Playing their part: the role of physical activity and sport in sustaining the health and well being of small rural communities

Mardie Townsend

qualifications: PhD

position: Senior Lecturer

Australia

Mardie is a Senior Lecturer at Deakin University's Burwood campus. Her research interests include: housing and homelessness; rural health and wellbeing; social and health impact assessment; and sustainability. Mardie's recent research has included: a study for the Victorian Office of Women's Affairs on the future challenges and opportunities facing women in Victoria in respect of paid work, family life, and health and wellbeing; an examination of the impacts of 24 hour shop trading on individuals, households and communities; 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 now and 2020; a study of the role of physical activity and sport in building social capital in rural communities; and a study of the health benefits of interaction with parks and nature. In 1998-99, Mardie led a state-wide consultation exercise, including over 50 focus groups, with Country Fire Authority volunteers to identify the issues affecting volunteers and brigades in rural and regional Victoria.

Jan Moore

qualifications: BAppSci(Hons)

position: Project Officer

Mary Mahoney

qualifications: MSc

position: Senior Lecturer