Gareth Vanderhope

Biography

Gareth Vanderhope is an experienced academic, health educator, and internationally acclaimed film sound designer whose career bridges story, science, film, and sound. At Southern Cross University’s National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine (NCNM), Gareth holds a leading academic role as Teaching Scholar, specialising in nutritional medicine and integrative health practice. He has been instrumental in writing and developing multiple units across the Master of Naturopathic Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine, and Integrative Medicine programs.

He has also played a key role in establishing the SCU Health Clinics’ supervised naturopathic clinical training program and teaching dispensary, designing and embedding systems and processes that underpin high-quality student learning. His leadership spans the development of two naturopathic teaching dispensaries (Gold Coast and Lismore) and the design and delivery of OSCE examinations for the new capstone clinical unit. He also contributes resources, training, and oversight to support external placements and outreach initiatives.

Alongside his academic leadership, Gareth brings creative expertise in media and health communication. He produces and directs video projects that support research translation, public engagement, and advocacy, and is increasingly focused on documentary and creative storytelling as tools for health education, knowledge mobilisation, and cultural impact. His earlier career as a two-time British Academy Award winner includes contributions to iconic films such as Shine, Babe, Dark City, Romeo and Juliet, Moulin Rouge, The Quiet American, and Lorenzo’s Oil – projects celebrated for their immersive soundscapes and emotional impact.

As an author, Gareth describes his novel writing as “movie-making in the mind”, bringing a cinematic sense of energy and imagery to the page. His debut junior fiction novel, The Hills Kids, draws on his love of sound, story, health, and Australian culture, blending environmental and culinary themes with playful humour and vivid storytelling.

Gareth is a full member of the Dietitians Association of Australia.

Gareth is a member of SCU's Research Clusters:

• Harvest to Health