A Huge Success: Conference Workshop Empowers PhD Scholars

On Monday, 16 June 2025, on Kaurna Country at the Adelaide Convention Centre, we proudly hosted the Maximise Your Conference Experience: Impact and Engagement Strategies for Indigenous PhD Scholars workshop — a prelude to the Lowitja Institute’s 4th International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference.

This student-facing event offered a unique opportunity for Indigenous PhD researchers to connect, learn, and prepare for a successful conference experience, and featured inspiring keynote speakers Associate Professors Hinekura Smith and Karla Canuto.

Associate Professor Hinekura Smith

Associate Professor Karla Canuto

Dr Andrea Clarke, Dr Josh Cubillo, Professor Tina Brodie and Stephen Harfield delivered with a dynamic panel of early-career Indigenous academics, the workshop provided rich insights into navigating the doctoral journey, advancing research careers, and embracing Indigenous scholarship within the academy and beyond.

Panel members L-R: Dr Andrea Clarke, Professor Tina Brodie, Dr Josh Cubillo and Stephen Harfield

Purpose and impact

Participants engaged deeply in peer-led conversations, shared their own research through brief presentations, and built networks that will support them throughout their academic and professional journeys.

The workshop emphasised the importance of clarity, confidence, and community, empowering scholars to step into the conference space with purpose and impact. Their enthusiasm, engagement, and commitment set a powerful tone, energising all involved and laying a strong foundation for the massive conference ahead.

Participants taking notes during the session

We feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside such deadly scholars — bright, passionate, and driven — whose presence and contributions inspire us daily on this journey of Indigenous research leadership. Their energy and commitment fuel our shared vision to build local, national, and international networks that support Indigenous health research and advance Indigenous voices in the academy.

Participants listening to a keynote

Participant feedback

“I loved being reminded that the most important part about the PhD is the ‘why’ and an how it relates to who you are.”

“Remember why I’m doing this…that it’s about community and giving back. Contributing to a brighter future for mob.”

Thank you

Thank you to all participants, speakers, and organisers who made this event possible. We look forward to seeing these emerging leaders continue to thrive and make a meaningful impact.

The panel members standing with Tahlia Eastman and Professor Shawana Andrews

This workshop was facilitated by the Melbourne Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, funded by the Maali and OWL Hubs of the OCHRe network, with support from the Lowitja Institute.

For more information or to connect with the Melbourne Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, please contact Tahlia Eastman, Graduate Research Program Coordinator, at tahlia.eastman@unimelb.edu.au.

Wulika,

Tahlia, Shawana, and the Poche team.