Fresh evidence to support the critical need to develop oral health training and resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers is provided in a study by David Walker and others published in the current issue of the Australian Journal of Rural Health. The article endorses the position advocated by the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO)... read more
Media Releases
Release Date: 14 October 2013
Two of the nation’s peak community bodies have come together to release a snapshot of the extent of poverty and disadvantage outside Australia's major capital cities, highlighting the devastating impact on people's lives and on country towns and communities.
The report, A Snapshot of poverty... read more
Release Date: 10 October 2013
Today, 10 October, is World Sight Day. This year’s theme is Universal Eye Health with the call to action: Get your eyes tested! The Alliance would like to see its way to ensuring that eye health for people in rural and remote areas is as well-protected as for those anywhere.
Vision 2020 Australia, representing over 50 member organisations, is raising awareness of avoidable deterioration... read more
Release Date: 02 October 2013
This week's report from the Grattan Institute (Access all areas) about primary care in rural and remote areas has created substantial interest. The report deals with critical issues and shines a spotlight on the serious workforce inequities in many rural and remote areas.
The report under-states the difference between rural and remote circumstances, with some of its solutions not... read more
Release Date: 01 October 2013
Pain is something most of us prefer not to think about. But with one in five Australians living with chronic pain, there is a significant chance that it will creep up on us sooner or later. For people over the age of 65 the prevalence of chronic pain rises to one in three.
People in rural and remote areas are 23 per cent more likely to have back pain. This rises to 30 per cent more... read more
Release Date: 27 September 2013
Tamworth, NSW, is the venue for a special meeting on Monday 14 October to launch a joint NRHA/Australian Council of Social Service report on poverty in rural and remote areas.
It is time to face the facts on the existence of poverty in rural and remote areas and the toxic impact on people living there. In 2010, and allowing for the costs of housing, the level of poverty in Australia... read more
Release Date: 17 September 2013
Prime Minister-Elect Tony Abbott has today confirmed the experienced team his Ministry will have in health and social services, two of the key areas influencing the wellbeing of people in rural and remote areas.
Peter Dutton, as Minister for Health, will provide the continuity and experience Tony Abbott has promised in the portfolio. With Senator Fiona Nash as Assistant Minister for... read more
Release Date: 10 September 2013
A recent report shows that, when measured in dollars, Australia's collective wellbeing increased by some $250 billion a year in the last three years. However, two chronic health problems - mental illness and obesity - are damaging the wellbeing of our people, particularly in rural and remote areas.
Improving mental health services and combating obesity should therefore be near the top... read more
Release Date: 10 September 2013
The National Rural Health Alliance has a Fact Sheet, prepared jointly with Suicide Prevention Australia, on suicide in rural Australia.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if we didn't need one!
How might that be possible?
It will take remedial action on many fronts. Family and community support. Good education for useful work and for health literacy. Infrastructure for recreation,... read more
Release Date: 03 September 2013
In his address yesterday to the National Press Club Tony Abbott promised that, should the Coalition be elected, there would be "a new focus on regional Australia with close to 50 per cent of the Cabinet living outside of metropolitan areas".
Hopefully it is not too late for some of those senior Coalition politicians who live outside metropolitan areas to speak up about the need for... read more