The inaugural MDHS Indigenous Staff Conference Blak, Loud and Proud – Celebrating our success

A powerhouse of Blak health research excellence

Featuring presentations from MDHS Indigenous staff, project leaders, PhD scholars, and postdoctoral researchers, the conference was two days of enriching, nurturing connection, centred the strengths of our cultures.

Professor Sandra Eades AO Deputy Dean, Indigenous Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences delivering the opening address

Ngangkari healers Norma Baker, Jennifer Mitchell, Rene Kulitja and Pantjiti Lewis delivered the opening keynote, generously telling how they care for the mind, spirit and body of the people they heal. Using cutting edge technology and alongside mainstream institutions, the traditional healers shared their mission to work for future generations, the ones they can see now and the ones they’ll never meet, imparting the deep purpose of their work.

Presentations showcased research from the Peeneeyt Thanampool (Strong Women) Aunty Joan Vickery and Aunty Angela Clarke MDHS Indigenous Post-doctoral Fellows, Dr Emily Munro-Harrison and Dr Rachel Joyce, and from PhD scholars Abby-Rose Cox, Debbie Haynes with Jane Davenport and Shani Crumpen with Post-doctoral Fellow Dr Tui Crumpen. The breadth of topics, from cultural therapies with Country and/or animals as therapists to cervical screening and lung cancer prevention, demonstrates the depth of research being undertaken.

Across the Faculty, health centres including First Nations Health Portfolio (Department of Medical Education, Indigenous Eye Health Unit and The Melbourne Poche Centre for Indigenous Health presented programs of work and research. Aunty Lorraine Parsons delivered a moving reflection on her Social Work career and Aboriginal Identity, Yolanda Finette gave tips on radical self care and we welcomed Professor Sean Taylor, Director of Onemda: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing centre and Professor of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health to the Faculty.

Associate Professor Shawana Andrews introducing Aunty Lorraine Parsons for the afternoon keynote

'It was exciting to hear about the breadth and depth of work that is occurring within the faculty... I learned about work that is challenging status quo practices, embedding Indigenous methodologies, and reframing the protocols around community engagement,’ Senior Research Fellow at the Melbourne Poche Centre, Odette Mazel said.

With themes of resistance, autonomy, storytelling, place, Country and Culture wove across the presentations, and through the research and programs, the Poche team is already looking forward to the next one.

Split photo, left side, Dr Emily Munro-Harrison and Odette Mazel presenting research, right side: Professor Sandra Eades AO, Aunty Lorraine Parsons and Associate Professor Shawana Andrews standing together in front of gardens

The Melbourne Poche Centre team, Jenn Johnston, Dr Emily Munro-Harrison, Hannah Fagan, Warwick Padgham, Associate Professor Shawana Andrews and Odette Mazel