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Aims of Conference
The Audience
Scientific Program
Contact Information
Important Info
	Conference Overview
	Programs & Events

Australia hosted the 5th Wonca World Conference on Rural Health in Melbourne, with the main program running from 30 April to 3 May 2002.

Theme for the conference
Working Together: Communities, Professionals and Services

The Conference incorporated six conferences in one:

	Rural medicine - education, training, research and policy.
	Rural nursing - education, training, research and policy.
	Rural allied health and pharmacy - education, training, research and policy.
	Rural health service planning and administration - education, training, research and policy.
	Rural health teams and integrated rural health services - cross-disciplinary/inter-disciplinary exploration of the issues.
	Skills Development/Continuing Education - clinical and IT sessions.

Each of the previous Conferences has been more than just an international conference. Participants have found a high level of common interest and a strong sense of fellowship, coupled with a willingness to discuss even the most difficult issues. By participating in the 5th World Conference, you join the World Rural Health Movement and have the opportunity of contributing to the "Melbourne Manifesto" and international developments in rural health.

The 5th World Conference provides those involved in rural health across the world with the opportunity to contribute to the Conference, as well as exploring the many and varied attractions of this large and beautiful continent. The Conference is an opportunity for Australians to welcome the world to our shores and to showcase the achievements in rural health in Australia, as well as to learn from our visitors from different countries.

Immediately before and after the Conference, there will be a diverse range of opportunities for delegates to attend rural health programs across Australia as well as enjoy tours of recreational value.

Aims of the Conference

The Conference will:

	Create a meeting place where rural doctors can interact with nurses, pharmacists, allied health and Indigenous health practitioners and others in a sharing of experiences, challenges, knowledge and skills involved in being rural and remote health practitioners.
	Address key rural and remote health issues that are challenges for every country around the world.
	Highlight and foster opportunities for innovative service models that will enhance the worldwide movement in rural health.
	Provide delegates with opportunities to contribute to international policy making.

The Audience

The Conference was of interest to an international audience of all those disciplines involved in rural health care, education, planning and development who want the opportunity to explore the collaborative nature of rural health. This included rural doctors, nurses, pharmacists, allied health practitioners, Indigenous Health professionals, consumers, administrators, students, government representatives and educators.

Scientific Program

The organisers of the 5th World Conference have adopted as the theme for the Conference - Working Together: Communities, Professions, Services. The Conference theme emphasises the importance of the various disciplines working in partnership with one another, together with service providers and with local communities in the achievement of health outcomes for people in rural areas around the world. The Conference explored the theme via forums that promote debate and discussion within and across the disciplines and interest groups involved in rural health.

Conference Secretariat:
The Meeting Planners Pty Ltd
91-97 Islington Street, Collingwood VIC 3066

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