Race for Rural Health

In 2012 Leigh Stewart thought of a project that would work toward demonstrating the University’s commitment to addressing the health and medical workforce problems in rural Australia, and especially rural NSW.

He developed a ‘formula’ scholarship fund raising event that could be replicated in rural NSW communities around the longstanding race day events held in these communities

To identify and engage ‘rural partners’ in the implementation of the race day events – the preferred partners are those that exist in all or most of the target communities and include: Farmer’s Association, Country Women’s Association, Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs and Council

Th  The goal was to ultimately have up to 40 NSW rural communities have a Health & Medical Race Day devoted to raising funds for scholarships for students from the community

The 40 target communities are located in five general NSW regions: Broken Hill/Menindee/Wilcannia; Griffith/Leeton/Narrandera; Bomaderry/Nowra/Shoalhaven Heads/Milton/Ulladulla/Sanctuary Point; Bowral/Mittagong/Moss Vale.

On 9th and 10th of December 2012, 18 medical students conducted over 400 health checks for the Mudgee community. Country music superstar Adam Harvey preformed on the Thursday evening prior to 6000 people attending the annual Mudgee Cup and raising almost $20,000 for health scholarships. A great community engagement exercise as well as supporting Mudgee young adults to pursue a career in health.