I have grown up and lived on Biripai Country on the NSW Mid North Coast, where my connection to the landscape has shaped a lifelong passion for plants and conservation.

Currently, I am undertaking postgraduate Masters’ research investigating the impacts of urbanisation on coastal headland vegetation. My work focuses on the ecological consequences of altered fire regimes, examining how the cessation of fire influences vegetation dynamics, woody plant encroachment, and landscape composition.

• Best Overall Poster

• People's Choice Award

• Best Student Poster (Hons/PhD)

Each awardee will receive a framed certificate, and a $100 gift card voucher.

These awards are proudly sponsored by the Faculty of Science and Health, School of Dentistry & Medical Sciences, and Independent Dental Supplies.

Abstract

Codesigning an interprofessional wellbeing clinic for older people

This qualitative research explored: What university-based health and wellbeing clinic models of care best meet the needs and priorities of older adults in the Port Macquarie Hastings region? Using a World Café methodology, 59 older people, industry representatives and carers participated in this research. Global themes from the data highlight the importance of a clinic model that fosters social and community connections and preventative health services, along with the provision of interprofessional therapeutic and counselling services. Creative aging, learning opportunities, contributing to community and having access to intergenerational programs were also recommended. Safety emerged as a concern for older people, inclusive of personal, cyber and digital safety. Wellbeing was understood as multifaceted inclusive of good physical and mental health, psychological, emotional health, and spiritual wellbeing. This study reinforces the importance of community-based or place-based research that effectively engages community participation in a co-designed research process. The community indicated their support to Charles Sturt in the development of collaborative partnerships for a wellbeing clinic that best meets the needs of older people in the region and assists to build the allied health workforce by offering workplace learning and field education placements for students from different health disciplines such as nursing, social work, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and paramedicine

    Samantha Sheridan - 'Physical fitness preparation of paramedicine students: A scoping review'

People's Choice Poster (sponsored by the School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences)

    Karen Hayes - 'The rural PhD workforce; Underpaid, overworked and overlooked?'

Best Student Poster (sponsored by Independent Dental Supplies)

    Anais Blacklock - 'Fire in Coastal Headland Vegetation'