The Royal Society of New South Wales New England North West Branch, in partnership with the University of New England and the UNE SMART Region Incubator, will host a public forum in Armidale examining the links between human, animal and environmental health, and the role regional Australia can play in advancing One Health approaches.
One Health for a Changing World: Forests, Farms and Families will be held on Wednesday, May 27, from 5 pm to 7.30 pm at NOVA, 122 Faulkner Street, Armidale.
The event is free, but registration is required.
The forum will feature a keynote address by Professor David Durrheim AM, Director of Health Protection at Hunter New England Health. Professor Durrheim is internationally recognised for his expertise in infectious disease surveillance, zoonotic disease control and evidence-based public health responses aimed at reducing inequity and improving community outcomes.
Professor Durrheim will discuss the importance of building a viable One Health network in regional Australia, drawing on real-world examples of locally significant zoonotic diseases and emerging public health risks.
A panel discussion featuring Associate Professor Lorina Barker, Professor Susan Wilson, Associate Professor Gal Winter and Associate Professor Jacqueline Epps will explore practical applications of One Health thinking. The discussion will be moderated by Professor Natkunam Ketheesan from the University of New England.
One Health recognises that human, animal and environmental health cannot be understood or protected in isolation. Ecosystem damage, changes in agricultural systems, animal disease, food security pressures and emerging public health risks are part of an integrated system requiring collaborative solutions.
The forum will examine how clinicians, ecologists, veterinarians, agricultural researchers and communities can work together from a shared evidence base to address complex health challenges that cross traditional disciplinary boundaries.
Professor Ketheesan said regional communities were especially important to developing practical One Health approaches.
“Regional communities occupy a unique position at the intersection of forests, farms, families and health systems. New England is particularly well placed to develop One Health approaches that are grounded in real communities and real landscapes.”
Professor Ketheesan said the event would bring together expertise often separated across disciplines.
“The health challenges we face do not sit neatly within one discipline. Zoonotic diseases, food security, environmental change and community health all require collaboration across medical, veterinary, agricultural, ecological and social fields.”
He said Professor Durrheim’s visit was a significant opportunity for the region.
“Professor Durrheim’s visit represents a significant opportunity to bring together expertise that is too often separated across disciplines, and to explore how research can be translated into systems that improve preparedness, strengthen regional resilience and support more equitable health outcomes.”
The event is open to members of the public, researchers, health professionals, agricultural and environmental practitioners, students and community organisations.
Event details
What: One Health for a Changing World: Forests, Farms and Families
When: Wednesday, May 27, 5pm to 7.30pm AEST
Where: NOVA, 122 Faulkner Street, Armidale
Cost: Free, registration required
Register: NENW Branch Meeting: 2026-1. One Health for a Changing World – The Royal Society of NSW
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