La Trobe University Albury-Wodonga

02/06/2026

🌱 What happens when decades of farming knowledge are combined with the processing power of AI?

Agriculture is one of Australia’s biggest users of fresh water, and inefficient irrigation can lead to significant waste.

Distinguished Professor Wei Xiang's bight idea, developed with ag-tech company Aglantis, is an AI-powered smart irrigation platform that replaces one-size-fits-all watering routines with precise, data-driven decisions tailored to each crop — and it's just won a 2026 Financial Review AI Award for Sustainability!

Since 2024, the platform has been rolled out across North Queensland. A network of solar-powered field devices monitor soil moisture, temperature, humidity, valve positions and flow rates, feeding data into a crop simulation engine. It gives farmers receive clear, practical advice on when and how much to irrigate, helping them respond quickly to changing conditions and avoid overwatering 🌤️

Early results show:

🚰 water savings of around 20%
⚡ electricity costs reduced by 50%
🌾 30-45% in labour savings
⛽ Hundreds of litres of diesel saved annually

“AI has the potential to fundamentally reshape Australian farming,” says Prof Xiang, our Cisco Research Chair of AI and IoT. "By integrating sensors, AI and real-time environmental monitoring, we can support more resilient farming systems for Australia, and worldwide".

01/06/2026

Science, trivia, great conversations and curious minds... that's what Pint of Science is all about 🍻🔬

More than 200 community members joined us across Bendigo and Albury-Wodonga as La Trobe researchers swapped the lab for local venues to share their insights into health, environmental science, education, dentistry, biomedical research and more.

We had the best time coming together to hear passionate researchers share the work they love, spark new ideas and connect with our communities in a fun and accessible way.

“These events highlight the strength of our research ... and demonstrate the important role we play in connecting knowledge with community, sparking conversations that ultimately contribute to healthier regional communities.” – Professor Jane Mills, Dean of the La Trobe Rural Health School.

A big thank you to our presenters, organisers, volunteers and everyone who came along 🤩

26/05/2026

Nearly 70 outstanding students were recognised at the 2026 Albury-Wodonga Student Prizes Reception, celebrating academic achievement, community impact and the generosity of local donors who help students thrive👏

Among the evening’s highlights were Bachelor of Nursing students Jarrod Julian, Caitlin O’Connor and Hannah Langsford, who each received four awards for their exceptional achievements and commitment to healthcare.

The event also honoured the enduring legacy of the Lisa Malone Scholarship, recognising students dedicated to humanitarian work and community service. This year’s recipient, Bachelor of Social Work student Katie Kendall, was acknowledged for her advocacy for youth mental health services across the region.

Congratulations to all award recipients and thank you to the donors, families and supporters who make these opportunities possible.

25/05/2026

How cool is this? 🐢

A team of La Trobe students researching freshwater turtle populations in the Murray–Darling Basin have discovered more than 500 turtles thriving at Imperial Lakes Nature Park in Broken Hill.

Their findings are helping shed light on the health of these important freshwater ecosystems and the species that call them home.

Hundreds of turtles are thriving near an outback NSW town, only months after the lake where they live was on the verge of drying up.

17/05/2026

Could consistent warm-ups, agility and strength training prior to play be the missing piece in reducing injuries in women’s football? 🏉🏃🏻‍♀️

A proactive injury prevention program developed by former AFLW player Brooke Patterson is helping make footy safer.

The study (published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine (BJSM)) found that players who followed the Prep-to-Play program consistently could reduce their risk of injury, especially ACL ruptures and serious knee injuries.

Delivered by accredited physiotherapists, the program equips coaches, parents and players with practical, hands-on, helping keep athletes on the field for longer.

With Australia’s ACL injury rate on the rise—particularly among adolescent girls—access to such an effective program couldn't be more timely.

14/05/2026

Not long now🍻🔬

Pint of Science is almost here — bringing fascinating research out of the lab and into your local pub for two huge nights of science, stories, and conversation.

🌍 Tuesday 19 May — Planet Earth at Church St Hotel
Freshwater turtles 🐢, mercury pollution ☣️, microbes, ecosystems, and the health of our waterways — featuring local La Trobe University researchers tackling big environmental challenges right here in our region.

🧠 Wednesday 20 May — My Body at The Thirsty Devil Brewery
From stunning microscopic worlds 🔬 to mental health and eating disorder treatment, discover the hidden science shaping our bodies and wellbeing.

Expect engaging talks, fascinating discoveries, and a relaxed pub atmosphere where science is for everyone.

Book tickets: https://brnw.ch/21x2tfU

06/05/2026

Yesterday, our community came together on Campus for the National Walk for Truth — an important afternoon of listening, learning and connection.

Starting at Valentina Gillard Park, walkers made their way onto campus where they were welcomed with a Welcome to Country and cleansing ceremony, cultural performances, and truth-telling from Traditional Owners. Throughout the evening, students, staff and community members gathered to yarn, share food and reflect together.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped create such a meaningful event.

Learn more about the Walk for Truth: https://brnw.ch/21x2e2c

30/04/2026

With a background in farming, Sarah Crosthwaite has built a career shaped by lived experience and a deep commitment to rural mental health.

Growing up on a sheep farm in the Riverina and now living and working on a dairy farm, her connection to life on the land continues to guide her work supporting farming communities across Australia and New Zealand. After completing a Nuffield Scholarship (2023), researching global approaches to farmer mental health, she further strengthened her focus on improving access to care in rural areas.

“My career has focused on supporting rural communities… This work sparked a deeper interest in the mental health and wellbeing of farming communities, which led me to apply for a Nuffield Scholarship. Through that research I explored ways to better support farmers and rural families. The knowledge and insights gained through this experience, along with my earlier work, ultimately led me to establish my own private practice.

My story is also shaped by my lived experience in farming. Having grown up on a sheep farm and now living on a dairy farm, I understand the unique pressures faced by farming communities.”

That understanding drives her commitment to accessible, early support.

“For me, counselling is often about creating a space for people to talk things through before things reach that point… Rather than being a last resort, counselling can be a proactive way of looking after your mental health.”

Sarah’s foundations were shaped during her time studying a Master of Social Work at La Trobe’s Rural Health School in Wodonga.

“Being based in Wodonga made choosing La Trobe an easy decision for me… It meant I could pursue my studies while still staying connected to my community and the rural lifestyle that is such a big part of who I am.

I went into my studies with a clear sense of the direction I wanted my career to take, but what La Trobe Rural Health School gave me was the confidence to keep moving toward that goal… the encouragement from both staff and fellow students helped deepen my passion for working with communities and reinforced my belief that the work I wanted to do truly mattered.

I felt very supported during my time at La Trobe… Because of the smaller class sizes, we quickly became a close-knit group and it really did feel like a ‘family.’ That sense of connection didn’t end after graduating either.”

Today, Sarah works from home, supporting clients with the flexibility to fit around life on the land.

“A typical day usually involves seeing around four to five clients… I often start quite early, meeting with people before they head out onto the farm.
The biggest learning curve has been learning to balance the clinical side of the work with running a business… it has been a challenging but rewarding process.

A key lesson that has stayed with me is the value of truly listening… that skill has become central to my work as a counsellor.”

When it comes to advice for students, Sarah encourages them to back themselves and stay connected: “Ask questions, connect with others and don’t be afraid to reach out… I would love to see more people entering the rural mental health space.”

29/04/2026

Join us on Tuesday, 5 May on Campus for the National Walk for Truth.

Part of a national journey led by Travis Lovett, this event invites our community to come together for truth-telling, healing and meaningful change.

The walk will begin at Valentina Gillard Park at 3:15pm, arriving on campus at 4:15pm. From 4:30pm, join a community gathering on Country featuring a Welcome and cleansing ceremony, cultural dance, a short film screening, and truth-telling from Traditional Owners.

Register here: https://brnw.ch/21x21xG

More information about the Walk for Truth:https://brnw.ch/21x21xF

21/04/2026

"Find the people that make you stronger, and seek challenges."

Since graduating in 2025, Jessica has been busy building her career as a Registered Nurse in Wangaratta, embracing every opportunity that comes her way.

“I graduated from La Trobe in 2025. I got through with an amazing group of fresh RNs and started creating a network of my own.
I started at Northeast Health in the GEM/rehab ward where the support and encouragement of staff has been incredible. I feel safe to ask questions and am feeling more and more capable with every shift.
Working studying rurally is an amazing skill booster in being a generalist nurse.”

Jessica’s journey into nursing is deeply connected to her regional roots.

“I’ve grown up in rural towns and have raised a family in Wodonga, so it’s just a part of who I am. I don’t have any intention to work Metro when there’s just no knowing where rural nursing skills can take you if you keep an open mind.”

Her passion for emergency care continues to grow, with aspirations to work in ED and beyond.

“I’m usually one to make opportunities wherever I go, but I am keen on working up to ED. I love the idea of a structured protocol and assessment, and how investigative it is. But it’s also a part of someone’s life that has gone extremely wrong and you are one of the first to start that recovery journey. It’s special.”

Jessica credits her time at La Trobe for shaping her critical thinking and confidence.

“The lecturers at La Trobe have simply been great. The teachers are inspiring and passionate about what they teach. I’ve had numerous ‘a ha!’ moments where things have clicked. Through the subjects and assessments, I’ve learnt what critical thinking looks like for an RN, as well as personal growth.”

One mentor in particular left a lasting impact.
“I want to mention one CNE who had such a deep love of being an educator. There was a point where I started to doubt my abilities to be a nurse at all, let alone and RN. Her feedback for this placement I was on hit a deep nerve and completely flipped my expectations of what a nurse is. She gave me the confidence to stand against the culture of nursing and not change myself because I feel I’m lacking, but see my strengths instead. She made it so personal like she’s known me for years, which makes it memorable.”

Looking ahead, Jessica has ambitious goals that extend beyond traditional pathways.

“I am currently on the pathway to becoming a nursing officer in the Air Force, which has been a journey in itself. I would love to gain skills in rural emergency response (with a keen interest in triage), and all-around primary healthcare. After a few years of finding my feet as a nursing officer, I have my sights set on doing a post-graduate certificate in emergency management and/or rural health.”

For future students considering nursing in a regional area, Jessica offers this advice:

“Find the people that make you stronger, and seek challenges. Get out of your comfort zone because the more you do, the easier it is to cope the next time you are. Nursing in rural areas challenges you as a person, and instead of asking ‘What can a small town give to me?’, consider asking ‘What can I give to them?’. Be curious. Be open-minded. These key skills can be the difference between thriving and resilient rural towns, or towns only managing to survive.”