The Broken Hill University Department of Rural Health (BHUDRH) joined the global celebration of World Health Day. The theme this year, ‘Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures’, perfectly encapsulates the dedicated initiatives in the far west to support the wellbeing of rural and remote communities.

To mark the occasion, Head of Rural Clinical School (Broken Hill), Professor Debra Jones, shared what the theme meant to the university, the communities served and rural health as global health.

“We need to ensure that our people have the best life trajectories they possibly can,” Professor Jones shared.

“We have a critical role in addressing the health workforce crises across medicine, nursing and allied health.”

Professor Jones reflected on the significant inequities children in the far west regions continue to face – particularly in accessing healthcare. She highlighted the urgent need for a strong, multidisciplinary approach to improving health outcomes and creating lasting change in rural areas.

“We know by investing in this approach we create futures where our children can be productive, engaged, independent and can have a voice to inform what their lives and their communities need and for their hopes to be met,” Professor Jones said.

‘Healthy beginnings’ start with equal access to healthcare, and ‘hopeful futures’ depend on a sustainable, skilled health workforce within communities. The Broken Hill University Department of Rural Health contributes to this vision by supporting student engagement in rural placements that foster meaningful connections with the communities they serve. We also facilitate interprofessional learning opportunities to help students understand the importance of working holistically with other health disciplines – an essential approach in rural healthcare settings.