The Conference's 18 priority recommendations are presented. Two of the issues have been included in each of the nine biannual conferences. This Conference agrees that Indigenous life expectancy is still unacceptably low, and that there is still insufficient focus in national health research efforts on rural and remote communities.

Many Australians are living under pressure of social change and its consequences. People in rural and regional areas often live with additional stresses particular to rural communities. This paper discusses community cohesion and its relationship to resilience and the development of health and wellbeing.

The focus of this paper is on issues facing men, particularly men in regional areas where the incidence of isolation, loneliness and depression are especially acute. Some relevant literature is reviewed. The potential role of 'men's sheds' in helping to overcome these problems is discussed, along with comments on the overall contribution that men's sheds...

The Sustainable Farm Families project engages with farming families by informing them about healthy living options and farm safety, recognising that family health is essential for them to effectively utilise their economic and natural resources. This evidence-based program works with farming families in an educative and proactive manner in order to empower them to make...

In Australia access to health services is influenced by various factors, including geography, availability of expertise, and a range of cultural, social and economic factors. This paper describes the establishment of Bila Muuji, a network of autonomous Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in the Bourke-Walgett region that work together to overcome some of these obstacles...