AgHealth Australia

About us 

AgHealth Australia has been leading research into injury and deaths on Australian farms for over 30 years. AgHealth is also a member of Farmsafe Australia and through this network we work with a range of partners to ensure the research is turned into practical programs to assist farmers, their workers, families and the rural community. Translation of the research information has led to the development of programs of work that in conjunction with industry and relevant organisations, has contributed to major reductions in the burden of injury and poor health in rural Australia. 

Our research

The mission for AgHealth Australia is: “Action research to assist rural Australians to attain improved levels of health and wellbeing by reducing the incidence and severity of injury and illness associated with life and work in agriculture”. The research undertaken by the centre includes:

• Epidemiological research
• Biomechanical research
• Health and other services research and development
• Research to evaluate potential and specific health and safety interventions
• Health and agricultural economics research 
• Policy and strategy development
• Education and training resource development and piloting
• Program evaluation

Research highlights

The publication of 13 papers, 14 reports and five conference presentations in the past three years indicates the commitment of Centre staff to ensuring wide dissemination of research findings. For the general public, we have also provided over 200 interviews to radio, TV or newspapers, many of which are syndicated nationally across Australia.

In addition, personnel have been actively informing policymakers of the outcome of the Centre’s work by preparing special data reports for government policymakers (coronial enquiries) and industry (e.g. cotton industry in relation to transportation incidents) and in working groups addressing key farm safety priorities (e.g. quad safety, safety planning).

Our people 

Honorary Associate Professor: Tony Lower
Phone: 02 6882 1486
Email: tony.lower@sydney.edu.au

Farm Safety Project Officer: Kerri-Lynn Peachey
Phone: 02 6882 1486
Email: kerrilynn.peachey@sydney.edu.au

Adjunct Lecturer: John Temperley
Phone: 02 6882 1486
Email : john.temperley@sydney.edu.au

Adjunct Lecturer: Julie Depczynski
Phone: 02 6886 1486
Email: julie.depczynski@sydney.edu.au

Honorary Associate Professor: Lyn Fragar AO
Phone: 02 6882 1486
Email: aghealth@health.usyd.edu.au