Southern Regional Researchers Converge at ECU South West Bunbury Campus

Panel discussions featuring Professor Martin Jones – Associate Dean (Regional), ECU’s School of Nursing and Midwifery (as Facilitator), Mr Jack Harding – CEO of St John of God Bunbury Hospital, Dr Andrew Kirke – Director, Rural Clinical School, Jacinta Walton – Aboriginal Project Officer, Healthy Skin and ARF Prevention team at The Kids Research Institute Australia and Liz Jones – member of the South West WA Country Health Service Executive

On 6 June 2025, the South Regional Health Research Forum brought together attendees at ECU’s South West Bunbury Campus for a vibrant day of collaboration, learning, and inspiration. Over 80 participants attended including ECU South West Campus Advisory Board and University Department of Rural Health  South West (UDRH SW) Advisory Board Chair, Kerry Winsor –  Regional Director for WA Country Health Service, alongside several research leaders from both across the Region and visiting from the metro.

Hosted by the South Regional Health Research Collaborative and chaired by UDRH SW Director Professor Beth Armstrong, the event focused on “Improving Rural Health Our Way: Partnering Together in Research”. Mr Jack Harding, CEO of St John of God Bunbury Hospital and a member of the ECU South West Campus Advisory Board was MC for the occasion.

The Forum was opened with a welcome to the campus by Professor Cobie Rudd, ECU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Regional Futures), followed by plenary speaker Melissa Vernon, Executive Director, Innovation & Development from WA Country Health Service, who shared compelling insights into the role of research in reshaping regional healthcare. Professor Armstrong outlined the role of the Collaborative in facilitating health research across the Region. A lively panel discussion, led by Professor Martin Jones, ECU’s Associate Dean (Regional), School of Nursing and Midwifery, encouraged robust dialogue on the value of community-led, targeted research in regional health improvement.

Associate Professor Michael Hunter – Director, Busselton Population Medical Research Institute, Busselton Health Study Centre.

Danie Zappa from SWAMs Presenting on Knowledge + Innovation = Power

Presentations covered diverse and meaningful topics such as the Busselton Health Study, Aboriginal Data Sovereignty, the evolving role of physiotherapists in special care nurseries, and strategies for building research collaborations. Attendees participated in breakout sessions addressing key priority areas, including culturally secure Aboriginal health research, ageing well, mental health access and empowering early-career researchers. 

Breakout Groups

The event created rich opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange, with many attendees noting the friendly and collaborative atmosphere, as well as the impressive line-up of speakers and projects. Feedback highlighted the region’s deep talent and commitment to driving equitable, community-informed health solutions. 

Sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the Forum’s success—including organisers, presenters, attendees, and caterers—for making this day a true celebration of regional health research.