• Charles Sturt University and the Mid North Coast Local Health District appoint seven joint positions
• Charles Sturt University increases access for practice for local health courses
• Mid North Coast communities winners with closer local health collaboration

Collaboration between Charles Sturt University (Charles Sturt) and the Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) will mark a new high with the appointment of seven senior health staff to adjunct positions with the University.

Professor Gail Whiteford, who also holds a conjoint professorial position between the University’s Faculty of Science and Mid North Coast Local Health District, said the appointments signal the strengthening of collaborative ties between the two institutions.

“Both Charles Sturt University and MNCLHD are key organisations in this region,” Professor Whiteford said.

“By working together in deep collaboration, we can enhance the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities through applied research and educational initiatives.”

Mr Stewart Dowrick, Chief Executive of MNCLHD, believes the strengthening relationship between the organisation and Charles Sturt also bodes well for the region.

“As Charles Sturt University has demonstrated elsewhere in NSW and Victoria, that wherever they established health courses, their graduates are able to gradually fill the urgent needs for new physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses and dentists,” Mr Dowrick said.

“This can only help us maintain the high standards of public health services offered on the NSW Mid North Coast.”

The new adjuncts bring a wide range of expertise to their positions at Charles Sturt University:

• Ms Kathleen Ryan, MNCLHD Director of Clinical Governance and Information Services;
• Dr Theresa Beswick, Coordinator Coffs Clinical Network;
• Ms Kath Brown, Acting Coffs Clinical Network Manager Community and Allied Health;
• Ms Robyn Martin, Director Aboriginal Health and Primary Partnerships;
• Mr Paul Corben, Director, North Coast Public Health Unit;
• Ms Jane Evans, recently retired Coordinator Hastings Macleay Clinical Network;
• Ms Colleen Ryan, Hastings Macleay Clinical Network Manager Community and Allied Health.

Professor Whiteford said, “The staff will lend their expertise to add depth to student learning in Charles Sturt courses as well as important practical and local insights for research projects.

“The appointments highlight Charles Sturt’s commitment to strategic research and professional education that meets the specific needs of regional Australian communities, including the NSW Mid North Coast region.”