Community Advisory Committees
Building a local health workforce ...
One of the best ways to encourage doctors to practise in rural or regional areas is to introduce them to the regions while they are students. They see first hand the career and lifestyle opportunities, and make important professional and personal connections. These long-term placements in rural and regional Victoria are at the heart of the program we have been running for nearly 30 years. We want to see that program - and our partnerships with regional health services and local communities - continue for the benefit of rural and regional Victorians.
... with input from our local communities
By listening to our local communities, Monash Rural Health makes sure that our education and research programs will meet their healthcare needs in the future. The main way we do this is through our three community advisory committees in Mildura, Gippsland and Bendigo.
Committee members have diverse affiliations, professional and cultural backgrounds, and range widely in age. They include representatives of regional health and community service providers, local government, education providers as well as people outside the health and education sector. What they all have in common is an interest in local health issues (including health workforce shortages) as well as education and research needs.
How the committees work
The committees meet twice a year, usually after business hours, for two hours. Once each year, a combined meeting brings together the three regional community advisory committees. Membership is for a fixed term of two years to ensure that the committees comprise a wide range of skills and experience. (Read the terms of reference.)
Our current community advisory committees membership
Bendigo
Chair: Associate Professor Chris Holmes, Director Monash Rural Health Bendigo
Gippsland
Chair: Associate Professor Cathy Haigh, Director Monash Rural Health Gippsland
Mildura
Chair: Associate Professor Fiona Wright, Director Monash Rural Health Mildura