Originally established in 1992, the Rural Health Education Foundation works to improve the health and well-being of rural and remote Australians. We provide independent, accredited education services to general practitioners and other health professionals working in rural and remote Australia. Increasingly we have also been providing high-quality community educational resources. We pay particular attention to the health, medical and education needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Health Education via Satellite, the Internet, DVD and Other Technologies
The Rural Health Education Foundation broadcasts distance education programs using digital satellite technology, the Internet including live webcasting, “enduring” materials (DVDs), other television services and new technologies as they become available. The Foundation operates a continually expanding network of more than 660 satellite receiving sites throughout rural and remote Australia, called the Rural Health Satellite Network.
Today, the Foundation’s satellite network is one of the largest dedicated networks of its kind in the world, reaching more than 90 per cent of rural doctors and other health professionals.
A Non-Profit Lifeline to the Bush
The Rural Health Education Foundation is a non-government, not-for-profit organisation that provides an education and information “lifeline to the bush”, to rural and remote health professionals as well as to the communities in which they serve.
To the doctors, pharmacists, nurses, administrators and other health workers involved, the programs are invaluable for they provide an opportunity to undertake continuing professional education and receive timely information emanating from national launches or events of national importance.
The Latest Topics via the Latest Technology
The satellite and Internet technology ensures these health professionals gain access to continuing education, without the need for them to find locum support or leave their communities.
The Foundation’s programs are broadcast and distributed in Australia a number of times each month and meet the professional development needs of all disciplines. They dissect major health issues and provide information on the latest and best health and community care practices. They also address the prevention and current management of common health problems.
Presented by Experts
The programs feature presentations from medical and health professionals who are leaders in their disciplines, and allow for input from the target audience on material presented. The panels usually include a rural health professional.
We aim to address the unique education and information needs of medical practitioners, health workers and communities in rural and remote Australia.
Board of Directors and Strategic Plan
As a not-for-profit organisation, the Rural Health Education Foundation is governed by a nine-person board of directors, all of whom serve in a voluntary capacity.
The Board of the Rural Health Education Foundation endorsed and updated the Foundation’s revised Strategic Plan for the 2006-2010 period.
Our Patron - Mr Tom Calma
Mr Tom Calma, who was the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner at the Human Rights Commission until January 2010, was appointed Patron of the Rural Health Education Foundation in April 2010.
Support the Rural Health Education Foundation
The Rural Health Education Foundation is an eligible tax deductible organisation (deductible gift recipient, or DGR). Any gifts you make for the amount of $2 or more are tax deductible. You can support the work of the Foundation through your direct gift. See How to Support Us section.