USQ higher degree student presents paper at National Conference

ICT Principal Manager Maggie Fryer worked closely with Kayleen Bromley

USQ higher degree student, Ms Kayleen Bromley, recently presented her research paper, Strengthening Farmers through the Camera’s Eye, at the National Men’s Health Conference held in Newcastle last month.

Now in its eighth year, the national conference aims to support the improvement of male health and wellbeing in Australia.

Ms Bromley said this years conference brought together exciting and innovative programs, research and policy discussions from around Australia.

'Following the success of previous conferences, it is now becoming evident that men’s health and wellbeing is an important factor in building stronger families and communities.

'One farmer commits suicide in Australia every four days, which is twice the national average,' Ms Bromley said.

'My research focuses on the mental health of the farming community, and at the moment I’m researching the possibility of offering on-line counselling to farmers in rural and remote Australia.'

Ms Bromley’s research findings indicate that farmers are reluctant to use on-line technology until they experience talking to someone live through the internet.

'My current research looks at whether farmers, in what was previously known as the Crows Nest Shire, will access live counselling services by qualified social workers using a web camera in the privacy of their own home.'

Ms Bromley was able to present her research because of the assistance from the University’s Go WEST Committee. Established in 2006, the committee provides support for female USQ students and professionals in the traditionally under represented discipline areas of Science, Engineering and Technology (SET)

'The conference presented an opportunity to show case my ideas to other professionals and male participants from throughout Australia and to network with them and get valuable feedback.

'Research finds that women working in SET areas often find themselves in a ‘chilly environment’, unsupportive of their role and contribution. Of the 500 people present at the five day conference, less than 20 of these were women working to improve the health of our countries men. Due to Go West’s support, I was privileged to be one of them.'

Ms Bromley was also invited to speak at the International Successes and Failures in Telehealth Conference held in Brisbane last month.

Contact Details:
Media Contact: Connie-Louise Rego, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2977 or 0400 025 429