Rural Kidney

Rural Kidney Association is a registered Australian charity focused on improving access to dialysis for people living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in regional and rural communities. The organisation began when founder Nicki, drawing on her own experience with dialysis, sought to make home dialysis equipment more accessible. What started with donations of supplies to a local hospital has since expanded across New South Wales. Its work includes home dialysis support and practical assistance intended to help address gaps in kidney care outside metropolitan areas.

The association also shares the experiences of people affected by CKD. Its short film, Patients Included, follows five patients from Armidale, New South Wales, through their diagnosis, hopes and concerns, and highlights their wish to contribute to research that may help others. The film was made in collaboration with Nicki Scholes-Robertson and the Centre for Kidney Research. Through its services, community support and storytelling, Rural Kidney Association works to make kidney care more accessible and to ensure regional patients’ experiences are heard.