Sometimes change starts with a simple conversation.
“Why don’t regional communities receive the same research investment, opportunities, and support for innovation as our cities?”
That question lit a spark.
We realised something important. In metropolitan areas, charitable foundations, networks, and institutional investment are well established — yet a disproportionate share of research funding flows to major cities, leaving only a small fraction for everywhere else.
But here’s our superpower: regional Australia already has the people, ideas, and lived experience to tackle local health challenges. What’s missing is catalytic funding, connections that amplify their impact, and a bold advocate to fight for rural investment.
That’s where the Rural Health Research Foundation comes in.
With the backing of our Chair, Peter Treseder AO, the energy of a committed Board, and a growing network of regional researchers, health workers, regional leaders, and people with lived experience, we’re building momentum.
What began as a conversation is now a movement — laying the groundwork for new partnerships, more equitable funding, stronger place-based research, and improving health outcomes for regional Australians.
The Health Problem across rural, regional and remote Australia
Potentially avoidable deaths in Very Remote Australia are 2.5 times higher in males and 3.7 times higher in females.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer are in the top five leading causes outside of Major Cities.
Hospitalisations for coronary heart disease, diabetes and chronic kidney disease are respectively 1.5x, 2.6x and 346 times higher, when comparing Remote areas to Major Cities.
Bowel cancer rates are higher in rural and remote areas compared to urban areas due to limited access to healthcare services, reduced screening participation and not being exposed to public health campaigns.
Diabetes and suicide are among the top five in Remote and Very Remote areas.
Dementia including Alzheimer’s disease and cerebrovascular disease are among the top five health issues in Inner Regional areas.
Limited access to prevention programs and early diagnosis multiplies future health costs and contributes to the higher rates of chronic disease and premature and preventable deaths in rural and remote areas.
The higher rates of preventable disease in rural areas can lead to higher long-term healthcare costs due to the need for more intensive treatments and interventions. Every dollar invested in preventative health saves $14.30 in healthcare and other costs.
It was estimated that people living in rural, regional, and remote areas were more likely to engage in risky behaviours, compared with people living in Major cities.
Loneliness affects approximately 35% of rural Australians with detrimental impacts on physical, emotional, and social health.
$14.30
The higher rates of preventable disease in rural areas can lead to higher long-term healthcare costs due to the need for more intensive treatments and interventions.
Every dollar invested in preventative health saves $14.30 in healthcare and other costs.
How we're going to help solve it.
Attract Funding
We attract and steward funding that stays in rural, regional and remote communities, growing local health ideas into lasting solutions.
Fund Regional People
We invest in regional health researchers, clinicians, Not for Profits and community health leaders to deliver locally led research and community-driven innovation.
Connect for Impact
We connect people, evidence and partners across sectors to strengthen impact and scale what works in regional communities.
Submit your idea
This is a general enquiry, not a formal application. Please provide your contact details and some information about the project you'd like to fund.
