A reflection on the 17th National Rural Health Conference: Shaping the future of rural health

As the final session of the 17th National Rural Health Conference approached its close in Perth, Nicole O’Reilly, Chair of the National Rural Health Alliance, looked out over a room that was, to her delight and mild surprise, still filled at 3 PM on day three. “Has it only been three days?” she joked, acknowledging both the intensity and the unwavering dedication of the attendees who were as engaged in the sessions as they were on day one.

The conference, held on the lands of the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation, began with a heartfelt welcome from Emeritus Professor Dr. Len Collard. Over the course of three days, participants dove deep into discussions crucial for advancing health outcomes in Australia’s rural and remote areas. Topics ranged from workforce sustainability to innovative health service delivery, highlighting the unique challenges and needs of these communities.

A key moment was the National Rural Health Alliance’s announcement of a new campaign for a 10-year National Rural Health Strategy, aligning with the National Health Reform Agreement and aiming for the establishment of a $1 billion National Rural Health Fund. This initiative represents a significant commitment to addressing the stark $6.5 billion underspend in rural health services. This announcement was made in front of the Hon Emma McBride, Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health and the nearly 800 delegates in the Riverside Theatre at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Throughout the conference, speakers like Prof Jenny May, our new Rural Health Commissioner, and Grant Dusting, social researcher and the Director of Strategy at McCrindle, offered insights into demographic trends and expectations of future generations that will shape rural health strategies. Timmy Duggans' "Hoops for Health" stood out as a prime example of how local initiatives can lead to significant health and social benefits, underscoring the theme of community-driven innovation. And international keynote speaker, April Kyle from the Southcentral Foundation in Alaska challenged delegates to think of ways to look at the broader picture of health care and innovate even within a highly regulated environment.

A highlight of the conference was the incredible Arts & Health stream, which returned bigger than ever this year, showcasing remarkable Western Australian artists and offering hands-on entertainment. Attendees were captivated by performances from the Active Seedlings choir, a stunning Noongar opera, and the transformative sounds of Luke Kalani’s sound healing sessions (a great post-Gala Dinner recovery!), all of which underscored the profound connection between the arts and health.

In a reflective exercise as the conference concluded, O’Reilly encouraged attendees to consider steps they could take post-conference to translate inspiration into real-world actions. This underscored the conference's role not merely as a forum for discussion but as a catalyst for tangible change.

As one of her last duties as outgoing Chair for the Alliance, O’Reilly strongly advocated for the Alliance’s petition advocating for a National Rural Health Strategy. She called on everyone to sign and promote the petition, emphasizing the power of collective advocacy in driving policy change and achieving a more equitable health system.

Looking ahead, O’Reilly invited participants to the upcoming 10th Scientific Symposium (8-10 October 2025) in Alice Springs and the 18th National Rural Health Conference (14-17 September 2026) in Adelaide, promising further opportunities to foster the exchange of innovative ideas that can transform rural healthcare in Australia.

The 17th National Rural Health Conference ended not just as a meeting of minds but as a celebration of the resilient spirit that defines Australia’s rural health community. It was a powerful reminder that, while the challenges are significant, the dedication to overcoming them is even more robust, evidenced by a room still full of passionate professionals ready to drive change, late into the final afternoon.