Centre receives recognition for work in building healthier communities

Charles Darwin University’s (CDU) Wellness Centre has been recognised as a finalist for the Community Engagement award at last month’s Financial Review Higher Education Awards, acknowledging the Centre’s work in creating partnerships and healthy communities. 

The Wellness Centre is the Territory’s first student run, multi-disciplinary health centre that works with community members to enhance their health. 

The Wellness Centre was one of the programs shortlisted for the Community Engagement category with CDU health staff travelling to Sydney for the awards ceremony. 

CDU Pro Vice-Chancellor Faculty of Health Dominic Upton said the nomination was recognition of the innovation in health care being practiced at the Wellness Centre. 

“It’s an honour to be nominated for this award, and is an excellent recognition of all the hard work of the team and our partners,” Professor Upton said. 

“It’s the tireless work of the students, academic and professional staff that makes the great work that the Wellness Centre does possible.”

The Wellness Centre works to the ethos of healthy mind, healthy body, and healthy community, which manifests as psychological, and fitness activities developed into programs specific to what communities need.   

“The Centre has a suite of programs that give both the students exposure to some of the health issues, while delivering much needed allied health to our local community,” Professor Upton said.

“Students at our Centre are educated in how other issues, such as social justice, inequality and access can impact on people’s health.  There is a particular focus on our First Nations people and their complex health issues.”

The Centre has student delivered programs, such as a telehealth exercise program to support improved strength, mobility, and independence for seniors, leading to reduced reliance on GP and hospital services. 

This exercise program, titled Outback Active was launched in Katherine in 2023 and will be expanded to other communities this year after a successful trial.

There is also a student designed and delivered wellbeing program at the Centre for primary schools where there are no welfare officers.

The Wellness Centre works alongside Southern Cross Care, Early Childhood Australia and the NTPHN who are providing support to help grow the Wellness Centre.