Deakin University & Department of Human Services (Barwon - South Western Region) Partnership
The Partnership
The formal partnership between Deakin University and the Department of Human Services (Barwon – South Western Region) was established in 1998 and represents a unique and innovative partnership which is committed to protecting and promoting the health and wellbeing of regional and rural Victorians.The collaboration between the Department of Human Services (DHS) (Barwon - South Western Region) and Deakin University has been actively pursued over the past eleven years, following the identification of regional and rural public health needs, recognition of the potential mutual benefits to each organisation and a desire to respond by building capacity to meet identified needs. A shared geographic region and similar professional and academic interests, as well as the need to operate within a shared environment of broader reform, has stimulated and directed the development of the collaboration. It is a partnership that seeks to bring together the knowledge, experience and resources of the DHS (Barwon – South Western Region) (BSWR) and Deakin University for the benefit of the people living in the region, as well as for the mutual benefit of both organisations.
The partnership involves the Deakin University Faculty of Health, Medicine, Nursing and Behavioural Sciences - there are five schools: Nursing, Psychology, Health and Social Development, Medicine and Exercise and Nutrition Sciences. The formal partnership is based on agreed terms of reference, and provides a unique and sustainable model of collaborative activity that effectively builds public health capacity.
Shared Beliefs
The partnership is founded on the following shared beliefs:• Improvements in knowledge about current and emerging health determinants and risks, particularly at the local level, are vital to effective public health efforts (including service delivery)
• Enhancing the capacity of a region to scan and monitor the social and environmental trends likely to impact on future health status is essential for long term planning, to prevent ill health
• Regional priority setting and decision making in health and human services should be reflective of current knowledge and be evidence-based whenever possible
• An emphasis on workforce development and support is essential to maximising the value of an organisation
• Educational opportunities should be tailored to suit the needs of the staff and students and the industry for which they will be working
• Research undertaken within the practical work environment enhances students' awareness of the practical application of their work
• Outside funding should be sought to increase the capacity for the collaboration between Deakin University and the DHS (BSWR) to attain its practice and research objectives
• Involvement in collaborative projects is voluntary and participation should be formally recognised.
Areas of Interest
The partnership is able to focus on a wide range of public health areas including:• Health promotion, remote and rural health, women’s and family health, aged care, nutrition and physical activity, mental health, chronic illness and disability, occupational science and therapy
• Disability client information, at-risk and resiliency factors in young people with an intellectual disability, challenging behaviour, working with families and human relationships
• Clinical psychology, industrial psychology, organisational psychology, forensic psychology, addiction and stress
• Social work, family, child and youth services, tolerance and diversity, rural policy and practice, indigenous population issues and practice research
Partnership Objectives
The objectives of the formal partnership are to:• Conduct collaborative research programs and program development that is commensurate with the goals of both organisations and which serves to enhance the health of people living in this region of Victoria
• Advance rural health issues
• Increase the sustainability of joint projects
• Establish effective communication with key professionals of both organisations for the purpose of improved planning and management of regional services, initiatives and programs
• Enhance the capacity of the DHS (BSWR) to respond to local issues
• Enhance the capacity of Deakin University to undertake research and education in the practical context of local issues
• Provide the infrastructure necessary to promote and support collaboration of the partnership between Deakin University and the DHS (BSWR) with other industries or services with compatible objectives and principles
• Advance the profile of Barwon-South Western Region as an innovative and progressive region which has taken up the national and global challenge to work collaboratively with other organisations in order to enhance population health.
