Dr. Rochelle Hine, a senior researcher and lecturer at Monash Rural Health, has been recognized for her exceptional work in consumer and community involvement in research. She was awarded an inaugural accolade by Monash Partners, presented by Professor Steve Wesselingh, CEO of the National Health and Medical Research Council, during a ceremony on November 14.
This award highlights Dr. Hine’s dedication to collaborative and community-led research, particularly in the field of mental health. Her innovative and socially just approaches have consistently involved the voices and experiences of marginalized populations, driving impactful and meaningful outcomes.
A Career Rooted in Advocacy and Social Justice
Dr. Hine’s journey into research followed two decades as a social work clinician and manager, with experience in mental health, women’s health promotion, and public health. Since joining Monash Rural Health in 2020, she has led five research projects, including two with international reach. She also serves as deputy chair of the Parental and Family Mental Health Worldwide Collaborative, convening biannually in Prato, Italy.
Transformative Projects for Vulnerable Communities
StigmaBeat: Tackling Mental Illness Stigma
One of Dr. Hine’s hallmark projects, StigmaBeat, exemplifies her collaborative ethos. Developed in partnership with the Satellite Foundation, international researchers, and young people from rural Gippsland, the project addresses the stigma surrounding mental illness in families with parental mental health challenges.
The initiative brought together 18 rural young people with lived experience to co-design short films that confront stigma and foster inclusivity. The process was trauma-informed, ensuring participants’ safety while amplifying their voices.
Dr. Hine reflected on the project, stating, “We were guided from the outset by young people, incorporating their suggestions on how to maximize safety and inclusivity to promote engagement and participation.”
StigmaBeat has already resulted in two publications, with two more forthcoming, and was co-presented at a national mental health conference by the young participants themselves.
Global Collaborative Work on Intersectional Stigma
Dr. Hine also contributes to international efforts to explore stigma in families affected by parental mental illness through her work with the Parental and Family Mental Health Worldwide Collaborative. She leads a subgroup focused on identifying the pervasive social mechanisms driving stigma, revealing its impact on parenting, bullying, and social isolation experienced by children and young people in these families.
Culturally Responsive Mental Health Care for African Women
Another of Dr. Hine’s projects examines mental health care tailored to the needs of African women living in Australia. Partnering with a Melbourne-based African community organization, this initiative evaluates mental health promotion and early intervention programs to inform broader public health strategies.
Driving Community-Led Change
Dr. Hine’s commitment to participatory research methodologies ensures that her work remains relevant and impactful. “My passion drives me to continue to engage in co-design research that creates meaningful and sustainable change,” she said.
Professor Shane Bullock, Head of School at Monash Rural Health, commended Dr. Hine’s accomplishments:
“Rochelle’s research work continues to demonstrate her strong commitment to social justice and accountability, and recognizes the importance of how lived experience informs her research design and findings.”
Future Directions
Looking ahead, Dr. Hine is eager to maintain her leadership in research that prioritizes the needs and voices of marginalized groups. Her innovative methodologies, coupled with her extensive clinical and community mental health experience, aim to foster holistic health outcomes for vulnerable families.
This award underscores the transformative power of community-driven research and Dr. Hine’s role in advancing it.
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