Rural and Remote Psychology

Archived Information

Archived News Updates

October 2008

The Rural and Remote Interest Group held a forum at the 43rd Australian Psychological Society National Conference, which was held in Hobart in September. The title of the forum this year was Of droughts and flooding rains, while the general theme was Looking for a resilient and sustainable rural psychology profession.

We were very lucky to have four excellent presentations all very relevant to the work of rural and remote psychologists.

  1. "Rural and remote road safety research program" presented by Colin Edmonston and Dale Steinhardt. The full report is available at www.carrsq.qut.edu.au/ 
  2. Christine Milne (Tasmanian Greens) spoke eloquently on the need to create a desire in people fora change of lifestyle which protects the planet. If you missed the presentation you might like to check out Christine's very interesting website: http://christine-milne.greensmps.org.au/
  3. "Effectiveness of bibliotherapy self help for depression with varying levels of telephone support" presented by Grahame Gould providing information about a self help manual for depression called The Good Mood Guide published by Life Line South Coast PO Box 404 Wollongong NSW 2520 or contact Grahame on [email protected] 
  4. Chelsea Eacott presented the thoughts of rural teenagers about the stresses of living in the country and how they cope after completing a coping skills program.

April 2008 - Member Survey 2008 

Please click on the link below to download the Rural and Remote Psychology Interest Group Member Survey 2008.

October 2008

The interest group has identified persistent issues affecting rural and remote practitioners and their communities over the years of its operation. Issues that continue to arise at recent 2008 committee meetings include:

  • Rural and remote column in InPsych 
  • Rural and remote member survey
  • Working with rural GPs in relation to the medicare rebate for psychology 
  • Support for people affected by the drought 
  • Professional development, placement and training for rural psychologists in rural areas
  • Attracting psychology students and graduates to rural areas 
  • Videoconferencing and videos of professional development activities
  • Mentoring
  • Funding and sponsorship in rural and remote areas
  • Creative supervision and support strategies in rural areas
  • Raising the profile of rural psychologists through activities during National Psychology Week each year and participation on rural programs and/or in the media
  • Providing awards to recognise the work of rural and remote psychologists
  • Presentation of rural and remote issues at national conferences
  • Encouraging rural psychologists to present at the international psychology conference in Melbourne in 2010

Treasurer's Report - September, 2005

AGM Minutes - September 2004

Submission to National Rural Health Alliance paper

The Health Professions Council of Australia (HPCA) made a submission in mid 2004 to the National Rural Health Alliance (NHRA) paper 'Under pressure and under-valued: allied health professionals in rural and remote areas'. This paper was finalised on 5 November 2004 and can be downloaded from the NHRA website:

Rural and Remote Professional Forum at the 39th APS Conference

Rural and remote issues were shared by four professionals working in remote areas:

  • Nick presented information about men’s issues in Kalgoorlie - Goldfields men’s health.
  • Elizabeth Murphy and John Champness presented information about RAPlink. This included information about a special project, RuStiC to support rural students in the community:
  • View script to accompany presentation - Acrobat icon - small (51kb)
  • The final presentation was by Robin Bradbury who spoke passionately about issues of mentoring, resources and professional development.

The 39th APS conference took place in Sydney, 29 September to 2 October 2004.