WILDFIRE

For further information please go to the WILDFIRE website, where you will find the most up-to-date photos, audio recordings, and information from upcoming events to recent Rural High School Visits.  Alternatively, email our NRHSN Senior Representative.

WILDFIRE, the Monash Rural Health Club, was established in 1993 to educate, encourage and support both rural and urban origin students considering working in country Australia. WILDFIRE was originally incorporated as the Rural Practice Association (RPA) but changed names back in 1999 to WILDFIRE, which is an acronym for: Working In Leading Development For Indigenous health and Rural Education. Its largest sub-committee is based at the Clayton Campus, with other sub-committees at Churchill, Parkville, and Peninsula campuses, as well as at the Gippsland, Bendigo, Mildura and East Gippsland Regional Clinical Schools.

Initially WILDFIRE membership was comprised of pre-clinical medical students, however it was soon recognised that improving the health of rural Australians encompasses more than that which can be done by medical practitioners alone, and thus WILDFIRE has grown to encompass nursing and allied health students. Currently WILDFIRE membership is made up of approximately 450 medical, pharmacy, psychology, behavioural neuroscience, nutrition and dietetics, physiotherapy, paramedic, social work and nursing students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The co-ordination of WILDFIRE is overseen by the WILDFIRE council chosen by the members.

WILDFIRE aims to: WILDFIRE was founded, and continues to be supported, by the Monash University School of Rural Health (SRH). SRH is an organisation dedicated to improving rural health through education, research, community development, and workforce support. SRH has established four regional clinical school sites and an office at the Clayton Campus of Monash in Melbourne. The Regional Clinical Schools cover: Gippsland (Traralgon. Churchill and Warragul), East Gippsland (Bairnsdale and Sale), Central Victoria (Bendigo) and North West Victoria (Mildura). Monash School of Rural Health provides WILDFIRE with financial support and inspiration to achieve its goals.

1. Foster relations between all students and health professionals interested in rural and Indigenous health and culture
2. Facilitate discussion, action and reporting/research on all rural and Indigenous matters amongst the student body and with our affiliates
3. Develop and maintain a multi-disciplinary approach
4. Support students during their educational life span through their rural and Indigenous experiences
5. Encourage a long term commitment to living and working in rural areas of Australia

Activities organised by WILDFIRE include the Matthew Campbell memorial evening on Aboriginal Health, clinical skills training days, scholarship information sessions, rural high school visits, attendance at rural health conferences, BBQs, Dairy Day, RWAV shield, guest speakers, social functions, and heaps more!

SUBCOMMITTEES

To cater for the continuing growth of WILDFIRE, multiple faculties/campuses and the number of clinical students outside Melbourne, we have divided the club into eight subcommittees:

To find out what's going on check the upcoming events page or get in touch with our liaison rep Pete Verbeek wildfire.liaison@gmail.com who will be able to put you in touch with your local subcommittee.

MEMBERSHIP

Becoming a WILDFIRE member is the best way to get involved in rural health at Monash University. Members automatically receive our e-bulletin, a regular email with details of our upcoming events, and have an opportunity to attend rural health conferences all over Australia.

Our social functions provide an opportunity for students and staff interested in rural health to get together and share ideas and support. This is a good way for new students living away from their rural homes to meet people with common backgrounds and interests. Our members also visit rural high schools to encourage students from a rural background to think about health careers.

As a member, you are entitled to all sorts of special treatment. Here are a few things you can do through us:

For further information please go to the WILDFIRE website or email their NRHSN Senior Representative.

Mail:    WILDFIRE - Monash University Rural Health Club

            Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

            Building 64, Monash University Vic 3800
Email:   Wildfire

Telephone:   (03) 9905 1217