• Charles Sturt University academic wins award for health research in western NSW
• The 2023 Western NSW Health Researcher of the Year Awards presented at the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Conventions Centre
• The award recognised a variety of methods for rural health research and capacity-building

A Charles Sturt University expert in rural health research has received an award for her progressive research techniques and capacity building in the field of rural health in western NSW.

Associate Professor Julaine Allan at the Rural Health Research Institute (RHRI) at Charles Sturt

University in Orange won the Western NSW Research Academic Leader of the Year Award from the Western NSW Health Research Network (WHRN).

The Research Academic Leader of the Year Award is the top award from the Western NSW Health Research Network and is awarded to individuals making a significant contribution to rural health research.

The honour was conferred at an award ceremony at the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Conventions Centre recently.

Professor Allan conducts research into mental health and addictions in rural areas and has contributed to health research at the RHRI since November 2022. During this time, she has developed new ways of reducing health issues associated with mental health barriers and substance addictions.

She is an experienced mixed-methods health researcher, with her programs deployed across western NSW for more than 20 years. These have contributed to rural health research and research capacity-building across many rural and remote communities.

Professor Allan said she was honoured to receive the award.

“Building and supporting research capacity in rural NSW is an important part of my work at the Rural Health Research Institute,” Professor Allan said.

“It’s an honour to have that work recognised by the Western NSW Health Research Network and my colleagues in the region as the WHRN is THE Network for health research in western NSW. It’s fantastic to be part of a collegiate and forward-thinking group.”

The Western NSW Health Research Network was formed in 2013 to strengthen emerging health research partnerships across Western NSW. It is the peak body for health research conducted in Western NSW and is a collaboration between universities, local health districts, primary health care providers, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and non-government organisations.

ENDS