The ERC is with us - School of Rural Health - University of Melbourne

Start your day with some healthy bites from the
Rural Health Academic Centre’s Quarterly Internal Newsletter..
Volume 7, Issue 2
APR—DEC 2010
New Staff Profiles 2-3
CERSH News 3
Media Article: New
training school to help
RCS News
2010 Student Retreat
Staff links to honoured
Aboriginal Rights
Campaigner
Court Building
Honours Aboriginal
Rights Campaigner
SMC News: New
Scottish GPs
Physio News—
November 2010
The 6 th Annual Rural
Health Research
Conference
Fish Naming Comp.
About Town...
Announcements
Hello/Goodbye
Social Club News
A Big Thumbs Up
Contact Details
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The University of Melbourne’s Rural Health Academic Centre
...a bright spark from our editor...
Where has this year gone? I just
can’t believe we are almost at its
end. Again this year we have had quite a
few changes taking place, one of which was
the School’s name change to the Rural
Health Academic Centre. We have seen
new staff commence or return from
secondment elsewhere, while sadly others
have left or are about to leave for new
adventures.
As you may have noted it has been some
time since a newsletter was published earlier
in the year, that was in part because I was
away for a while due to some family health
issues. But I am back, and on the ball
again, hounding everyone to send me their
The Extended
Rural Cohort
(ERC) program,
which places
semester 10/11 students in
community settings for a year
instead of the usual block
based hospital program,
commenced in July 2010.
Sounds simple, but its
realization and largely
successful management of
risks, has taken a major effort
by Dawn DeWitt, Peter
Keppel, Di Doyle, Graeme
Jones (prior to his
retirement), Georgia von
Guttner, all the involved
general practices, small
hospitals, many other staff
The ERC is with us
and, of course, the involved
students.
The ERC was funded as a
collaborative program with
Monash University, adding to
the organizational
complexity, that aimed to
recruit students from north
eastern Victoria, or other
rural locations into medical
school, and for them to then
undergo their clinical training
in north eastern Victoria: The
ultimate aim being to
increase rural medical
practitioner numbers.
The location specific
recruitment has been
problematic because of a
articles. As this is the second and also the
last edition for this year, I have called it a
‘Bumper Christmas Issue.’ There is lots of
information pertaining to the last few months,
as well as some recent news. More births,
events and competitions.
And of course many of us will also be looking
forward to the Christmas holidays. So on that
note I would like to wish everyone a Merry
Xmas and a Happy and Safe New Year.
~Cheers Lucia
If you have any interesting stories or articles
you would like to have published, please email
me at luciar@unimelb.edu.au
lack of flexibility in the
universities recruitment
process. However the first
pilot group of students
entered their clinical training
in 2009, and 11 of them
commenced their community
placements in July 2010.
The placements for this pilot
group are in Shepparton,
Echuca, Wangaratta and
Benalla but future
placements, up to 30, will
include Mansfield,
Yarrawonga, Mt Beauty,
Corowa and Cobram.
As well as being based in a
general practice the students
(Continued on page 2)

Marie Beer
Maxine Wilson
Page 2
(Continued from page 1) weeks general practice in (types of) student
semester 12, which,
placements, and general
will also access local
arguably, is inadequate practice provides an ideal
hospitals and specialty exposure to that specialty. opportunity for this. So the
tutorials to ensure they cover The more important issue is pilot year of the ERC is not
the curriculum.
to deliver the end result of just for the ERC but should
Reaching agreements with
general practices and
hospitals, including managing
increasing the numbers of
rural doctors to meet the
workforce needs.
inform developments in
student placements for all
medical schools.
the necessary capital
The year long rural
We should be proud of our
programs to provide teaching community placement in the achievement to date with
facilities and student
accommodation across the
many sites, as well as
agreements with our
specialist teachers and the
Melbourne Medical School to
satisfactorily deliver the
curriculum, has been a
ERC program may well help
deliver the desired outcome
of more rural practitioners
(either general practitioners
or rural specialists), the
reason for the existence of
the Rural Clinical School
program, as well as the
the ERC program, but we
should also recognize it is in
its early stages and we need
to get it right. While a few do
most of the work we, as
members of the Academic
Centre, should all be
massive effort.
ERC.
engaged in its success.
But it is worth it? In the usual
clinical school program
students are exposed to 5
New Staff Profile: Marie Beer
Marie Beer was recently
employed as Project Officer
(maternity leave replacement
for Nicole) at the Rural
Clinical School and will be
responsible for coordinating
Rural Clinical School student
rotations, placements, RCS
Executive Secretarial, and
coordination and
administration of RCS
students placed at Bendigo,
among a range of other
duties.
A qualified Dental Nurse,
Marie’s further education
includes: Certificate IV in
Health Administration,
Certificate IV in Assessment
and Workplace Training, and
a Vocational Diploma in
Meditation.
Marie comes from an
extensive background in
Reception and
Administration, Public
Relations, Events
Coordination, Education and
Training, Veterinary, Dentistry
and Oral Surgery Practices,
and enjoys liaising with
different groups.
She enjoyed her role as
Senior Receptionist at GV
Health Dental Services,
Shepparton in 2007 liaising
with dental students, and has
just returned from two years
in Melbourne as Practice
Manager and Receptionist of
New Staff Profile: Maxine Wilson
Maxine joined the Rural
Health Academic Centre in
April this year after 29 years
with Goulburn Ovens
Institute of TAFE
(Shepparton Campus) -
yes, that’s right, 29 years
with the one organisation!
Roles undertaken whilst at
GOTAFE included PA to
the Deputy Director,
Secretary to the Jackson
School, adult VCE
But also the doubling of
medical student numbers in
Australia requires new
Coordinator, International
Liaison Officer, Acting Head
of PACE (Promotion of Adult
Continuing Education), Call
Centre Supervisor and Short
Course Coordinator. She
holds qualifications in Office
Administration and Training
& Assessment.
Maxine, who was widowed
many years ago, had met
her responsibilities of
educating her two youngest
~Bill Adam
a Dental Clinic in Clifton Hill.
“I have relocated back to
Shepparton to enjoy the
country life and my
community, and am looking
forward to continuing to
enjoy my career in the field
of health services with the
wonderful team at the
University of Melbourne
Shepparton Campus.” Marie
said.
My personal interests
include being a member of
the Rotary Club of
Shepparton, Personal
Development, Bike riding,
Bush Walking and
Theatre.”She adds.
children by the end of 2009
and felt the time was right to
take on a new challenge so
took the big step of moving
from the education sector
into the health sector.
Maxine has settled into her
new role as Student
Placement Coordinator of the
Rural Health Module very
well and is thoroughly
enjoying learning something
(Continued on page 3)

Volume 7, Issue 2
The University of Melbourne’s Rural Health Academic Centre
(Continued from page 2) Health Module and hopes
some of them come back to
live and work rurally in the
new every day!
future.
Having lived in the Goulburn Maxine has four adult
Valley all her life, she is children and two little
especially pleased to play a grandsons who live just
part in ensuring student across the river in
doctors have an interesting Mooroopna. She enjoys
and rewarding experience spending time with these
whilst completing their Rural adorable little boys as often
New Staff Profile: Melissa Dobson
Melissa Dobson joined the
Rural Health Academic
Centre in October. Melissa
brings a wealth of
knowledge, experience and
friends from the rural General
Practice sector. Her
previous role being in
Continuing Professional
Development, with the
Goulburn Valley Division of
General Practice, for 5 years.
Melissa is now supporting
CERSH News: Professional Development Seminars
Seminar 3.
An ‘Adolescent Health’ 2 day
Seminar was held here at
RHAC on Monday 23 rd and
Tues 24 th August 2010.
Day 1: Title: Risky
Business? : Young People
and Sexual Health - CERSH
– Seminar for teachers,
nurses, community workers
and those who work with
young people
Day 2: Title: Reach, Teach
and Support – GVH - Sexual
and Reproductive Health
Promotion for primary and
secondary school years
CERSH in partnership with
Goulburn Valley Health
conducted the third of its
Professional Development
seminars for 2010 during
August.
Once again the response and
attendance from the health,
community and teaching was
very positive. Participants
came from Frankston,
Undergraduate Students,
where she will continue to
work with General Practice to
coordinate rural clinical
placements. Melissa is also
trained in Public Relations
and will oversee events such
as the Graduation Dinner,
Moovin’ Health ball and give
support to Outlook and
Moovin’ Health student clubs.
Melissa looks forward to the
challenge faced by the centre
Corryong, Gisborne,
Robinvale and the
surrounding areas of the
Goulburn Valley and
Northeast Victoria.
DAY 1: 86 registrations and
attendees
Topics included:
• Adolescent development
and sexual identity:
behaviour and risk taking
• Adolescent Health:
clinical assessment and
HEADSS
• Professional challenges
working with minors:
Case Study
• Young people and sexual
assault: definitions,
theories, impacts and
effective response
• Referral pathways and
local services
• Understanding the impact
of differing health beliefs
as possible and is passionate
about her garden.
She also loves travel
(currently planning a trip to
England & Egypt), movies,
concerts, catching up with
friends, reading, walking by
the river and relaxing with her
two cocker spaniels.
to attract more rural
students into the new MD.
She is well aware of the
issues of rurality and
workforce shortage and is
keen to change this for the
future.
Outside of work Melissa
enjoys spending time with
family and friends, in
particular her son, Hamish
who is in preps at St
Brendan’s Primary School.
models on sexual health
in the refugee
community.
Speakers presenting:
Dr Hennie Williams-
Melbourne Sexual Health
Centre (MSHC)
Andrea Krelle- Centre
Adolescent Health (CAH)
Juliet Watson- Centre
Adolescent Health (CAH)
Andrea Fisher- Goulburn
Valley CASA
Chiedza Malunga –
Multicultural Health and
Support Service (MHSS)
This was quite a large group
but did not deter many
questions and discussions
from the audience who
offered great expertise and
information for all
participants on all of the
topics presented.
(Continued on page 4)
Melissa Dobson
Page 3
Dr Hennie Williams, Melbourne
Sexual Health Centre and
Associate Professor Jane Tomnay,
CERSH
Seminar Participants

Page 4
Seminar Participants
“There was
a good
representation
of workers
from varied
rural areas…”
CERSH News: Professional Development Seminars
(Continued from page 3)
DAY 2: 90 registrations and
attendees
Topics included:
• Maximising effectiveness
of respectful relationships
education with
adolescents
• Building the capacity of to
deliver sexual and
reproductive health
education
• How to work with young
people to engage them in
sexual reproductive
health
• Sexuality education in
schools – school nursing
program
• Research behind sexual
and reproductive health
education in schools
• YEAH program-
community based with
focus on young people
and sexual health HIV/
AIDS peer program
• Ditto’s Keep safe
adventure personal safety
education program
• The hormone factory-
website for parents and
teachers re sexual health
• Primary school – puberty
and health education
• Puberty and reproduction
– Primary school resource
• Sexual diversity in young
people and related issues
• Multicultural sexual health
promotion
• Sister2sister – talking
about sexual health with
young African women
Speakers were from many
organisations and sectors:
Australian Research Centre
in Sex, Health and Society
La Trobe University
(ARCSHS)
Family Planning Victoria
(FPV)
Department Education and
early childhood
Development ( DEECD)
Centre Against Sexual
Assault- Goulburn Valley
(GV CASA)
Ballarat Community Health
Centre (BCHC)
Multicultural Health and
Support Services Centre
for Culture, Ethnicity and
Health (MHSS –CEH)
Both days provided
opportunities for networking
and catching up with
colleagues. The evaluation
feedback will be analysed
and a formal report will be
provided in the CERSH
Annual Report
Seminar 4.
The Centre for Excellence in
Rural Sexual Health held the
last of its Professional
Development seminars for
2010 on Thursday the 14 th
October here at the RHAC.
There were 30 attendees, all
of whom worked in nursing,
teaching, social work or
other community agencies.
This seminar’s topic was
quite specific and was
relevant to a small number
of professionals, particularly
those who work in a clinical
capacity.
There was a good
representation of workers
from varied rural areas other
than Shepparton, including
Cobram, Rushworth,
Heathcote, Nathalia,
Bendigo, Wangaratta and
Castlemaine. Having such a
varied and far reaching
group will only serve to
strengthen our capacity
building in sexual health
clinical and health promotion
activities in regional Victoria.
Once again it was noted that
some of the medical
students and RHAC staff
attended selected sessions
throughout the day which
CERSH is really encouraged
by.
The Plenary speaker was
Jane Lewis from the
Victorian Equal Opportunity
and Human Rights
Commission. Jane gave a
fascinating and insightful
outline of how we as
humans have to work, live
and socialise together in a
harmonious and respectful
way.
She also spoke of the
importance of language and
how people can misinterpret
words, tone, and body
language and encouraged
us all to be mindful of how
our everyday actions are
interpreted in general. All
participants found the
keynote address to be a
very memorable and
pertinent presentation.
The ‘Curly Cases’ were
presented by Tom Carter
from the Office of the Chief
Health Officer, Department
of Health, Victoria and Beth
Hatch, Senior Project Coordinator
at CERSH.
There was much discussion,
queries and even disbelief at
some of the factual content
in the ‘Curly Cases’
presentation, many of the
participants had not had any
experience with these types
of cases and were amazed
at the complexities that were
involved in this area of
public health law. Both case
presentations involved
clients from rural Victoria.
Assoc. Professor Jane
Tomnay also presented on
the legal considerations of
contact tracing for clients
diagnosed with sexually
transmissible infections.
Once again at the end of the
day, the audience was
totally enthralled, saddened,
admired and ‘blown away‘
by the Positive speaker
“Sandy “ and her story of
becoming, and living with
HIV.

Volume 7, Issue 2
The University of Melbourne’s Rural Health Academic Centre
Media Article: New training school to help boost GP
BY KIM QUINLAN
19 Jun, 2010 01:24 AM
The Courier
THE opening yesterday of
the Ballarat Clinical School
brings with it hopes of an
ease in the GP shortage in
the region.
The $4.9 million purposebuilt
training school at
Ballarat Base Hospital is for
students from Deakin and
the University of Melbourne.
Executive director of
medical services at Ballarat
Health Services, John
Gallichio described the
clinical school as an iconic
landmark in terms of
developing a sustainable
medical workforce.
"Currently, there is a
shortage of between 15 and
30 GPs in Ballarat,'' Dr
Gallichio said.
"Not in the immediate future,
but between 2012 and
2017, the graduation of
medical students will allow
RCS News
Orientation 2010
On Sunday 18 th July the RCS warmly
welcomed the new 2010 Semester 8
cohort. This year we had an intake of 60
student who spent one week in Shepparton
undertaking the RCS Orientation Program
before they headed to their allocated sites
(Ballarat, Bendigo, Shepparton or
Wangaratta).
On the 26 th July, 11 RCS students
commenced their ‘community based year’
with a two week Orientation Program in
Shepparton.
Exams:
It is that time of year again, EXAMS! It felt
like only yesterday we welcomed the
incoming 2010 cohort, my how time flies! It
us more GPs in the town
and in the region.
Hopefully, Ballarat can
retain some of these
students as specialists in
the area,'' Dr Gallichio
said.
Some of the students, who
six months ago began the
second half of their medical
studies at the Ballarat
Clinical School, have
already indicated a desire
to continue their career in
the region.
Opened yesterday by
Ballarat East MLA Geoff
Howard, the school
provides a dedicated
clinical simulation area.
The Base Hospital's library
has also been refurbished
as part of the $4.9 million
project to establish clinical
education facilities for
health students based in
Ballarat.
Head of Deakin's School of
Medicine, Brendan Crotty,
was excited by the school's
opening.
"The school at the Base
Hospital is tangible evidence
of the vision that Ballarat
Health Services and the two
universities share for
improving the health
outcomes for regional
communities,'' Professor
Crotty said.
"The school is adjacent to
the Base Hospital's
Education Resource Centre
and the two facilities will
allow a significant expansion
of clinical training in Ballarat
to address the region's
workforce needs."
http://www.thecourier.com.au/
news/local/news/general/newtraining-school-to-help-boost-gp
-numbers/1862874.aspx?
src=email
Reprinted with permission by
the Courier Mail, Ballarat.
is both an exciting and emotional time for all
of us here at the RCS.
The Semester 12s finish their final exams
and whilst sad to see them leave we are
extremely proud of all they have achieved
and what the future has in store for them.
Not forgetting our Semester 8s and 10s, we
are so proud and excited to be a part of their
exam experience and to see the students
grow from Orientation and through their
years with us.
We will miss the Semester 10s that leave us
to complete their final years in a metro
clinical placement , and look forward to
seeing them all again at Graduation.
Wishing all of our students the best of luck
for exams, from all the team at the RCS.
Class of 2010 Graduation Dinner
20th November, 2010 at 6pm
Venue: Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre, Memorial Hall, Cnr Ovens and Ford Streets.
Page 5
"The school is
adjacent to the Base
Hospital's
Education Resource
Centre and the two
facilities will allow a
significant
expansion of
clinical training in
Ballarat to address
the region's
workforce needs."

Page 6
Cleveland Winery
Retreat Dinner
Seminar Session
L-R: John Turner, Dr Wayne Atkinson,
Kevin Russell, Andrew Jackomos, Alf
Turner, Peter Ferguson, Neville
Atkinson.
Front: Ms Atkinson, Minjara Atkinson,
Unknown.
2010 Student Retreat
A wonderful weekend was
enjoyed by those students
and staff who attended this
year’s RCS Student Retreat.
The 2010 Retreat was held
at the picturesque Cleveland
Winery in Lancefield from
September 17 – 19.
Friday evening commenced
with a delicious dinner, and
a humorous presentation
from the guest speaker on
“Cultural Awareness in
General Practice”.
Saturday began with an
early morning meditation or
exercise, followed by a
series of interactive, very
informative sessions for our
students.
First up there was the “Osler
Bingo Medical Quiz”, then
the fascinating “Disasters..!
a Regional Health Planning
Exercise”. While Semester
10 students were informed
about “Reforms to the
Health System and their
impact on Doctors” the
The following media release
is from the Attorney General
Rob Hulls from back in
August 2010 about a
building in Melbourne that
was named after “William
Cooper” the great
grandfather and great great
grandfather, respectively, of
two of our staff members,
Peter and Karyn Ferguson .
This was a momentous
occasion for the Cooper/
Ferguson family as well as
for Koori people locally and
across the country.
“This was truly special and
we are extremely proud that
the Victorian government
has chosen to
commemorate him in this
way,” said Peter.
The smoking ceremony was
held on Tuesday the 17th
August 2010. About 250
people attended and it was
a big event.
Semester 8 students were
hearing presentations from
the Semester 12 students’
about their experiences
while on Electives.
After a scrumptious lunch
the pressure was on during
“Race Case” for the first to
reach a diagnosis from the
information given on
symptoms. “Doctors for the
Environment Australia”
student representatives
delivered an enlightening
presentation before
afternoon tea was served
and free time enjoyed by all.
And those who ventured to
Hanging Rock for a picnic
thankfully all returned..!
Saturday night dinner
speaker, who is an
Australian Medical Doctor
and global health specialist,
was very well received for a
fantastic presentation.
Feedback received from
students attending was very
positive:
“I was so proud that I
thought I was going to bust,”
said Peter.
“The Magistrates and
Supreme Courts are on one
corner, the County Court is
on another corner and the
William Cooper Justice
Centre is on the other. It is
right in the heart of the legal
precinct and the CBD. For
years to come people will
be saying I'll meet you for a
yak out the front of the
William Cooper Justice
Centre. That just blows my
mind.” He said.
Peter and Karyn Ferguson,
who are uncle and niece,
are Yorta Yorta –Wiradjuri
people who commenced
working at the Rural Health
Academic Centre earlier this
year. They share a robust
family bond , and are
immensely proud of their
family heritage.
“The best retreat so far -
venue was excellent and
plenty of opportunity to
enjoy old friends and make
new ones!”
“Balance of the programme
was excellent. Race Case
was very fun.”
“Info about Electives was
great - it's the only place
we learn about them.”
“It's a great opportunity to
meet up with RCS students
from all different sites.
Without a similar program,
we wouldn't get this
opportunity.”
“Terrific retreat, really
relaxing, great chance to
chat to other year groups,
advice, perspective etc.”
“Fantastic - the common
lounge area facilitated
interaction over and above
previous retreats.”
~ Marie Beer,
RCS Shepparton.
Staff links to honoured Aboriginal Rights Campaigner
On the 26th August 2010,
the story of the amazing
Aboriginal activist, William
Cooper, (1861-1941) was
shown on SBS TV between
6.30 –7.30pm.
The story featured William
Cooper and interviews by
Peter and Karen’s Uncle Alf
“Boydie” Turner and Kevin
Russell recorded at the
Cummergunja Cemetery
where William is buried.
The brief story also featured
information about the major
event at Yad Vashem to be
held in December,
interviews with a Jewish
Holocaust survivor, and
others, and also a snippet
from Peter and Karyn’s
Uncle Boydie at the Tree-
Planting ceremony in
Jerusalem last year.
(Continued on page 7)

Volume 7, Issue 2
The University of Melbourne’s Rural Health Academic Centre
(Continued from page 6) An article was published in The Australian,
In December 2010, William Cooper will the
first Indigenous Australian to be honoured
with his own memorial garden at the Yad
Vashem Holocaust Museum in Jeruselum.
William Cooper is to be acknowledged at a
memorial service for leading a protest
march in Melbourne after the notorious 1938
pogrom in Nazi Germany, against the bad
treatment of Jews at the time.
Court Building Honours Aboriginal Rights Campaigner
Media Release
From the Deputy Premier and
Attorney-General
Tuesday, 17 August, 2010
Victoria’s newest court
building will be named after
a pioneering advocate for
the rights of indigenous
Australians, Deputy Premier
and Attorney-General Rob
Hulls announced today.
Mr Hulls said the William
Cooper Justice Centre
commemorated a great
indigenous Victorian who
showed an unyielding
commitment to justice for
Aborigines and other
marginalised groups.
Mr Hulls dedicated the
former County Court building
at 223 William Street to Mr
Cooper at a ceremony today.
“It is an honour to dedicate
this courthouse to his
memory and achievements,”
Mr Hulls said. “Mr Cooper
spent his life advocating for
the rights of Aboriginal
people and helped set the
stage for a generation of
modern-day advocates
campaigning for indigenous
rights.”
Mr Cooper, a Yorta Yorta
man, was born in the 1860s
Quote of the Day:
and grew up in a large family
on the Cummeragunja
Mission before moving to
Melbourne.
He founded the Australian
Aborigines League, which
was the first political
organisation for Aborigines.
He also helped establish the
Day of Mourning, which
helped foster modern events
recognising the contributions
of Aboriginal Australians,
such as NAIDOC Week.
Mr Hulls said Mr Cooper’s
social justice advocacy was
not limited to the Koori
community.
“In 1938, he led a protest of
Aboriginal people who
walked to the German
consulate in Melbourne to
denounce the treatment of
European Jews by the
Nazis,” he said.
Mr Hulls said the William
Cooper Justice Centre,
which had undergone a $33
million refurbishment, would
be a landmark multijurisdictional
courthouse for
the Melbourne legal precinct.
“It represents how all
Victorian courts will operate
in the future,” Mr Hulls said.
“The six courtrooms will be
on July 31st in relation to the upcoming
memorial.
You can read it at
www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/israelhonours-aboriginal-elder-for-defyingnazis/story-e6frg6nf-1225899241138
“Karyn and I , and our family are extremely
proud that he is being recognised for his
outstanding achievements.” Said Peter .
allocated to the Children’s
Court and Supreme Court,
and other courts as required.
“The William Cooper Justice
Centre also features a multiuse
courtroom, suitable for
large trials and royal
commissions.”
The refurbishment includes
an upgrade to the ground
floor entry with a new
reception area and security
facilities, as well as meeting
and mediation rooms to
service appropriate dispute
resolution.
Mr Hulls said the William
Cooper Justice Centre would
also be a leader in green
courts in Australia.
“The building incorporates a
number of environmentally
friendly measures, giving it a
5-green-star fit out, a 4-star
energy rating, a 4½-star
emissions rating and will
provide water savings
through efficient fittings and
rainwater harvesting,” he
said.
Media contact: Meaghan Shaw
9651 5799 or 0409 536 652
www.premier.vic.gov.au
Reprinted with permission from the
Media Contact, Meaghan Shaw , The
Attorney General’s Office.
The earth has grown old with its burden of care,
But at Christmas it always is young,
The heart of the jewel burns lustrous and fair
And its soul full of music breaks the air,
~ Phillips Brooks (1835-93), American Episcopal bishop, wrote 'O Little Town of Bethlehem'.
Page 7
Aboriginal VOICE
Monthly, Edition 23 - August 2010
“In 1938, he led a
protest of
Aboriginal people
who walked to the
German consulate
in Melbourne to
denounce the
treatment of
European Jews by
the Nazis,”
William Cooper, 1937.
Photo source: State Library of Victoria;
The Herald, 7th August 1937.

Dr Jane Gall
Page 8
Dr Derek Wooff
Pictured are two of the
postgraduates, Rebecca Bulman
and Andrea Robottom with young
patient Jensen
Student Tim Glazebrook who is
6’5” is pictured with the smallest
equine RDA member.
SMC News: New Scottish GPs
DEREK WOOFF and JANE
GALL have arrived from
STRANRAER, a small rural
town in south west
Scotland.
Derek and Jane have been
in General Practice there for
26 years and have taken the
brave step of coming to
Shepparton.
Their practice in Scotland
had 5 partners and 6000
patients and they had a
commitment to the local
district general hospital to
look after 24 rehabilitation
beds with fairly acute
geriatric patients and also a
responsibility to a dementia
care unit.
Teaching was always part of
their working life, with Derek
being a trainer for registrars
for 22 years and they had
Physio News—November 2010
Liz Williams had a paper
accepted for the Australian
Physiotherapy Congress in
October. The title was
Building rural capacity: a
paediatric training
partnership.
There are now five more
young physiotherapists
working in paediatrics in the
region as a result of this
initiative.
A new course the Specialist
Certificate in Rural Paediatric
Practice has been offered
and will be held at the new
regular undergraduate
students from Aberdeen,
Glasgow and Dundee
universities attached to their
practice.
“The challenge of teaching
and encouraging students to
experience the fun and
interest of rural GP medicine
was always one of our
passions.” said Jane.
It was particularly good to
witness students becoming
more confident in
consultations and
understanding the impact of
disease on individuals and
their families.” She added.
“We are excited to be part of
Shepparton Medical Centre
and the new innovative
integrated teaching plans for
students.” Jane said.
The couple have left their 3
DID YOU KNOW:
Christmas pudding was first made as a kind of thick
soup with raisins and wine in it and originates from an
old, Celtic dish known as 'frumenty'.
In the 19th century, the Christmas Cake was eaten on
Christmas Eve. It was considered unlucky to cut a
Christmas cake before dawn on Christmas Eve.
University premises in
Echuca in Semester 1 2011.
Four final year physiotherapy
students from Melbourne
University recently completed
four week placements in
paediatrics.
A partnership with Dr Ian
Coldwell who runs Riding For
Disabled (RDA) in
Shepparton meant the
student placement had a
rural flavor while
communicating with people
with disabilities and their
families.
children (aged 24, 22, and
19) in the UK, all currently
studying.
Their son Andrew is doing a
Ph.D. in social geography,
while their girls Fiona and
Kirsty are studying
medicine at Aberdeen
University.
“It was a big decision to
leave them but we expect
frequent visits and
computer contact helps.”
Jane said.
The couple enjoy tennis
and cycling (especially
around flat Shepparton),
good food and the
company of friends. They
are looking forward to the
challenge of GP work in a
new country and also
meeting new people and
making friends.
The students learned that
RDA provides an ideal
opportunity for a familyoriented,
normalised
environment for the
provision of therapy,
something the whole family
can enjoy together.
There is sensory
stimulation with the
movement of the horse,
and the different textures of
the horse together with
motivational qualities and a
concomitant increase in self
-esteem and participation.

Volume 7, Issue 2
The University of Melbourne’s Rural Health Academic Centre
The 6 th Annual Rural Health Research
The 6 th Annual Rural Health
Research Conference
“Issues Impacting on the
Physical & Psychological
Health of our Communities”
attracted over 60 delegates
from as far away as Sweden
to the Rural Health Academic
Centre on Thursday
November 11 th 2010.
The conference theme was
chosen to provide an
opportunity to focus on the
varied issues facing health
practitioners, their patients
and families in rural and
regional Australia.
The range of abstracts
accepted for paper
presentations covered broad
topics including caring for the
aged, adolescence,
pregnancy and childbirth,
research and innovation in
rural and regional
communities and the
challenges faced by
communities in difficult times
such as the 2009 bushfires.
PHCRED Fellows at the
Rural Health Academic
Centre also presented their
works in progress.
Mental health is an important
focus of research and clinical
practice and this was
recognised with a two part
keynote address devoted to
the mental health needs of
our community.
Dr Lena Sanci, an academic
GP with expertise in young
people’s health discussed
the concept of youth friendly
primary health care services
and clinical approaches to
youth, especially in regard to
psychosocial wellbeing.
Associate Professor David
Pierce followed with some
thought provoking ideas on
depression in rural Australia
to both challenge and
stimulate thinking on the
issue.
Following afternoon tea a
community forum - Rural
workforce shortage or
dysfunctional service model?
- produced some lively
discussion on the issue of
recruitment and retention of
health care professions in
rural areas.
A panel of local
representatives including
Alexandra District Health
CEO Heather Byrne,
Department of Health
representative Judith Moore
and Wangaratta Consultant
Physician Robert Krones
was facilitated by Sam
Campi from Goulburn Valley
Primary Care Partnerships.
At the end of the day
Associate Professor Ellen
McIntyre, Manager, Primary
Health Care Research &
Information Service brought
Fish Naming Competition...
Earlier in the year we ran a newsletter competition to name
Peter Keppel’s friendly fishes. The winner of the fish naming
competition was Debbie Skinner who has won a bottle of
wine (Congratulations Debbie, please come see me to collect
it when you are next in town).
The names she submitted were Lightening' for the silver one
& 'Flash' for the gold one.
Sadly since we ran the
competition, one of the little
fishes has passed away. I
believe it was the silver one -
Lightening.
those present up to date on
the PHCRED Programme.
RHAN Researchers again
played an active role in the
Conference, acting as
Paper Session Chairs and
assistants as well as
participating in judging of
paper presentations.
A number of RHAN
Researchers also presented
their work including
Wangaratta researcher
Helen Haines who was
presented with the
certificate for Best Paper for
her work on Cross Cultural
Comparison of Childbirth
Related Fear in an
Australian and Swedish
Sample.
The award for Most
Promising Paper went to
Helen’s Swedish
collaborator Dr Christine
Rubertsson whose paper
Parents provide more
complete records of skin-toskin
contact with their
infants than nurses was
received with great interest.
~ Anne Marmo,
Research and Graduate
Studies Administration
Officer
Page 9
“Paper
presentations
covered broad
topics including
caring for the aged,
adolescence,
pregnancy and
childbirth, research
and innovation in
rural and regional
communities and
the challenges
faced by
communities in
difficult times.”
Dawn DeWitt and past student
Benny Zhang at the GV Orchestra
Concert earlier this year.

Page 10
Isaac James Finlayson at 4 mths
Nick and Elizabeth Bamford with
baby Gabriella
Amelia Sydney Maki
Amelia with big brother Zach Maki
Sophie Alexandra Moloney
Announcements...
BABY NEWS:
Congratulations to Sarah Finlayson and her hubby on the birth of their fist child a beautiful
little boy Isaac James, born 25 July at 12:52am weighing in at 7lb10oz. All is well.
Congratulations to Nick and Elizabeth Bamford. Proud parents of their first child, a little
baby girl born in the wee hours of August 2nd, weighing 3.69kg (8lb 2oz). They have
named her Gabriella Kate. Mum is doing very well and Dad is tired!!!
Congratulations also to Anna Loge and Hubby Brett Maki who are pleased parents. Anna
gave birth to their second child Amelia Sydney Maki on 3rd September 2010. Amelia is
adored by her big brother Zach.
Congratulations to Amy and Richard Moloney who are also proud parents of their third
child, another beautiful baby girl, Sophie Alexandra, born on Sunday 3rd October at
9.17am and weighing7 pound 13 ounces (or 3560 grams!). Anna & Lucy were very
excited, while Richard was feeling very outnumbered. Amy tells us that she has finally got
the baby that she deserves - One who eats and sleeps and is totally over loved by her
sisters!!
STORK NEWS:
We also take the opportunity to congratulate Karyn Ferguson and partner Travis Morgan
who are expecting their third child in February 2011. We wish them all the very best.
Hello & Goodbye...
This year we have seen quite a turnover in
our staff. I have hardly had a chance to
update our staff pack when new staff is
welcomed or sadly when existing staff have
said goodbye.
On that note we welcome the following new
staff members: Marie Beer (RCS Project
Officer), Seema Abdulla (Health
Informatics Research Support), Franky
Falla working for Lisa Bourke, Donna
Jackson returning to us from her seconded
post at the School of Nursing at Parkville,
Bertilla Dows working in Administration at
Wangaratta, Melissa Dobson who takes on
the role of Rural Undergraduate Support
Coordinator & Events Officer , Lisa Jeffery
working at Ballarat in Admin support, and
finally Maxine Wilson who has taken on the
role of RHM - Student Placement Co-
Ordinator .
WEDDING NEWS:
Congratulations and best
wishes to Jo Brown and fiancé
Chris Kinder, who tied the knot
on Sunday 10th October 2010 at
the Hurlstone Homestead in
Shepparton.
In the last six months we
have said goodbye to Grant Pollerd (Senior
Analyst Programmer), Anne McKenzie
(Research Assistant) who now works over
at GVH, and Jo Brown (Undergraduate
Programs Manager) who has moved over
to La Trobe University.
Sadly, recently we were notified that we are
also losing two more staff members.
Lisanne Burkholder, who has been with us
since 2004, is returning to the United
States with her husband, to live and work in
the beautiful little town called Tahoe Forest,
where she and Glen originally met. This will
also mean that Lisanne can be closer to
her family.
Edmund Poliness, is also leaving us and
moving to Melbourne with his family. We
wish these staff members well in their new
adventures.

Volume 7, Issue 2
Social Club News...
The University of Melbourne’s Rural Health Academic Centre
This year has been rather busy with a few social events sprinkled throughout. The year
began with a Multicultural Dinner on the 16th February that was a great success. We then
celebrated St Patrick’s Day on 17th March, an Easter Raffle and morning tea was held on the
31st March, a Mother’s Day Raffle and morning tea on 7th May and then
nothing until the recent Melbourne Cup festivities on the 2nd November. The
events offer a good opportunity for staff members to mingle on a social level
and have some fun particularly when we run the raffles and competitions.
The current 2010 Social Club Members are: Shirley Bekirofski, Lucia Rossi ,
Amanda, Di Bella, Linda Foottit, Ian Coldwell, Scott Middleton, and Christie McFadden. We
lost Grant Pollerd who was the President of our social club, when he left the organisation. If
anyone is interested in joining the social club and or taking on the position of President,
please let me know. (Secretary: Lucia Rossi; Treasurer: Shirley Bekirofski)
This year’s Christmas lunch will be held at the GV Hotel on Wednesday 1st December 2010,
following our staff meeting at 12pm.
Easter Raffle Winners
~ Lucia Rossi
On the 31st March a morning tea was held to celebrate Easter . A big thank you to Anne for
providing the yummy cookies and Catherine (and her mum) for the Hot
Cross Buns. A Raffle was also held and the winners were:
1 st Prize Linda Foottit
2 nd Prize Gordon Dosser
3 rd Prize Di Doyle
Mother’s Day Raffle Winners
On the 7th May a morning tea was held to celebrate Mother’s Day. A raffle was
held and the winners were:
1 st Prize Catherine Waite - who won a Pamper set & chocolates, and
2 nd Prize Amanda Di Bella - who won a bottle of Wine.
Melbourne Cup Day Winners
On the 2nd November, those of us that worked on Melbourne Cup Day took a
small break to celebrate and to watch the big race. We had some nibbles that
we each brought in and we had a Best Hat Competition as well as ran three
raffle sweeps this year. One to the value of $5 and the other two to the value of
$2.
The horses that won:
1st: Americain (8) ; 2nd: Maluckyday (24) ; 3rd: So You Think (3) ; Last: Zavite
(17)
The winners for each of the sweeps were:
$5 sweep
1st: Jenni Goodwin $65; 2nd: Beth Hatch $30; 3rd: Gwen Asher $15; Last: Lorraine Olsen $5
Two $2 Sweeps
1st: Melissa Dobson & Bill Adam $26 each; 2nd: Jane Tomnay & Carmel Johnson $12 each;
3rd: Lucia Rossi & Bill Adam $6 each; Last: Charlotte Brewer & Scott Middleton $2 each
Best Hat Competition winner
Lucia Rossi who won a bottle of wine.
.
The winning Hat...
Page 11
Melissa Dobson, Linda Foottit, Di
Doyle, and Katie Corboy celebrating
Melbourne Cup Day
Front: Jenni Goodwin, Maria Brown-
Shepherd and Lisa Bourke
Getting ready to watch the big race.
Gordon Dosser & Dawn DeWitt
Them girls and their hats….
Bill Adam presenting Lucia Rossi
with her prize

Page 12
A Big Thumbs Up...
If you know of anyone who deserves a big thumbs up,
let Lucia know so that we can make them suitably
embarrassed! Ph: 5823 4503, or send an email to
luciar@unimelb.edu.au
√ Congratulations to James Hurley
who donated his 100th unit at the
blood bank in May 2010 (see
photo).
“This represents a total equal to
45% of my body weight (which has
not gone down I hasten to add). I
would have reached the 'ton' earlier
except that I couldn't donate after
being in a malarias area.” Said James.
√ Congratulations to Jane Karmouche who received a Top Student
award for her AMS project and was asked to accept it and make
a short speech in Melbourne on Thursday 27th May2010
√ Congratulations to James Hillis (former RCS student ) who is DiT
(AMA) president & features in the then current issue (May) of the
Vic AMA magazine.
√ Congratulations to Lucia Rossi who received her Bachelor of Arts
in Public Relations (2009). Late breaking news...yes and only
because I was forced to mention it.
√ A big thank you to Amanda Di Bella – for giving up her birthday to
take a road trip to Ballarat.
Did You Know:
That the character of Santa Claus is based
on two Christmas legends: Saint Nicholas
and Father Christmas?
Saint Nicholas was the patron saint of
children,
who generously gave gifts to poor and
orphaned young ones.
Father Christmas was the spirit of good
DEADLINE: ITEMS FOR NEXT ISSUE DUE—11 MARCH 2011
Please ensure you get your articles to luciar@unimelb.edu.au
Rural Health Academic
Ballarat Office
University of Melbourne
Rural Health Academic Centre
”Dunvegan”
806 Mair Street
BALLARAT VIC 3353
Phone: 03 5332 3190
Fax: 03 5332 4519
Email: srh-info@unimelb.edu.au
Shepparton Office
University of Melbourne
Rural Health Academic Centre
49 Graham Street
PO Box 6500
SHEPPARTON VIC 3632
Ph: 03 5823 4500
Fax: 03 5823 4555
Email: srh-info@unimelb.edu.au
Wangaratta Office
University of Melbourne
Rural Health Academic Centre
C/- Northeast Health
Green Street
PO Box 386
WANGARATTA Vic 3676
Phone: 03 5722 0498
Fax: 03 5721 9184
Email: srh-info@unimelb.edu.au
Web Address:
http://www.ruralhealth.unimelb.
edu.au/