Community engagement

Community engagement is an important part of the rural placement experience at the University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health. Through our Professional Experiences in Rural Communities (PERCs), students have opportunities to step beyond their clinical placements and connect with local organisations, communities and initiatives across our regional and rural footprint.

PERCs are designed to provide meaningful, real-world experiences that complement your professional training. You’ll have the opportunity to use your skills, learn from local communities and contribute to activities that respond to local needs.

At our teddy bear hospital, children would bring their teddies and we’d stitch them up and give them x-ray referrals. It's all about helping kids feel comfortable around health professionals.”

Paris, Nursing

Professional Experiences in Rural Communities (PERCs)

PERCs connect health professional students with community organisations to participate in activities that support health, wellbeing and professional development.

Depending on the opportunity, you might contribute to health promotion and education, support local community programs, work with underserved communities, or take part in initiatives that encourage young people to consider a career in health.

PERCs can help you:

  • Build professional skills through real-world experiences that complement your clinical training.
  • Develop profession-specific skills and a deeper understanding of your scope of practice.
  • Strengthen communication and teamwork skills by working alongside community organisations and other professionals.
  • Develop cultural humility and a greater understanding of the diverse communities you may work with throughout your career.
  • Explore rural health in context and develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to become ‘rural-ready’.
  • Build local connections with community organisations, health professionals and the people who call rural and regional communities home.

Benefits of PERCs

Creating benefits for local communities

PERCs are designed to create value for both students and the communities they engage with. Activities are developed in partnership with local organisations and respond to identified community needs.

Depending on the opportunity, PERCs may contribute to:

  • Improving health literacy and promoting healthy behaviours.
  • Supporting health and wellbeing initiatives in underserved communities.
  • Addressing social determinants of health and health inequities.
  • Supporting local community programs and organisations.
  • Raising awareness of health careers and aspirations among young people.
  • Strengthening connections between students, health professionals and rural communities.

This approach means your experience isn’t just about what you can learn — it’s also about how you can contribute.

Learn beyond the classroom

PERCs provide a different perspective on rural healthcare by helping you understand the communities, environments and circumstances that influence people’s health.

You may discover that some of the most valuable learning happens outside a clinical setting. Working alongside community organisations can give you a broader understanding of the factors that shape health and wellbeing, while helping you develop the confidence to work collaboratively with diverse communities.

These experiences can also help you build relationships and networks within the communities where you’re studying and undertaking placement — connections that may inspire you to return and work in rural and regional areas after graduation.

Your PERC is a perk!

PERCs are supported by our academic and professional staff through established relationships with local community organisations. Opportunities are available to both year-long immersion students and students undertaking shorter placements.

Depending on the activity, you may participate in a PERC during or outside your placement hours. PERCs are not assessed as part of your academic performance, allowing you to focus on engaging with the experience, the community and the learning opportunity.

Your rural placement can be more than clinical experience. It can be an opportunity to become part of the community, develop your professional skills and make a meaningful contribution.