Murdoch University provides clinical placements at external locations in the metropolitan area, as well as in regional, rural and remote settings.
Final-year chiropractic students, under the supervision of registered chiropractors, provide clinical evaluations and treatment to all people who attend the outreach clinics. These outreach teaching clinics are designed to provide disadvantaged or less privileged members of the communities with health screenings and chiropractic services at no charge to which they otherwise may not have access.
Our students are able to get practical experience with patients from a wide range of cultural and social backgrounds with unique physical and psychosocial issues, while using their skills to give back to their community. The services provided by our outreach clinics receive strong support and appreciation from staff, students and the communities they serve.
Current outreach clinics
St Patrick’s Community Support Centre
St Patrick’s Community Support Centre is part of an Australia-wide association of volunteer health professionals and qualified therapists called Hands on Health, whose goal is to bring a range of health services to people going through difficult times who are not able to access healthcare. St Patrick’s Community Support Centre provides holistic and allied health services to improve the wellbeing of underprivileged and marginalised people in the South Metropolitan region.
South Lake Ottey Family and Neighbourhood Centre
The Ottey Centre caters for everyone in the community, however is focused on delivering services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The aim of the centre is to promote health and wellbeing, arts and crafts, parenting programs, and programs for women, children, people with disability and the wider community.
Palmerston Farm
Palmerston Farm provides an important community service supporting individuals and families in Western Australia who are facing issues with substance use and abuse. The Farm is a residential therapeutic community 25 minutes south of Perth for people aged 18 years or older who require medium-term rehabilitation in a supportive, drug-free environment.
Mandurah Seniors and Community Centre
Mandurah Seniors and Community Centre offers a variety of activities, programs and special events for people aged 55 and over, encouraging physical, social and mental wellbeing. The Centre offers programs that aim to stimulate, motivate and educate members, including exercise groups, health and wellbeing activities and services, social groups, lifelong learning, games and leagues, art and craft groups and community groups.
Annual outreach clinics
“Up North” outreach clinics
Each year, groups of chiropractic students and supervisors from Murdoch University travel to rural and remote regions to provide health assessments and hands-on care to people in these areas. Prior to participating, students are required to complete cultural awareness courses to become familiar with local Aboriginal culture. While this project primarily involves the treatment of back pain and other physical problems, there is also a strong emphasis on encouraging healthy living and improving quality of life for local residents.
Since the program began in 2006, our chiropractic students have provided close to 20,000 health checks and treatments at clinics in Tom Price, Paraburdoo, Wakathuni, Bellary Springs, Newman, Jigalong, Geraldton, Mt Magnet, Meekatharra, Carnarvon, Karratha and Kununurra.
Those who benefit from our Up North clinics include Aboriginal communities, residents of rural and remote townships, and travellers. The clinics are eagerly anticipated each year, as they are the only way many people in rural and remote areas can access these services.
Students describe the experience of participating in these clinics as life changing.
Industry involvement
Our outreach program is delivered by collaborating closely with various stakeholders, including WA Centre for Rural Health (WACRH), shire councils, Aboriginal corporations and other industry supporters, along with the WA Department of Health (Pilbara Health).
The University gratefully acknowledges the generous support of:
What is the benefit for my organisation of being involved?
Supporters of our outreach clinics receive public exposure during the events, with prominently displayed banners making the connection with this valuable community service. Details of the chiropractic clinics are well advertised and promoted on social media and local press, radio, and other media.
How can my organisation be involved?
Contact us to find out more or partner with our outreach clinics.
Lyndon Woods
Senior Supervising Clinician and Placement Manager
chiroclinic@murdoch.edu.au
