In the middle of the roar of engines at the Repco Bathurst 1000 and the bustling crowds of the Royal Bathurst Show, a different kind of essential service is taking place. While thousands gather for these iconic regional events, a team of student volunteers from Western Sydney University is running a “health pit stop” that might just save a life (See Figure 1) . More than a university initiative, this model demonstrates how innovative, low-cost approaches can strengthen the economics of rural healthcare.
For many living in rural and remote Australia, accessing a doctor is not always simple. Although nearly one-third of Australians live outside major cities, they face a disproportionate burden of cardiovascular disease and related risk factors. Our data highlight a critical access gap: one in three people we screened (33.3%) did not have a regular General Practitioner (GP). These are the individuals most at risk of delayed diagnosis and preventable complications — and, ultimately, higher long-term health system costs.
Between 2018 and 2025, we established free screening stalls at major regional events. The Royal Bathurst Show and the Repco Bathurst 1000 together accounted for over one-third of participants in recent years, with additional engagement at the Bathurst 12 Hour and Mudgee Small Farm Field Days (Figure 2). More than 1,400 people have been screened, with 70% travelling from outside Bathurst. These gatherings provide a natural and efficient touchpoint to reach rural populations who may not otherwise engage with preventive services.
The findings were sobering. Nearly 80% of participants had a waist circumference associated with increased health risk, 54.5% were classified as overweight, and the average blood pressure (133/85.7 mmHg) leaned toward the higher end of normal. Average random blood glucose was 6.38 mmol/L. While many met physical activity guidelines, hidden cardiovascular risk was common — underscoring the importance of early detection in reducing downstream hospital admissions and chronic disease costs.
What makes this initiative particularly compelling is its economic logic. In small communities, sustaining permanent preventive clinics can be challenging due to workforce shortages, infrastructure expenses, and variable patient volumes. By embedding screening services within existing regional events, we leverage infrastructure that is already funded and operational. There are no new buildings, minimal overheads, and limited set-up costs. This approach shows how preventive care can be delivered in a financially viable way without duplicating services or placing additional strain on limited rural health budgets.
The model also reflects the economic value of cross-sector collaboration. Through partnerships with event organisers, local stakeholders, and health networks, we integrate education, service delivery, and community engagement. Students gain practical rural experience, communities receive immediate feedback and referral pathways, and local providers benefit from strengthened connections back into formal care. Rather than relying solely on traditional primary care funding streams, this blended approach builds a more resilient rural health ecosystem.
Early detection is not only good medicine — it is sound economic policy. Identifying elevated blood pressure, obesity, and abnormal glucose before complications arise reduces long-term expenditure and protects workforce productivity in regional communities. In areas where one in three people do not have a regular GP, flexible outreach models like this offer a scalable and economically sustainable complement to traditional services.
As one student volunteer reflected, “This is exciting, and I feel satisfied that I get to give back to the community.” By partnering with the events that define regional Australia, we are demonstrating that rural health equity can be achieved through smart design — where prevention, education, and economic sustainability work together to make healthcare viable beyond the city limits.
Imagine living somewhere where your life expectancy is more than 10 years shorter, your burden of disease is 1.4 times Read more
This is beautiful. I enjoyed reading this.
I know the amount of time,sacrifice and determination it’ll take to be able to complete this screening from 2018. Wow, that’s incredible.
Now the govt will have something to work with; policy formulation to reach these underserved communities and citizens.
Great work Prof Levi and the team.