ဤအပိုင်းအကြောင်း
What does it take to fund 40 years of health research that changes lives?
In this episode of the Rotary and Community Service Radio Show, host Lili-Ann Kriegler speaks with Stephen Humphreys, Chair of Australian Rotary Health — one of Australia's largest independent non-government funders of health research in Australia.
Lili-Ann and Stephen first met at the International Rotary Golfing Fellowship in Darwin, where Stephen's address at the prize giving was so compelling that an invitation to the radio show followed immediately. It was a good instinct.
Stephen takes us back to the beginning — to 1981, when Rotary clubs across Australia rallied behind a cause costing hundreds of young lives each year, and to the research that followed, which produced one of the most dramatic public health outcomes this country has seen. From those origins, he traces the journey of Australian Rotary Health through four decades of evolving focus, culminating in the bold decision in 2000 to make mental health the organisation's primary area of investment.
The statistics he shares are striking. The prevalence of mental health challenges among young Australians — and how early those challenges can begin — makes a powerful case for why sustained, independent research in this space is not optional. It is essential.
But this conversation goes well beyond research. Stephen walks us through the full breadth of what Australian Rotary Health funds: PhD scholarships in general and mental health research, a long-running Indigenous Health Scholarship Programme that has produced over 300 graduates since 2003, and rural medical and nursing scholarships designed to draw more health professionals into the communities that need them most. He is candid about the funding pressures the organisation currently faces, particularly following a change in Australian Government policy affecting the Indigenous programme, and clear about what continued support from Rotarians and Rotary clubs means in practical terms.
There is also a lovely conversation about grandchildren, golf, and why community connection is often where the most lasting change begins.
Warm, honest and wide-ranging — this is Rotary at its best.
🎙️ Hosted by Lili-Ann Kriegler on 94.1FM 3WBC — The Voice of the Inner East, Melbourne.
#RotaryRadio #AustralianRotaryHealth #MentalHealth #Rotary #RotaryInternational #CommunityService #3WBC #LiftTheLid #HealthResearch #Scholarships #IndigenousHealth #RuralHealth #ChildMentalHealth #PeopleOfAction
Thank you for listening. Please subscribe to this podcast so you can receive valuable insights and discussions in the future!
For more information about Lili-Ann Kriegler, go to:
Kriegler-Education
https://www.kriegler-education.com
+61438489032
Follow Lili-Ann
I respect the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land of the Kulin Nation groups, the Boonwurrung and Bunurong people, where I live, learn, and work.
Lili-Ann Kriegler (B. A Hons, H. Dip. Ed, M.Ed.) is an award-winning author and Melbourne-based education consultant. Her books are 'The Power of Play' for educators and 'Roots and Wings' for parents. Lili-Ann’ is a leader in early childhood education (birth to years), leadership and optimising human thinking and cognition. She runs her consultancy, Kriegler-Education. She is passionate about the early childhood sector and believes in the transformational power of education.
Find out more at https://www.kriegler-education.com.
