From London to Mildura: Darren Riggon’s Mission to Deliver Purposeful Mental Health Care in Rural Victoria

In the latest episode of the Talking Country Health podcast, we speak with Darren Riggon, a senior psychiatric nurse at Mildura Base Public Hospital. With a rich career spanning London, Melbourne, Alice Springs, and now regional Victoria, Darren shares how his professional journey has been driven by purpose, curiosity, and a deep commitment to improving mental health care. Originally trained in the UK, Darren brings decades of experience in acute psychiatry, community mental health, education, and leadership roles. After working across major city hospitals and even the prison system, it was the pull of meaningful, community-connected work that led him to rural Victoria. “If you want a quieter lifestyle, purposeful work, and the chance to be creative, rural health is the place for you,” he says. “Just do it. Don’t overthink it.” Darren says Listen to the full episode now to hear Darren’s inspiring journey and insights.