Western Alliance 5th Annual Symposium, in collaboration with the National Centre for Farmer Health, Hamilton, Victoria, Australia 12 –14th Sept 2018

Abstract

‘Toward a healthy rural and regional Australia’: Hamilton, Victoria, Australia 12th–14th Sept, 2018. In meeting the challenge of an existing health-gap between rural and metropolitan Australians, the 5th Annual Symposium of Western Alliance https://www.westernalliance.org.au/ was held in collaboration withWestern District Health Service https:// www.wdhs.net/ and the National Centre for Farmer Health https://www.farmerhealth.org.au/. This symposium brought together researchers, educators, policy makers and health professionals to share research knowledge, calibrate motivations and to translate local and international research into best clinical practice. The theme of the conference acknowledges an enduring challenge of our healthcare providers and academic partners with collective responsibility to maintain a regional/rural focus in coalition of shared efforts to promoting evidence based research practices towards optimal patient care. Incoming Executive Director, Professor Warren Payne, in collaboration with the scientific advisory and leadership team (SaLT) and organizing committee extended gratitude to sponsors, exhibitors, delegates and to symposium conveyor Dr Renée Otmar for efforts in support of a successful 5 Annual Symposium of the Western Alliance. Professor Brendan Crotty, Interim Chair of the Western Alliance Board, closed proceedings by highlighting some remarkable accomplishments of Professor Susan Brumby and colleagues, in celebrating the 10th anniversary of the National Centre for Farmer Health. Symposium abstracts shared herein are showcased to demonstrate a sample of research success during 2018 and to further promote a united agenda to promote research informed clinical practice in regional and rural Victoria.