Peter Simmons

Peter Simmons is an Associate Professor in Medicine at Charles Sturt University, affiliated with the School of Rural Medicine. He also holds an appointment as Associate Professor of Research at Western Sydney University, Bathurst Rural Clinical School. His work bridges academic research, public policy, and community engagement, with a focus on rural health, social prescribing, and strategic communication.

• Charles Sturt University – Associate Professor in Medicine, School of Rural Medicine
• Western Sydney University – Associate Professor of Research, Bathurst Rural Clinical School

His research interests center on rural and remote health, mental wellbeing, community-based health initiatives, and the use of social media in shaping public policy. He explores how communication strategies can enhance health outcomes and support policy decisions in diverse contexts including sport, local government, and environmental management.

His recent publications, extending into 2025, demonstrate a strong trend in qualitative and mixed-methods research focused on social prescribing, mental health in rural small business owners, and active transport as a social and health intervention. He frequently employs community sentiment analysis, social media studies, and policy evaluation to inform public decision-making.

• Joao Havelange Research Scholarship from FIFA (2008)
• Charles Sturt University Research Fellow (2019–2021)

Peter Simmons has supervised over 30 postgraduate students, including doctoral and master’s candidates, and has led more than 20 funded research projects. His work has influenced public policy, particularly in shark management and rural mental health. He is actively involved in community-based research and public engagement, often presenting findings to government and non-government stakeholders. He leads research teams and collaborates across institutions to align academic inquiry with community needs.

He is a key member of the Environmental and Social Justice Research Group and affiliated with the Rural Health Research Institute and Gulbali Research Institute, contributing to interdisciplinary and impactful research.