Health equity and social justice cannot be achieved in isolation
A seminar in Broken Hill
On Tuesday, 27 October, 60 community members, health professionals and research academics from across Australia gathered at the Broken Hill Civic Centre for the Embedding Health Equity and Social Justice into Rural Healthcare seminar. Hosted by the Broken Hill University Department of Rural Health and funded by Sydney Policy Lab, the event featured a high-calibre program of nationally and internationally renowned keynote speakers, a thought-provoking panel discussion with local health leaders, and two interactive workshop sessions.
The day showcased presentations from several of the Faculty of Medicine and Health’s leading experts, including Prof Seye Abimbola, Prof Jill White, Prof Brendan McCormack, Prof Roianne West and Prof Deb Jones, alongside local health leader Wendy Gleeson from Far West Local Health District.
Opening the presentations, Seye explored the foundations of health equity and social justice, while Jill discussed how the new International Council of Nurses (ICN) Definition of Nursing can be leveraged to drive meaningful change. Deb examined the ruralisation of health professional education, followed by Roianne’s insightful presentation, Engagement to Authority: First Nations Nursing for Health Equity and Social Justice. Rounding out the speaker sessions, Brendan, Dean of the Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, discussed orienting health professional education and practice towards equity and justice.
Following the seminar, Brendan reflected on the significance of the event.
“It was fantastic. It was a great experience to have so many key commentators, experts, community members and health professionals in the room together.”
He also spoke about the ongoing impact of the discussions.
“From this workshop and a previous one held in Adelaide, we hope to continue to build on this work, beginning with a position statement that highlights the key issues discussed.”
Participants also shared overwhelmingly positive feedback about the day. Danielle Escreet from Far West LHD said:
“Having these keynote speakers come to Broken Hill and share their knowledge and stories is incredible. Thank you.”
Colleagues from Monash University echoed this sentiment, commenting:
“Thank you. It was a privilege to be in the space today.”
Staff of the BHUDRH who attended reflected on the keynote speakers who offered compelling evidence and new ways of thinking, it was the opportunity to connect these ideas with local perspectives that left a lasting impression on many attendees.
“The level of passion that was present on the day was clear,” Danielle White, Nursing Lead, said.
For , something that stood out for her at the seminar was the alignment between the speakers and their shared commitment to health equity and social justice.
“My key takeaway was the strong alignment between the speakers and their shared commitment to addressing health inequity and social justice,” Hannah said.
Working closely with frontline practice, Hannah appreciated the opportunity to hear about the strategic thinking, policy work and advocacy happening behind the scenes to influence change.
“We don’t always get insight into this level of work, so hearing directly from people working in these spaces was so valuable for the community,” she said.
The seminar highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing in advancing health equity and social justice across rural and remote Australia. Bringing together perspectives from universities, health services and the community, the event demonstrated the critical role that partnerships play in driving meaningful and lasting change.
