Championing health, movement and regional connection

As Associate Head of School for Health and Medical Sciences (Outreach and Engagement), Dr Edward (Teddie) Bliss is passionate about bridging the gap between education and community.

Through his leadership, he is empowering UniSQ staff and students to step forward, contribute meaningfully, and be recognised for the impact they make.

In 2025, UniSQ proudly joined the Regional Sporting Roadshow – travelling through Goondiwindi, St George, and Roma – using sport as a vehicle for wellbeing, connection, and opportunity.

The event brought together staff, students, and community members in a shared mission to promote health, inspire futures, and strengthen regional ties.

We sat down with Teddie to learn more about his role at UniSQ and how the Roadshow brought the University’s mission to life in Western Queensland.

Can you tell us about your role at UniSQ?

My role focuses on outreach and engagement across our School of Health and Medical Sciences. It’s about connecting our collective expertise with the communities we serve, particularly in regional and rural Queensland. That could mean partnerships, community events, school outreach, or helping bring programs like the Regional Sporting Roadshow to life. What excites me most is seeing our staff and students step into these spaces – sharing their knowledge, building relationships, and making education and research accessible, relevant, and impactful.

How did UniSQ become involved in the 2025 Regional Sporting Roadshow?

We were invited to join a bold and inspiring initiative – a three-day travelling roadshow designed to engage young people and communities through sport, education, and connection. For us, it was an easy yes. The vision aligned perfectly with our values: empowering regional Queensland, promoting health and wellbeing, and showing young people the many futures they can have, even in places where opportunities sometimes feel out of reach.

Who represented UniSQ on the ground?

We were fortunate to send a fantastic team. Staff members Dr Brianna Larsen and Sally Smart, alongside students Kirsten Murry and David Connor, led our presence at each event. I honestly couldn’t be prouder of how they showed up. Their energy, professionalism, and the way they genuinely connected with every person they met – it was exceptional. They truly embodied what it means to be part of UniSQ.

What did UniSQ contribute to the Roadshow?

Our contribution was shaped by the people who showed up and gave their best. First and foremost, we helped promote health through movement, reinforcing the message that physical activity supports not just physical health, but also mental wellbeing, resilience, and confidence.

We also focused on career pathways – showing young people that sport doesn’t just mean being an athlete. There are careers in physiotherapy, coaching, media, allied health, sport science, and more. It was about sparking ideas and helping students imagine futures they may not have considered.

And lastly, we were there to listen and connect with teachers, local clubs, volunteers, and community members. In places like Goondiwindi, St George and Roma, that kind of visibility and support really matters.

Why is this kind of outreach so important?

Because sport is more than competition, it’s a gateway to health, to social connection, and to opportunity. That’s especially true in rural areas, where young people might not have easy access to services, mentors, or career information. What makes outreach like the Roadshow so powerful is the people behind it. When our staff and students engage directly with communities, they bring knowledge, empathy, and inspiration. It’s about building trust, sparking ideas, and showing young people that their futures are worth investing in. If we can support that journey, even in a small way, then we’re doing something meaningful.

What impact do you think the Roadshow had?

The theme was “Beyond the Game,” and that’s exactly what it achieved. It turned local sporting fields into vibrant spaces for learning, discovery, and inspiration. Whether it was a student realising they could study sport science, a teacher finding new ways to engage kids in health education, or a parent learning about wellbeing resources – the ripple effects were real. And they were made possible by the people who showed up, listened, and gave their time generously. That’s the kind of impact that lasts.

Learn more about Medical Sciences at UniSQ.