Ever wondered what goes on behind the doors of the University Centre for Rural Health in Lismore? Next month, you can walk in and find out.
The University Centre for Rural Health (UCRH) Northern Rivers is throwing open its Uralba Street campus for a free Community Open Day on Tuesday, 17 November, to mark 25 years in the region.
Visitors can watch realistic birth and healthcare simulations, test their CPR skills, take the kids to the Teddy Bear Hospital, and look inside an ambulance.
“For 25 years, people across the Northern Rivers have been an important part of what happens here, whether that’s welcoming students on placement, partnering with our researchers, taking part in projects or helping us understand what our communities need,” said UCRH Director Professor Vicki Flood.
“We wanted to mark our anniversary by opening the doors and inviting people in to see that work for themselves.”
Professor Flood said the day was a chance for locals to see a side of UCRH they might not normally come across.
“There’ll be plenty to get involved in, but just as importantly, it’s a chance to meet the people behind UCRH, ask questions and discover some of the work happening right here in our region,” she said.
Throughout the morning, UCRH researchers and staff will swap conference presentations for short talks pitched at curious locals. Topics include:
- Can a stay in hospital really be prevented?, with Dr Jo Longman, drawing on more than a decade of UCRH research
- Protein: how much do we really need?, with Nicola Buster
- The secret lives of social workers, with Peter Hawkins
- An introduction to Well Mob Resources, with Angela Sheridan
- Why aren’t all mums getting the support they need to quit smoking?, with Dr Larisa Barnes
- Food, nutrition, and chronic pain, with Professor Flood
- Working with Indigenous communities: why experts need to stop talking so much, with Kris Vine
- Being an ally: Actions speak louder than words, with Dr Marcelle Townsend-Cross
The last two talks focus on listening, real partnerships, and meaningful action alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“Research ultimately needs to make a difference to people and communities,” Professor Flood said.
“These talks are about taking some of the questions our researchers spend years investigating and having a conversation about why they matter in everyday life.”
Visitors can also wander the Corridor of Memories, an exhibition tracing the people, partnerships, and moments that have shaped the centre over 25 years. Guided tours will run all morning.
There will be hands-on physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech pathology activities, along with representatives from UCRH’s university and community partners. Registered attendees will get free coffee and a Lions Club barbecue.
People can drop in for an hour or spend the whole morning exploring.
UCRH Community Open Day:
- When: Tuesday, 17 November, 9am to 1pm
- Where: University Centre for Rural Health Northern Rivers, 61 Uralba Street, Lismore
- Cost: Free, and open to everyone
More information and the full short talks program are available at https://ucrh.edu.au/event/ucrh-community-open-day.
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