Research interests
for human health and wellbeing. Current and recent research includes: an
investigation of health and wellbeing outcomes of differing levels of access to
nature for residents of high-rise housing; a study of mental health benefits of
hands-on nature based activities in primary schools; a nature based intervention
program for people suffering depression, anxiety and/or social isolation; an
assessment of health benefits of a visiting companion animal program in an acute
care hospital; several projects exploring the health and wellbeing outcomes of
bush adventure therapy programs in Australia; several projects exploring the
benefits of environmental volunteering; and a project assessing the valuing and
use of parks in high and low SES areas.
Other recent research undertaken by Associate Professor Townsend has included:
several studies of the use of parks and open spaces; a study of the cumulative
impacts of policy change on two small Victorian rural communities; a study for
the UK Housing Corporation on the housing needs and aspirations of British
women between 2000 and 2020; and a study of the role of physical activity and
sport in building social capital in rural communities.
Affiliations
International Union for Health Promotion and Education
International Association for Ecology and Health
Teaching interests
Unit Chair HSH740
4 PhD students
1 masters major project student
2 masters minor project students
1 honours student
Conferences
Awards
Teaching
2004 Recipient of the Vice-Chancellors Award for Excellent Contributions to
the Community
2005 Recipient of the Vice-Chancellors Award for Outstanding Achievement in
Teaching and Learning
Projects
Associate Professor Townsend is involved in a range of School, Faculty and University committees:
She is a member of the following Deakin committees and groups:
Deakin University Environmental Policy Sub Committee
School of Health and Social Development School Board
She is a member of the Editorial Advisory Board for the journal EcoHealth, and regularly reviews articles for the following journals: Health Promotion International, International Journal of Consumer Studies, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Sustainability: Science, Practice and Policy, and Urban Forestry and Urban Greening.
Publications
S Nuttman, R Patrick, M Townsend, J Lawson
(2020), Vol. 31, pp. 68-76, Health Promotion Journal of Australia, Australia, C1
Addressing food insecurity in Australia through education for sustainability
S Nuttman, R Patrick, M Townsend
(2020), Vol. 35, pp. 1601-1611, Health Promotion International, England, C1
A systematic review of access to green spaces in healthcare facilities
R Weerasuriya, C Henderson-Wilson, M Townsend
(2019), Vol. 40, pp. 125-132, Urban forestry and urban greening, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1
R Weerasuriya, C Henderson-Wilson, M Townsend
(2019), Vol. 12, pp. 119-140, Health Environments Research and Design Journal, United States, C1
D Shanahan, T Astell–burt, E Barber, E Brymer, D Cox, J Dean, M Depledge, R Fuller, T Hartig, K Irvine, A Jones, H Kikillus, R Lovell, R Mitchell, J Niemelä, M Nieuwenhuijsen, J Pretty, M Townsend, Y Heezik, S Warber, K Gaston
(2019), Vol. 7, pp. 1-20, Sports, Basel, Switzerland, C1
E Hallebone, M Mahoney, M Townsend
(2018), pp. 221-240, Globalisation, Localisation and Sustainable Livelihoods, London, Eng., B1
Greening the city: the health evidence of urban nature
M Townsend, C Henderson-Wilson
(2017), pp. 375-394, Healthy cities: the theory, policy, and practice of value-based urban planning, New York, N.Y., B1-1
T Knight, H Skouteris, M Townsend, M Hooley
(2017), Vol. 22, pp. 165-178, International journal of adolescence and youth, Abingdon, England, C1
Healthy parks, healthy people: evidence from Australia
M Townsend, C Henderson-Wilson
(2016), pp. 89-99, Green Exercise: Linking Nature, Health and Well-Being, Abingdon, Eng., B1-1
Improving wellbeing and environmental stewardship through volunteering in nature
R Molsher, M Townsend
(2016), Vol. 13, pp. 151-155, EcoHealth, New York, N.Y., C1
R Weerasuriya, M Townsend, C Henderson-Wilson, S Wells
(2016), Vol. 1121, pp. 59-6, ISHS 2016 : Horticulture and Human Communities : Proceedings of the People Plan Symposium, Chania, Crete, E1-1
'Ecological embeddedness' and its public health implications: findings from an exploratory study
M Lewis, M Townsend
(2015), Vol. 12, pp. 244-252, Ecohealth, Berlin, Germany, C1
K Block, L Gibbs, S Macfarlane, M Townsend
(2015), Vol. 9, pp. 2-9, Journal for multicultural education, Bingley, Eng., C1
M Townsend, L Gibbs, S Macfarlane, K Block, P Staiger, L Gold, B Johnson, C Long
(2014), Vol. 25, pp. 225-247, Voluntas, New York, N.Y., C1
The act of giving: a systematic review of nonfamilial intergenerational interaction
T Knight, H Skouteris, M Townsend, M Hooley
(2014), Vol. 12, pp. 257-278, Journal of intergenerational relationships, Abingdon, Eng., C1
Expanding children's food experiences : the impact of a school-based kitchen garden program
L Gibbs, P Staiger, B Johnson, K Block, S Macfarlane, L Gold, J Kulas, M Townsend, C Long, O Ukoumunne
(2013), Vol. 45, pp. 137-146, Journal of nutrition education and behavior, New York, N. Y., C1
J Kingsley, M Townsend, C Henderson-Wilson, B Bolam
(2013), Vol. 10, pp. 678-698, International journal of environmental research and public health, Basel, Switzerland, C1
Methodology for the evaluation of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program
L Gibbs, P Staiger, M Townsend, S Macfarlane, L Gold, K Block, B Johnson, J Kulas, E Waters
(2013), Vol. 24, pp. 32-43, Health promotion journal of Australia, Clayton, Vic., C1-1
K Block, L Gibbs, P Staiger, L Gold, B Johnson, S Macfarlane, C Long, M Townsend
(2012), Vol. 39, pp. 419-432, Health education and behavior, Thousand Oaks, Calif., C1
F Andrews, C Henderson-Wilson, M Townsend
(2012), pp. 1-11, 5th Health Citites : Working Together to Achieve Liveable Cities : Book of Proceedings 2012, Geelong, Vic., E1
Health promotion and climate change : exploring the core competencies required for action
R Patrick, T Capetola, M Townsend, S Nuttman
(2011), Vol. 27, pp. 475-485, Health promotion international, Oxford, England, C1
Volunteering in nature as a way of enabling people to reintegrate into society
L O'Brien, A Burls, M Townsend, M Ebden
(2011), Vol. 131, pp. 71-81, Perspectives in Public Health, United Kingdom, C1
Incorporating sustainability into community-based healthcare practice
R Patrick, T Capetola, M Townsend, L Hanna
(2011), Vol. 8, pp. 277-289, Ecohealth, New York, N. Y., C1-1
J Kingsley, R Phillips, M Townsend, C Henderson-Wilson
(2010), Vol. 10, pp. 2-12, Qualitative research journal, Melbourne, Vic., C1
L O'Brien, M Townsend, M Ebden
(2010), Vol. 21, pp. 525-545, Voluntas, New York, N.Y., C1-1
M Townsend, M Ebden
(2009), pp. 151-159, Understanding health : a determinants approach, South Melbourne, Vic., B1-1
J Kingsley, M Townsend, C Henderson-Wilson
(2009), Vol. 28, pp. 207-219, Leisure studies, London, England, C1
J Kingsley, D Aldous, M Townsend, R Phillips, C Henderson-Wilson
(2009), Vol. 16, pp. 113-123, Australasian journal of environmental management, Melbourne, Vic., C1
J Kingsley, M Townsend, R Phillips, D Aldous
(2009), Vol. 15, pp. 291-299, Health and place, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1
Rediscovering nature in everyday settings : or how to create healthy environments and healthy people
C Maller, C Henderson-Wilson, M Townsend
(2009), Vol. 6, pp. 553-556, EcoHealth, New York, N. Y., C1-1
Older people's relationships with companion animals : a pilot study
L Prosser, M Townsend, P Staiger
(2008), Vol. 20, pp. 29-32, Nursing older people, London, England, C1
J Kingsley, D Aldous, M Townsend, R Phillips
(2008), pp. 32-41, Just policy: a journal of Australian social policy, Melbourne, Vic., C1
Men shouldn't decide everything: women and the public realm.
M Townsend
(2006), pp. 100-105, Urban design futures, London, England, B1
C Maller, M Townsend, A Pryor, P Brown, L St Leger
(2006), Vol. 21, pp. 45-54, Health promotion international, Oxford, England, C1
Feel blue? Touch green! Participation in forest/woodland management as a treatment for depression
M Townsend
(2006), Vol. 5, pp. 111-120, Urban forestry & urban greening, Jena, Germany, C1
A Pryor, M Townsend, C Maller, K Field
(2006), Vol. 17, pp. 114-123, Health promotion journal of Australia, West Perth, W.A., C1
Children's mental health and wellbeing and hands-on contact with nature
C Maller, M Townsend
(2006), Vol. 12, pp. 359-372, International journal of learning, Altona, Vic., C1
Linking human and ecosystem health: the benefits of community involvement in conservation groups
M Moore, M Townsend, J Oldroyd
(2006), Vol. 3, pp. 255-261, Ecohealth, New York, N.Y., C1
'Dig in' to social capital : community gardens as mechanisms for growing urban social connectedness
J Kingsley, M Townsend
(2006), Vol. 24, pp. 525-537, Urban policy and research: an Australian and New Zealand guide to urban affairs, London, Eng., C1
Outdoor education and bush adventure therapy: A social-ecological approach to health and wellbeing.
A Pryor, C Carpenter, M Townsend
(2005), Vol. 9, pp. 3-13, Australian journal of outdoor education, Milton, Qld., C1
M Townsend, M Moore
(2005), Geelong, Vic., A6
M Townsend
(2005), pp. 49-70, 1st European COSTAction E39 Conference, Urban Forestry for Human Health and Wellbeing proceedings, Thessaloniki, Greece, E1
Sport safety policies and practices in two rural Victorian communities
M Casey, C Finch, M Mahoney, M Townsend
(2004), Vol. 7, pp. 226-231, Journal of science and medicine in sport, Belconnen, A.C.T., C1
Fostering the delivery of safe physical activity environments : the role of risk management plans
C Finch, M Mahoney, Z Babic, L Otago, M Townsend
(2004), Melbourne, Vic., A6
E Hallebone, M Mahoney, M Townsend
(2003), pp. 221-239, Globalization, localization and sustainable livelihoods, Aldershot, England, B1
M Townsend, C Maller, L St Leger, P Brown
(2003), Vol. 3, pp. 58-69, Environmental health, Kangaroo Ground, Vic., C1
Too hot to trot? exploring potential links between climate change, physical activity and health
M Townsend, M Mahoney, J Jones, K Ball, J Salmon, C Finch
(2003), Vol. 6, pp. 260-265, Journal of science and medicine in sport, New York, NY., C1
Rural sports and recreational injuries in Australia: what do we know?
C Finch, M Mahoney, M Townsend, T Zazryn
(2003), Vol. 11, pp. 151-158, Australian journal of rural health, Carlton, Vic., C1
'Healthy parks, health people' and other social capital initiatives of Parks Victoria, Australia
J Senior, M Townsend
(2003), pp. 111-120, Urban Imperative, Urban Outreach Strategies for Protected Area Agencies: Proceedings of a workshop at the Vth IUCN World Parks Congress, Durban, South Africa, E1-1
An ecological study of the relationship between social and environmental determinants of obesity
D Reidpath, C Burns, J Garrard, M Mahoney, M Townsend
(2002), Vol. 8, pp. 141-145, Health & place, New York, N.Y., C1
M Townsend, J Moore, M Mahoney
(2002), Vol. 2, pp. 1-6, International electronic journal of rural and remote health research, education, practice and policy, Deakin, A.C.T., C1
Countering rural policy impacts: community development initiatives for local control
M Townsend, M Mahoney, E Hallebone
(2001), Vol. 21, pp. 16-27, Just policy, Collingwood, Vic., C1
An `upside-down` view of rural health care
M Mahoney, M Townsend, E Hallebone, P Nesbitt
(2001), Vol. 25, pp. 102-113, International journal of consumer studies, Oxford, England, C1
M Townsend, G Murphy
(2001), Vol. 48, pp. 10-13, ACHPER Healthy Lifestyles Journal, Hindmarsh, S. Aust., C1
Funded Projects at Deakin
Australian Competitive Grants
Living high but healthy: impacts of access to nature on inner city highrise residents' health, wellbeing and effective functioning.
A/Prof Mardie Townsend, A/Prof Eleonara Gullone, Prof Lawrence St Leger, John Senior, Mr Peter Brown, Mr Vince Haining
ARC Linkage - Projects Rnd 1 APAI APDI
- 2006: $12,426
Other Public Sector Funding
Feel blue, touch green: an application to the people and parks foundation (p2) for funding to evaluate a nature-based activities program for people suffering from depression and related disorders
A/Prof Mardie Townsend
Parks Victoria Grant - Research
- 2006: $34,145
Contribution of Public Land to Melbourne's Liveability
A/Prof Mardie Townsend, A/Prof Claire Henderson-Wilson
VEAC Grant - Bill Borthwick Scholarship
- 2009: $5,005
Update the review of the Literature on the mental health benefits of contact with nature
A/Prof Mardie Townsend
Beyondblue Grant - Research
- 2009: $19,768
Delacombe evidence base and case for change
A/Prof Mardie Townsend, A/Prof Claire Henderson-Wilson
Enterprising Communities
- 2010: $6,000
City of Melbourne Urban Forest Strategy Health Indicators project
A/Prof Mardie Townsend
City of Melbourne
- 2011: $7,932
Evaluation of the 'Active in Parks' program
A/Prof Mardie Townsend
Parks Victoria Grant - Research
- 2012: $16,517
- 2011: $41,472
Perceptions of parks with respect to Wellbeing
A/Prof Mardie Townsend
DEWNR Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources
- 2012: $15,995
East West Link - Expert Witness for City of Melbourne
A/Prof Mardie Townsend
City of Melbourne
- 2014: $5,800
Healthy Parks, Healthy People 3rd Edition
A/Prof Mardie Townsend, A/Prof Claire Henderson-Wilson
Parks Victoria Grant - Research
- 2015: $389
- 2014: $19,276
Integrated Environmental Volunteering Initiative
Mr Matthew Ebden, A/Prof Mardie Townsend, Dr Rebecca Patrick, A/Prof Claire Henderson-Wilson, Dr Lynne McLoughlin
NSW Government Office of Environment and Heritage
- 2017: $52,917
- 2015: $105,834
Evaluation of gardens at the Queen Elizabeth Centre
A/Prof Claire Henderson-Wilson, Ms Rona Weerasuriya, A/Prof Mardie Townsend
Queen Elizabeth Centre
- 2017: $11,939
- 2016: $10,000
Industry and Other Funding
Kalkee Integration Project
A/Prof Mardie Townsend, A/Prof Tess Knight
Kalkee Community Grant - Research
- 2006: $12,500
Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Evaluation
Dr Lisa Gibbs, A/Prof Mardie Townsend, A/Prof Petra Staiger, Ms Susie Macfarlane
Stephanie Alexander Foundation Grant - Research - The University of Melbourne
- 2007: $55,464
Evaluation of Out Doors Inc Programs
A/Prof Claire Henderson-Wilson, A/Prof Mardie Townsend
Out Doors Inc
- 2013: $32,823
Supervisions
Jonathan Yotti Kingsley
Thesis entitled: If the land is healthy ... it makes the people healthy
Doctor of Philosophy (Health & Social Development), School of Health and Social Development
Rebecca Patrick
Thesis entitled: Health promotion practice in the context of climate change
Doctor of Philosophy (Health & Social Development), School of Health and Social Development
Janet Owens
Thesis entitled: Investigations of Access for People with Disability and Older People
Doctor of Health Science, School of Health and Social Development
Anita Pryor
Thesis entitled: Wild Adventures in Wellbeing
Doctor of Philosophy (Health & Social Development), School of Health and Social Development
Daryl Pedler
Thesis entitled: Acute Farm Injury: Implications for Rurally-based Health Services
Doctor of Health Science, School of Medicine
Lauren Sheree Prosser
Thesis entitled: Companion Animal Visitation and its Effectiveness with Stroke Patients
Doctor of Philosophy (Nutrition & Exercise) (Low Cost), School of Health and Social Development
Cathryn Carpenter
Thesis entitled: Changing Spaces: Contextualising Outdoor Experiential Programs for Health and Wellbeing
Doctor of Philosophy (Health & Social Development), School of Health and Social Development
Claire Henderson-Wilson
Thesis entitled: Living High but Healthy: High-rise Housing, Nature, Health and Wellbeing
Doctor of Philosophy (Nutrition & Exercise) (Low Cost), School of Health and Social Development
Cecily Maller
Thesis entitled: Contact with Nature and Children's Mental, Emotional, and Social Health
Doctor of Philosophy (Health & Social Development), School of Health and Social Development
Kerrie Allen
Thesis entitled: Self-Management for Women's Arthritic Conditions in Rural Victoria
Doctor of Philosophy (Nutrition & Exercise) (Low Cost), School of Health and Social Development
Sonia Nuttman
Thesis entitled: From Paddock to Campus: Exploring the potential role of health promotion in addressing food security from an environmental sustainability perspective
Doctor of Philosophy (Health & Social Development), School of Health and Social Development
Marina Lewis
Thesis entitled: Transitioning Towards an Ecological Paradigm: A Role for Public Health
Doctor of Philosophy (Health & Social Development), School of Health and Social Development
Ronamali Weerasuriya
Thesis entitled: Exploring users' health experiences in hospital gardens
Doctor of Philosophy (Health & Social Development), School of Health and Social Development
Christopher Reed
Thesis entitled: The origins, development and perceived effectiveness of horticulture-based therapy programs in Victoria
Doctor of Philosophy (Health & Social Development), School of Health and Social Development