Scholarship opens research into how NSW renewable zones are reshaping regional communities
A new University of Newcastle scholarship backed by Marathon Health and the Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy program will examine how population growth linked to the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone may affect regional health systems, community wellbeing and service delivery across parts of NSW.
The next phase of NSW’s renewable energy transition is creating demand for more than workers, transmission and generation projects, with a new scholarship turning attention to what large-scale development could mean for regional health systems.
The University of Newcastle, Marathon Health and Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE) are offering a Higher Degree by Research scholarship to investigate how the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) may affect the health and wellbeing of regional communities.
The Central-West Orana REZ is a 20,000 square kilometre area centred around Dubbo and Dunedoo where large-scale solar, wind and energy storage developments are planned over the coming decade.
As construction activity expands, the region is expected to attract thousands of workers, including professional and technical staff relocating to the area as well as temporary workers. The changing population profile is expected to create both opportunities and pressures for local health services.
Research linked to regional service delivery
The scholarship is supported through a partnership between Marathon Health and the Institute for Regional Futures at the University of Newcastle, with the research intended to help inform planning and delivery of health and wellbeing services in REZ communities.
According to the University, the successful candidate will work closely with both organisations to better understand the health and wellbeing needs of workers, their families and existing residents living in the REZ.
With a broad range of factors influencing the impact of the REZ on the local health systems, PhD projects may be approached from a range of relevant perspectives. This may include epidemiological, health economics, health policy, anthropology/sociology, commercial or social determinants of health research.
The University said findings from the research are expected to contribute knowledge that informs health policy, planning and service delivery in regional communities experiencing rapid energy sector growth.
Scholarship combines research and industry experience
The scholarship is open to domestic students pursuing either a PhD or Master of Philosophy.
Funding includes a 2026 stipend of $38,938 per year, indexed annually, plus a $10,000 annual top-up. Students may also receive up to $1,500 in relocation support and access to as much as $10,000 through TRaCE for professional development.
For PhD candidates, living allowance and tuition support will be available for three and a half years, while MPhil candidates will receive support for one and three-quarter years.
The successful applicant may also have the opportunity to undertake up to 16 hours of part-time work with Marathon Health during business hours while completing their research.
For regional NSW communities already experiencing the effects of renewable energy investment, the research may help answer a question increasingly relevant to local residents and service providers alike: whether health systems are keeping pace with the scale of change.
