Latrobe Health Assembly
Dr Nicole Coombs
Board Member
What is your connection to the Latrobe Valley? Do you live, work or play here?
I have worked in the Latrobe Valley since 2015 when I joined Federation University as a nursing academic. Although originally an emergency nurse, my interest in health promotion and illness prevention evolved when I started teaching our nursing students about public health and primary healthcare. This is where I found my passion. So much so, that I achieved a national teaching award in relation to my work in teaching students about the determinants of health and helping them to create health prevention programs to address health concerns they discovered within their own communities. My ambition is to create a shift in perspective for our future nurses, where prevention drives nursing care, rather than the skills and treatment focus that most commence their studies with.
What inspires you to work with the Latrobe Health Assembly?
I love looking beyond the obvious. Understanding why something happens, or why people have the health outcomes they do? This has led me to work with the Latrobe Health Assembly on several community projects that consider the many factors that challenge the local population and influence poor health outcomes. I am encouraged to work within a group of people who truly understand the health of their community, who want to work with, and for, the people; and are passionate about advocacy and empowerment of individuals. I am inspired by being part of a group who actually practices exactly what I teach our future nurses.
What brings you joy outside of work hours?
Creativity is what I strive for. Whether in the garden, decorating houses, crocheting or doing craft, apart from being with my family and animals, Ive always got some creative project on the go.
Where is your favourite place to visit in the Latrobe Valley?
Although I don’t live in the Latrobe Valley, I do enjoy visiting. I love the grounds of the University where I work; a crisp cool morning with mist rising over the lake, the kangaroos out on the manicured lawns and echidnas scratching in the garden beds. It is really a great way to start your day. We often say to visitors who comment on the beautiful environment surrounding the University, ‘Yes, it’s hard, but someone has to do it!’
What gives you hope for the future of health and wellbeing in Latrobe Valley?
Seeing the impact of previous LHA programs on health for individuals; little changes like increased social interactions, improved access to prevention resources or screening, and the community trust that is building for this proactive group who are working hard, for the people. We cant always change the determinants of health of a community, but we can certainly learn to live well within them.
The Latrobe Health Assembly respectfully acknowledges Aboriginal people as the Original Custodians of the land we walk on today — the land of the Braiakaulung people of the Gunaikurnai nation and passes on respect to their Elders past and present, future and emerging.
The Latrobe Health Assembly celebrates, values and includes people of all backgrounds, genders, sexualities, cultures, bodies and abilities.
All gifts of $2 or more are tax deductible and go directly to our programs. The Latrobe Health Assembly is a registered charitable organisation recognised by the ACNC and the ATO. ABN 54 996 117 267.
