health Rep: Alison
environment while receiving plaster casts from
Facey, Members Without Portfolio: Dujon
the committee.
Fuzzard and Adam Suttan. The committee is
Dairy Day – Many new members were signed
also happy to announce the recent elections
up over ice cream and soft drinks at the annual
for 4 first year reps. The number of first
WILDFIRE dairy day.
year students who attended the AGM was
Matthew Campbell Memorial Evening – A very
WILDFIRE: Monash University, VIC
outstanding, including over 80 nominees
enjoyable and well received night honoring the
The 2007 exec for WILDFIRE are very excited
for the 4 positions. This number was a very
success of previous years. The afternoon began
to report the successful and enjoyable start to
positive indication of the future for WILDFIRE,
with a relaxed and sociable BBQ, followed
the year that we’ve shared with all our new
in particular the number of students from allied
by the Memorial Evening; including 4 guest
and existing members. After an impressive
health departments showing interest. The reps
speakers and intermission entertainment
lead from the committee of 2006, the club is
include: First Year Rep: Rachelle, ERC (extended
provided by Kinja – a duo of the didgeridoo
looking forward to continuing and building on
rural cohort) Rep: Scott, NRHN Rep: Bella, Allied
and violin. The speakers were from the medical
the activities WILDFIRE takes pride in.
Health Rep: Samara.
field with direct experiences in Aboriginal
The new committee elected at the end of
Health Care.
2006, include: Co-Chairs: Annie Kilpatrick
So far in 2007, WILDFIRE activities include:
WILDFIRE are currently planning for the annual
and Meg Hardy, Secretary: Dave Humphreys,
Beach day – 20 first year students joined the
Careers and Cocktails evening, including
Treasurer: Megan Farmer, ATSI Rep: Anneliese
exec for swimming, games, fish and chips and
guest speakers from areas of rural health. The
Willems, Rural High Schools Rep: Claire Foster,
soccer on St Kilda beach.
committee are also brainstorming for new ideas
NRHN Rep: Anna Galligan, International Health
“Get Plastered” – A night out at the pub; first
and activities to continue to raise the profile of
Rep: Nadine Ata, IT/Publicity Reps: Pete Taylor
year students enjoyed the “meet and greet’
WILDFIRE throughout the university.
come away questioning whether there is a
A remote placement experience Angela Titmuss, 2006 NRHN Co-Chair
misconception of a problem that needs to be ‘solved’ - is it instead a journey that needs to be shared, voices to be strengthened and listened to? I undertook the second half of my elective at One Arm Point Health Centre, a remote Aboriginal community 260km north of Broome
Going west…. and questioning what you know.
on the Dampier Peninsula (West Kimberley
I was lucky enough to undertake two elective
sides by water so differed significantly in
placements in remote communities in late 2006
terms of culture, with people going on daily
– and had a small glimpse into the diversity of
fishing trips, swimming, and spending much of
Aboriginal communities and the challenges and
their time near the beach and mud flats (also
richness of health care in such a setting.
creating some of the most amazing scenery
I undertook the first half of my elective at
and snorkeling opportunities!). Another key
Nganmarriyanga Health Centre, a remote
difference was the influence of the area’s
Aboriginal community 500km south west of
pearling history, with many local people having
Darwin. The clinic was the only health facility
Japanese and Indonesian cultural heritage.
in the community and was staffed by two
The clinic had a strong focus on health
remote area nurses and one Aboriginal health
promotion, with excellent recall systems and
worker. A doctor visited weekly and during
lots of well person’s checks. I was able to
my time in the community we also had visits
participate in community ‘bootscootin’ classes
from an obstetrician, women’s health nurse,
run by the clinic, walking groups and undertook
paediatrician, psychiatrist, mental health nurse,
several nutrition classes and workshops for
child welfare workers, dietician, audiologist,
classes at the school, talking about the healthy
and dentist. So the clinic was obviously
food pyramid and making good choices at the
quite busy and had a very large range of
local shop – as well as a very funny surgical
presentations – from a 5 year old with a broken
dress / food pyramid relay!
arm (whose cast I had to frequently replace
The staff and people at both One Arm Point and
when she got it wet whilst swimming!), to
Nganmarriyanga were extremely friendly and
a woman in early labour, to chronic disease
welcoming and definitely made me feel part of
checks, skin infections, rheumatic fever, a
their communities. I learnt many new skills and
spider bite and pneumonia.
have come away feeling invigorated for remote
As in many communities, poor living conditions,
work! I would say, take every opportunity to
few education and employment opportunities,
go on a rural and remote placement – you
relationship issues and substance use are very
never know what you might discover – from
evident and have a direct impact on people’s
wild horses on your verandah to a crocodile
health. The placement helped me see health
on the boat ramp during your morning run,
in a wider context than our usual hospital
hidden bootscootin’ talents, or a donkey getting
placements and to see the links to land, history,
loose and causing havoc in the Christmas
disenfranchisement, present marginalisation,
nativity play! Whatever you find, it will be an
and generational losses. However, I have
experience you will not forget!
region). One Arm Point is surrounded on three
Cooee! April 2007 Cowpats May Hit the Windmill but We’ve Got Cover!
Mental Health Guide
The 2007 NRHN Forum offered the perfect opportunity to launch the NRHN’s mental health guide – When the Cowpat Hits the Windmill: A guide for staying mentally fit written by students for students. We were very privileged to have The Hon. Jeff Kennett come to our Forum to both launch the guide and give some of his insights into depression particularly among the health professions.
It has been almost 3 years since the idea of a mental health guide was coined at the last National Undergraduate Rural Health Conference in Tanunda, SA in 2004. Since then many hours have been spent planning, writing, editing and collating the guide, to produce the most helpful (and fantastic looking!!) resource that we could muster.
Massive thanks must go to the team of students that helped put it all together. An extra special thanks to Amy Camplin who was the chair of the Mental Health Steering Committee. The amount and quality of work that you all have done is simply amazing and potentially life-saving. Guides are available from the NRHN and an electronic version is available through the NRHN website www.nrhn.org.au. Hardcopies will be distributed to clubs in the coming weeks – look out for your copy. The image of the cowpat and the windmill is to remind you that you too can be resilient, even when everything seems to be hitting the fan… Before you get to the stage where you feel like throwing cowpats, or anything else at a windmill, remember this book!!
Conferences of National Significance Funding
Have you heard the latest goss? The grapevine has it that there is money around to send students to health conferences. Now we’re always told never to believe gossip, but this time the sources are solid! In fact word has it that there are only 4 easy steps to apply to attend a conference that has been ear-marked as having national significance to student members of the NRHN. If you are a member of your university’s rural health club - that’s you!!!
Why not also consider presenting at the conference?! You will be
How to apply for Conferences of National Significance (CoNS) funding
representing the NRHN whilst you are there and the NRHN has a
from the NRHN:
standard presentation that can be modified to suit. The NRHN executive will also be happy to help you out! (TIP: a willingness to try presenting
Step 1: Check out the CoNS calendar for 2007 and choose your
will look good on your application!)
destination.
So why not put in an application? It can’t hurt!
Step 2: Read the CoNS guidelines document.
If you have any questions, check out the NRHN website or chat to your
Step 3: Using the CoNS guidelines, fill out the CoNS Proforma.
club’s NRHN council member. The CoNS calendar (over page), Guidelines and Application Proforma’s are all available at www.nrhn.org.au (and we’ve inserted a copy in this newsletter too!)
Step 4: Email your completed CoNS proforma to your club executive or NRHN rep who will then submit your application to the NRHN CoNS committee.
Conferences of National Significance Calendar
Below is a copy of the CoNS calendar up until September 2007. Be sure to check www.nrhn.org.au for the complete calendar. Also, don’t forget to still apply for a conference that isn’t on our list if you think it will enhance your future in rural and remote health. Please just include a brief outline of the rural/remote component of the conference.
Application forms can be downloaded from the NRHN website or by emailing info@nrhn.org.au.
Dates
Discipline Conference
Where
Website / Contact
May 2007
Nursing
Sydney
www.corporatecommunique.com.
Australian Conference for Maternal and Child Health Nurses
au/partners
1-2 May 2007
All
National Youth Conference- Are we there yet?
Melbourne
1-4 May 2007
All
Health Promotion National Conference - “Grass roots to Adelaide
www.yacvic.org.au www.healthpromotion.org.au
global action” 8-12 May 2007
Podiatry
Australasian Podiatry Conference
Hobart
www.apodc.com.au
20-22 May 2007
Social Work,
Australian College for Child and Family Protection
Melbourne
www.relatehumanservices.com.au
Psychology
Practitioners Association Conference: Borders & Bridges Sydney
www.phcris.org.au
23-25 May 2007
Medicine and GP & Primary Health Care Research Conference Nursing
24-26 May 2007
Dietitians
Dietitians Association of Australia Conference
Hobart
www.tourhots.com.au
27-31 May 2007
Speech
National Conference
Sydney
www.speechpathologyaustralia.
Pathology 11-14 July 2007
Nursing
org.au Royal College of Nurses Australia (RCNA) National
Sydney
www.rcna.org.au
Echuca
www.aasw.asn.au
Conference 12-13 July 2007
All
8th National Rural and Remote Social Work / Community Health Conference
18-20 July 2007
Allied Health
7th National Allied Health Conference
Hobart
23-25 July 2007
All
Children and Young People are Key Stakeholders
Perth
www.caypaks.com
6-8 August 2007
All
5th Australasian Conference on Safety and Quality in
Brisbane
www.aaqhc.org.au
8th International Mental Health Conference
Gold Coast
www.gcimh.com.au
Rural Critical Care Conference
Ballina, NSW
08 8080 1497
Health Care 17-18 August 2007
Mental Health
24-25 August 2007
Nursing, Paramedics, Medicine
24-26 August 2007
Pharmacy
Pharmacy Australia Congress
Melbourne
www.psa.org.au
31 August
All
ARRWAG National Policy Forum on Indigenous Health
Fremantle, WA
www.arrwag.com.au
Workforce Issues 4-7 September
Psychology
The Mental Health Services Annual Conference
Melbourne
www.themhs.org
13-16 September
Nursing
CRANA Conference
Broken Hill, NSW
www.crana.org.au
19-21 September
Nursing
9th National Conference of the Congress of Aboriginal
Alice Springs
www.indiginet.com.au
Adelaide
www.snaicc.asn.au
and Torres Strait Islander Nurses Conference 19-21 September
All
Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care conference “For our Children”
Cooee! April 2007
2007 NRHN Forum Angela Titmuss & Nick Moore, Forum Co-Convenors
Staying Strong – Well and truly thriving in the Bush! Unless you have been living under a rock somewhere you have probably heard about the 2007 NRHN Forum in March featuring over 300 health
workforce issues that will face us when we graduate and inspired us to practice a more holistic type of health care. And finally, John Hogg spoke about how the
students from around Australia!
medical school at the University The theme of the forum was “Staying Strong: Thriving in the Bush” and it focused on building up all our skills in self care and resilience so we can truly thrive in the rural and remote workforce when we graduate.
of Wollongong became a reality and the challenges of preparing a medical school for the 21st century.
We can hardly believe that after the many months of planning, excitement, nervous worry, hundreds of emails and phone calls it is finally over! There are so many people to thank for making the forum a reality – the Department of Health and Ageing for funding the forum, the hard working forum committee (Felix, Dave, Claire, Brent, Craig, Lana, Luke and Kyra), our amazingly committed NRHN staff Litsa and Linda, all of the keynote speakers and workshop presenters, ARRWAG, the NRHN’s auspicing body, and the staff from the Commercial Club and Mirambeena Hall who were happy to do all they could for us.
The skills sessions seemed to be taken up with gusto, with great attendance even late into Tuesday afternoon. While some got to know their fellow delegates a little (or a lot) better with the ‘clowning’ workshop and learnt the value of a good hug, others chose to learn new ideas and strategies to run their rural health club. We were much amused by the intensity of the massage session (and having been the recipients of some massages later on we can vouch for its effectiveness!) and are now completely sure of the new
The forum itself seemed to fly past but here are some of our highlights…. We heard from some fantastic keynote speakers – brought into touch with the history and past achievements of the NRHN by James Fitzpatrick, along with a challenge for the future (and being a past Cleo Bachelor of the year finalist certainly helped
CPR guidelines thanks to the first aid session. We learnt how to defuse a crisis situation with a mentally ill patient; deal with the ‘startle’, or the daily stresses and grief that can eventually cause burn out; watched a whole group of extroverted students meditate and become still; and learnt how to write effective media releases.
his cause amongst the female delegates!). Sarah Chunys invited us to share our stories and consider the mental health needs of rural patients. Sabina Knight shared her experiences and insight into the skills and strategies needed to make a real difference and to be sustainable in remote communities. Janie Dade Smith discussed the
One of the most memorable sessions at the Forum was the panel session facilitated by Julie McCrossin. We were extremely lucky to have Julie at the Forum and are still in shock at how quickly she could move around the auditorium or get to the heart of an issue! This was a real opportunity for NRHN members to raise issues, hear from the panel’s experiences and create new directions for the NRHN. The main objectives were the need for interdisciplinary learning as undergraduates, continuing a strong multidisciplinary focus to the NRHN, creating an NRHN Alumni group, and increasing the focus on Indigenous health issues.
The launch of the NRHN Mental Health Guide by Jeff Kennett was a true highlight and you can read all about it elsewhere in the newsletter! We were also lucky to have the Health Minister, The Hon Tony Abbott, present at the close of the Forum, discussing the place of the NRHN within the rural health strategy. Student presentations demonstrated the huge diversity of experiences and perspectives within the NRHN, from community health projects in rural India, RHSVs in the NT, reestablishing a rural health club, to organising Croc Fests…. and many more.
And of course, no conference would be complete without great social events – from a trivia night where some teams pulled out all stops to win (N.B using your PDA does count as cheating!), to a club performance night ‘idol’ style (we still aren’t sure exactly which celebrity judge was Dicko! - but Gordon, Peter and Kim you provided some great entertainment!). Where we certainly got to see some hidden talents, very entertaining costumes, and the MC talents of Craig Smith. Romeo and Juliet was brought to life, ‘Hero’ by Mariah Carey now has a whole new meaning, Grease Lightning got everyone off their seats, and the fairy boys from RAHMS definitely made an impact! The bush dance got everyone into the true rural spirit and we are sure these new skills will be useful in settling into a rural town somewhere! We were also lucky to attend the NRHA conference formal dinner – and see 87 year old Elva, a retired rural nurse, go crowd surfing for the first time!
We were extremely lucky to also attend the NRHA conference and thank them for their support– 300 students certainly made a noticeable presence! Being able to be a part of a professional conference gave new perspectives to the issues we had discussed at a student level, as well as allowing us to see the reality of the rural and remote workforce beyond our universities. Participating in workshops, attending concurrent sessions, watching the ‘deal or no deal’ spectacular (and learning about the realities of the budget!), and meeting with professional organisations were all opportunities for skills development. The ‘Arts in Health’ component made this conference so much more powerful and made us see that health can be approached in many ways – we can all think of innovative ways to meet the needs of patients.
While we all learnt new skills, and were inspired by the speakers and presenters, probably the greatest benefit of the NRHN forum and NRHA conference was that students were able to come together from all health disciplines, become friends and build networks with professional organisations. The evaluations demonstrated that NRHN members highly valued the opportunity to have a NRHN national meeting again. We have realised that the NRHN is quite a unique organisation and that we need to continually value and strengthen our multidisciplinary focus – as so often students can graduate and forget these skills. If we are able to link with other rural health clubs and challenge the perspectives of health we learn from our particular disciplines, then maybe we can help to create a truly thriving future rural health workforce! Check out more photos and presentations at ww.nrhn.org.au.
Cooee! April 2007
Placements Guide: How to
make the most of your rural placement
A quick word from the
National Heart Foundation
The NRHN’s Rural Placements Guide, ‘How to make the most of your rural
The National Heart Foundation of Australia (NHFA) and the Cardiac
placement’ has just been printed and will be delivered to all rural health
Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ) have released
clubs in the coming weeks. This guide which has been put together by our
Australia’s first national evidence-based review for the diagnosis and
members covers a wide range of questions that you have probably asked
management of Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) and Rheumatic Heart
yourself in relation to rural placements. The Guide is aimed at improving
Disease (RHD).
your experience on a rural or remote placement by better preparing you for your placement, along with offering some advice on how to organise it,
RHD remains a significant cause of cardiac disability and death
who to contact, what to take and even what clothes to wear!
amongst Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with incidence rates among the highest in the world. Aboriginal and Torres
Sections include:
Strait Islander peoples are up to eight times more likely than non-
Why should I consider a rural or remote placement?; How do I organise my
Indigenous Australians to be hospitalised for ARF and RHD and are
rural or remote placement?; Cultural awareness, Keeping safe, Managing
nearly 20 times more likely to die from these conditions.
disclosures and an Essential placement checklist. There are also helpful hints and contact details if you require further information.
The NHFA and CSANZ have jointly developed this evidence-based review to assist policy makers and health professionals, including
An electronic version of the Guide is available on www.nrhn.org.au or you
medical, nursing, allied health and Aboriginal Health Workers address
can order a hardcopy version from the NRHN office.
the diagnosis and management needs of ARF and RHD in Australia. The purposes of the review were to: • Identify the standard of care, including preventative care, that should be available to all people • Identify areas where current management strategies may not be in line with available evidence, and • In the interests of equity, ensure that high risk populations receive the same standard of care as that available to all other Australians.
A series of quick reference guides for health professionals and the full evidence-based review is available for downloading from the National Heart Foundation website www.heartfoundation.com.au. Printed copies can also be ordered through Heartline on 1300 36 27 87 (local call cost) or emailheartline@heartfoundation.com.au.
Rural Education Foundation of Australia Felix Ho, REFA Representative REFA has been progressing steadily since last year. REFA completed and submitted a “Costings Research Report on Pre-service country teaching placements” to the DEST Minister. It appears that a recent increase of 30 scholarships for country placements to SA universities by the SA government resulted from this research and lobbying by REFA.
Allied Health Portfolio Mary-Jessimine Beale, Allied Health Portfolio holder It has been a quiet start to the year for the allied health portfolio. We are currently involved in the RAHUS (rural allied health undergraduate scholarship) appeals round selecting the final six places for what is a highly competitive and worthwhile scholarship. The primary goal of the scholarship is akin with the goals of NRHN, which is to address the shortage of allied health professionals in
Another exciting development from REFA is the proposed development of pre-service teacher education contact group / network tentatively named “Rural Teaching First”; based on the
rural and remote areas. The scholarship is in its second year of allocation and received over 700 participants this year from allied health university students across Australia.
NRHN model. By the time you’ve read this article, a decision should have been made by REFA on the direction of this project… watch this space!
The annual REFA Roundtable has also been tentatively set as a pre-conference to the SPERA conference, to be held in late August in Merredin, WA.
Congratulations goes to Lana Prout for being elected as the 2007 REFA senior. In the upcoming few weeks, I will be handing over to Lana and the soon-to-be-elected REFA Junior.
For more information on REFA, visit www.refa.edu.au.
The following weeks should see two new members join the allied health portfolio position, with nominations currently open.
harnessing good intent
National Rural Health Network c/o ARRWAG PO Box 6244 South Yarra Vic 3141 Australia www.nrhn.org.au Telephone 03 8825 4500 Facsimile 03 9804 7370 Email info@nrhn.org.au